Flight performance
In the flight performance , a number of performance data are aircraft summarized. Unlike the physically defined performance, there is no unit or figure that can express a “total flight performance”. Flight performance is a branch of flight mechanics .
The following parameters are usually mentioned for flight performance:
- Glide ratio Ratio of horizontal flight distance to loss of altitude
- Top speed - in kilometers per hour (km / h) or nautical miles per hour (sm / h) or knots (kn)
- Climbing performance - achievable climbing speed in meters per second (m / s)
- Summit Height - in meters or feet (ft)
- Payload - in kg
- Range - in km or NM (return flights count only once)
The flight performance can be determined in different flight phases (take-off, climb, cruise, descent and landing) and under different conditions ( hot and high , icing). In the case of multi-engine aircraft, the flight performance is also calculated with a failed engine.
The parameters of the engine performance or aerodynamics are assumed to be constant. In the JAR-OPS , the legislature has defined various flight performance classes, which are broken down according to weight and passenger capacity.
Flight performance is still a training subject for pilots , flight engineers and flight planners, as well as a prescribed chapter in the flight manual of a vehicle. Certain flight services must be proven to the authorities when an aircraft is licensed.
Further parameters that are assigned to the area of flight performance:
- Take-off weight ( take -off weight)
- Maximum take-off mass (MTOW)
- Start-and runway
The following refer not to the aircraft , but to the airport :
- Landing Distance Available (LDA)
- Take-Off Distance Available (TODA)
- Off run available ( Take-Off Run Available - TORA), see boot drive
- Accelerate Stop Distance Available (ASDA)
- Runway condition: dry, damp or contaminated runway