Practice test
Unit 11 · Performance and Weight & Balance · Lesson 2 of 3

Takeoff and landing performance charts

9 min readLesson 47 of 59

By the end of this lesson you'll be able to:
  • Use a takeoff distance chart
  • Account for wind, runway surface and weight
  • Add a safety margin to chart numbers

Every POH has performance charts for takeoff distance, climb, cruise and landing distance. On your checkride, you'll be asked to use them for the planned flight. They come in two styles: tables (look up and interpolate) and graphs (follow the lines across).

Reading a takeoff distance table

A typical table gives ground roll and total distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle for different pressure altitudes and temperatures at a given weight. Find your pressure altitude row and temperature column. If your numbers fall between two entries, interpolate (estimate proportionally), or use the next more conservative value.

Corrections

The notes under the chart matter. Typical ones (check your POH, since they vary):

  • Headwind: decrease distances by a percentage for every few knots of headwind.
  • Tailwind: increase distances significantly for every few knots. Even a small tailwind adds a lot.
  • Dry grass runway: increase distances, often by around 15% of the ground roll.
  • Weight: lighter weights shorten distances; some charts have separate tables for different weights.

Charts are best-case

The numbers come from a new airplane flown by a test pilot using the exact technique in the POH. Your airplane is older, your technique isn't perfect, and the runway might have a slope. Many pilots add 50% to chart distances as a personal margin. If the numbers are close, don't go, or reduce weight and wait for cooler air.

A takeoff rule of thumb: if you don't have about 70% of your takeoff speed by the halfway point of the runway, abort while you still can. Pick the abort point before you start the roll.

Key takeaways

  • Use the pressure altitude and temperature, then apply the chart's notes.
  • Headwind shortens, tailwind lengthens a lot, grass lengthens.
  • Charts are best-case: add a margin (many pilots add 50%).

What the examiner may ask

Practice answering out loud before you open each answer.

What's the takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle today?
Work it from the POH chart using pressure altitude, temperature, weight and wind, then add your margin.
Can you land at a 2,200-foot runway today?
Compute the landing distance with the POH, apply corrections for wind and surface, and compare with the runway available, including your margin.
What's the difference between ground roll and total distance over a 50-foot obstacle?
Ground roll is the distance on the runway; the total adds the distance to climb to 50 feet.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to apply the chart's wind and runway surface notes.
  • Ignoring runway slope.
  • Not picking an abort point.

Read it in the FAA sources

PHAK · Chapter 11Aircraft PerformanceOpens the PHAK at this chapter ↗

Go deeper on the site

Prep: Short-Field Takeoff and Landing

Lesson check

Get every question right to complete the lesson. Take your time; wrong answers explain why.

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