Task F: Performance and Limitations

Task F: Performance and Limitations (ASEL and ASES)

References: FAA-H-8083-1, FAA-H-8083-25; AC 61-84; POH/AFM.

Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Private Pilot PTS What this means… What you need to do to prepare
1. Exhibits satisfactory knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of charts, tables, and data to determine performance and the adverse effects of exceeding limitations. You need to be intimately familiar with the performance tables and charts in Chapter 5 Performance of your aircraft’s AFM. You need to be comfortable calculating performance using all of these tables and charts, and to be able to explain to the examiner how different conditions will affect the airplane’s performance. See the recommendations below.
2. Computes weight and balance. Determines the computed weight and center of gravity are within the airplane’s operating limitations and if the weight and center of gravity will remain within limits during all phases of flight. The examiner will ask you to compute the takeoff and landing weight and CG for you assigned cross-country trip.

You will need to demonstrate that both the takeoff and landing condition are within the aircraft’s CG envelope.

Also, expect the examiner to ask:

  • What are the pros and cons of an aft, but within limits, CG?
  • What is the risk of a CG that is past the aft limit?
  • What is the risk of a CG that is forward of the fore limit?
  • What are the risks associated with an overweight aircraft?
 You will calculate weight and balance for each cross-country assigned for each mock checkride.
3. Demonstrates use of the appropriate manufacturer’s performance charts, tables, and data. The examiner will ask you to calculate takeoff and performance distances (typically over the mythical 50 foot obstacle) at a high-density airport (typically an airport where the DA is above 5500). Practice calculating takeoff and landing distances at local high-elevation airports. Obtain the current METAR at these airport to obtain the local barometric pressure (needed to calculate pressure altitude) and temperature (needed to convert to density altitude).

During each mock checkride, you will calculate takeoff and landing distances at all planned airports.
4. Describes the effects of atmospheric conditions on the airplane’s performance. You need to be able to answer these questions from memory:

  • What is the difference between indicated airspeed, calibrated airspeed, true airspeed and groundspeed?
  • What is the difference between indicated altitude, pressure alitude, density altitude, true altitude and absolute altitue?
  • How do you convert a local altimeter settings (i.e. 30.12 in) to pressure altitude?
  • What is density altitude?
  • How does high density altitude affect aircraft performance?
 Review Chapter 10 Aircraft Performance in the PHAK.

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