Of all the skills that go by the wayside after the check ride, determining aircraft performance is right up there next to 'obtaining a weather briefing' and 'weight and balance.' [iStock]
Key Takeaways:
Pilots must diligently calculate aircraft performance, including density altitude, weight and balance, and climb rate for every flight, as even one environmental factor can significantly impact takeoff and climb capabilities.
Environmental factors like heat and humidity can degrade pilot performance and reaction time; pilots should adapt by scheduling flights during cooler parts of the day, staying hydrated, and using methods like frozen T-shirts to maintain alertness.
Personal hygiene is crucial in the confined space of a cockpit, as offensive odors can create discomfort and distraction, negatively impacting focus and flight safety for both pilots and instructors.
It was a hot day when the rather frazzled-looking young man came into the FBO with the dispatch book of the Cessna 150.
He complained there was something wrong with the airplane. The engine wasn’t producing enough power. He had attempted two takeoffs and wisely chose to abort, as it did not lift off when he expected.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
