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PilotSchool Knowledge Base

Factors Affecting Take-off and Landing Performance

This section provides an in-depth analysis of the various factors affecting take-off, landing, and take-off climb performance, specifically for pilots preparing for the CASA Private Pilot License (PPL) theory exam. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient flight operations.

1. Runway Surface Conditions

Slushy Runway

  • Effect: Increases take-off and landing distances due to increased rolling resistance and reduced friction.
  • Performance Impact: Impaired braking and directional control can lead to longer deceleration phases and potential hydroplaning during landing.

Dry Runway

  • Effect: Provides optimal friction for take-off and landing.
  • Performance Impact: Shortest take-off and landing distances, best control during both phases.

Wet Runway

  • Effect: Reduces friction and braking effectiveness.
  • Performance Impact: Increased take-off and landing distances due to decreased deceleration efficiency.

Source: FSF ALAR Briefing Note 8.5: Wet or Contaminated Runways - SKYbrary

2. Ground Effect and Windshear

Ground Effect

  • Take-off: Reduces drag, causing the aircraft to become airborne before reaching proper take-off speed.
  • Landing: Causes “floating,” leading to increased landing distance.

Windshear

  • Effect: Sudden changes in wind speed/direction can destabilize take-off and landing, affecting lift and drag.
  • Performance Impact: Potential for altitude loss and increased required runway length.

Sources: Ground Effect - Bob Tait’s Aviation Theory School, Windshear - Pilot Institute

3. Density Height (Non-Standard Conditions)

  • Effect: Higher density altitude (due to high temperature, altitude, humidity) results in reduced lift and engine performance.
  • Performance Impact: Longer take-off roll, reduced climb performance, and increased landing distances.

Sources: Density Altitude - FAA Safety.gov

4. QNH (Pressure Setting)

  • Effect: Missetting QNH affects altitude readings, influencing aircraft performance assumptions.
  • Performance Impact: Incorrect altimeter settings can lead to misjudged altitude, affecting climb gradients and safety margins.

Sources: Density Altitude - SKYbrary

5. Strength of Headwind/Tailwind Component

Headwind

  • Effect: Reduces take-off and landing distances.
  • Performance Impact: Enhanced lift and shorter run for take-off/climb due to lower ground speed.

Tailwind

  • Effect: Increases take-off and landing distances.
  • Performance Impact: Requires additional runway length for safe operations.

Sources: Takeoff & Landing Performance - Principal Air, Experimental Aircraft Info

6. Airfield Elevation

  • Effect: Higher elevation lowers air density, affecting lift and engine efficiency.
  • Performance Impact: Increased take-off and landing distances; reduced climb rates.

Sources: Take-off and landing performance - CAA and Avsec

7. Air Temperature

  • Effect: Higher temperatures reduce air density, increasing required runway lengths.
  • Performance Impact: Decreased lift and engine thrust necessitate longer take-off rolls and affect climb performance.

Sources: The impacts of rising temperatures on aircraft takeoff

8. Frost on an Aircraft

  • Effect: Roughens wing surfaces, increasing drag and reducing lift.
  • Performance Impact: Increased stall speed and required runway distances for take-off.

Sources: Frost Contributes To Cessna 172 Takeoff Accident - Boldmethod

9. Runway Slope

  • Upslope: Increases take-off distance and reduces landing rollout.
  • Downslope: Decreases take-off distance and increases landing rollout.

Sources: Pilot Guide to Takeoff Safety - FAA

In summary, these factors are critical in assessing and optimizing aircraft performance during take-off, landing, and climb phases. Pilots must carefully integrate these considerations into their pre-flight planning and in-flight adjustments to ensure safe and efficient operations.