Performance and Limitations - QT
Updated: Apr 20, 2021
Lesson Quicktakes cover the items that should be memorized from each of the wifiCFI Lessons. They do not cover all of the lesson details in-depth.
TYPES OF ALTITUDE:
Indicated Altitude = The Altitude read off the altimeter in flight.
True Altitude = The Altitude above mean sea level (MSL).
Absolute Altitude = The Altitude above ground level (AGL).
Pressure Altitude = The Altitude above the Standard Datum Plane (29.92).
Density Altitude = The Altitude at which the aircraft will perform. Regardless of actual altitude.
DENSITY ALTITUDE:
Hotter Temperatures = Higher Density Altitude (worse aircraft performance).
Cooler Temperatures = Lower Density Altitude (better aircraft performance).
Increased Humidity = Decreased Aircraft Performance.
Decreased Humidity = Increased Aircraft Performance.
Higher Pressure = Increased Aircraft Performance.
Lower Pressure = Decreased Aircraft Performance.
TYPES OF AIRSPEED:
Indicated Airspeed = The Airspeed read off the Airspeed Indicator.
Used for: Speed limits, ATC speed restriction, aircraft V-speeds.
Calibrated Airspeed = Indicated Airspeed corrected for Pitot Tube Installation.
Used to: Calculate True Airspeed.
True Airspeed = Speed of the Aircraft relative to the airmass in which it is flying.
Used to: Calculate Groundspeed.
Groundspeed = The speed of the Aircraft over the surface of the Earth.
Used for: Time and distance calculations.
VSPEED DEFINITIONS:
Vso = power off stalling speed in the landing configuration.
Vs1 = power off stalling speed in a specified configuration.
Vy = best rate of climb speed - Maximum increase in altitude per unit of time.
Vx = best angle of climb speed - Maximum increase in altitude per horizontal distance unit.
Vle = max speed the aircraft can be operated with the landing gear extended.
Vlo = max speed at which the landing gear can be safely extended or retracted.
Vfe = max permissable speed with the wing flaps extended to a specified degree.
Va = design maneuvering speed.
Vno = maximum structural cruising speed.
Vne = the speed that should never be exceeded in flight.