Page 612 - PPL-engelsk 2025

Flight performance and planning

7.1 Introduction

The purpose of this course is to learn how to get the best performance of your
aircraft within the safety framework that currently exists.

The flight performance part of the course covers, for example, calculating weights

and balances.

Adequate planning is essential to ensure that the aircraft you intend to fly is not

too heavy for take-off, and that any weight on board is sufficiently balanced so as

not to affect the aircraft's stability and maneuverability, and finally to ensure that

you have enough fuel to reach your destination - plus enough to handle any

diversions or other problems.

Not only that, but you need to be sure that when you get to your destination, you

have a runway long enough to land safely.

Therefore, you need to learn to plan your flight based on the aircraft's

performance data. The manufacturer describes how the aircraft is loaded, what

speeds it can be operated at, etc. You need to learn to plan based on that.

You also need to learn to plan your flight.

Flight planning prior to the flight involves a diverse list of tasks. You must learn to

read NOTAM and make flight plans, look at VFR charts, calculate courses,

navigation, weight and balance calculations.

You must be able to assess the weather and any special conditions that affect the

flight in question, such as danger areas along or near the planned route to be

flown.

The teaching includes elements that come from other subjects - including Aviation

Law, Navigation, Meteorology and Flight Principles, that’s why it will be an

advantage if you have already studied these subjects before starting this subject.

Flyveteori PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 612