The student will receive instruction on takeoff and landing performance, weight and balance, and aeronautical decision making.

At the completion of this lesson the student should have a full understanding of takeoff and landing performance and weight and balance. Additionally the student should have a basic understanding of aeronautical decision making.

Weight X Arm = Moment

AvGas 6lb/gal

Empty weight of an aircraft (unusable fuel, undrainable oil)

• Overloaded aircraft
  • The aircraft needs a higher takeoff speed, which results in a longer takeoff run.
  • Both the rate and angle of climb are reduced.
  • The service ceiling is lowered.
  • The cruising speed is reduced.
  • The cruising range is shortened.
  • Maneuverability is decreased.
  • A longer landing roll is required because the landing speed is higher.
  • Excessive loads are imposed on the structure, especially the landing gear.

Aft CG

• Higher cruise speed
• Less stability in pitch
• Difficult to recover from stall
• Shorter takeoff roll

Forward CG

• Longer takeoff roll
• Longer landing roll
• Slower cruise speed
• Difficult or impossible to land on main gear (insufficient elevator authority)

• Higher takeoff speed
• Longer takeoff run
• Reduced rate and angle of climb
• Lower maximum altitude
• Shorter range
• Reduced cruising speed
• Reduced maneuverability
• Higher stalling speed
• Higher approach and landing speed
• Longer landing roll
• Excessive weight on the nose wheel or tail wheel

Hazardous Attitudes