Aircraft Performance: Takeoff, Landing and Climb Charts

What hurts performance

• High density altitude: hot, high, low pressure (see density altitude).
• Heavier weight: longer runs, slower climbs.
• Tailwind: much longer distances. Headwind shortens them.
• Surface: grass, wet or upsloping runways add distance; charts often give correction factors.

Reading the chart

1. Find the right chart (short-field vs normal, flap setting).
2. Enter pressure altitude and temperature.
3. Apply weight, wind and surface corrections as the chart directs.
4. Note both ground roll and distance over a 50-ft obstacle.

Add a margin

POH numbers come from a new airplane flown by a test pilot. Many pilots add 50% or more as a personal margin, and abort a takeoff if not at a planned speed by a planned point.

Important V-speeds