FLIGHJT OPERATIONS Apostila-Completa
FLIGHJT OPERATIONS Apostila-Completa
FLIGHJT OPERATIONS Apostila-Completa
ENGINEERING COURSE
STUDY BOOK
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE
DEC 6, 2004 1
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
INDEX
DEC 6, 2004 2
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
• Takeoff Distance: Roll, failure of the critical engine immediately before V1, rotation, lift-off and
V2 at 35 ft height, using takeoff thrust on all engines up to the engine failure speed, and then
takeoff thrust on operating engines. Takeoff flaps are set since the beginning of the takeoff roll.
• 1st segment: Shall be considered to begin 35 feet above the takeoff surface at V2 and ends at
the point where the landing gear is fully retracted, with speed equal V2, critical engine inoperative,
takeoff thrust on operating engines and takeoff flaps.
• 2nd segment: From the point where the landing gear is fully retracted up to the point at which
the aircraft levels off for flap retraction. The level off height depends on obstacles and must be at
least 400 ft above the runway. Throughout the 2nd segment, with the critical engine inoperative,
takeoff thrust on operating engines and takeoff flaps are maintained.
• 3rd segment: From the end of the 2nd segment, up to the point at which the climb configuration
(flaps up, final segment climb speed) is reached, with the critical engine inoperative, and takeoff
thrust on operating engines. This segment is used for level flight, acceleration and flap retraction at
a height of at least 400 feet.
• 4th. segment: From the point at which the climb configuration is reached, up to a 1500 ft above
the runway (or more if required for obstacle clearance). Flaps up and Maximum Continuous Thrust
on operating engines is used throughout the 4th segment.
TAKEOFF DISTANCE 1st Segment 2nd Segment 3rd Segment 4th / Final Segment
TAKEOFF THRUST T.O. THRUST T.O. THRUST T.O. THRUST Max Continuous THRUST
TAKEOFF FLAPS T.O. FLAPS T.O. FLAPS Flap Retraction FLAPS UP
Acceleration to V2 V2 V2 Acceleration to CLIMB SPEED
Gear Retraction Gear Up FINAL CLIMB SPEED
ENROUTE
CLIMB
1500 ft
GROSS PATH
NET
PATH
Net Flight Path =
35 ft
Gross Path - 0.8%
35 ft
V2
VEF
35 ft
ALL
ENGINES
ONE ENGINE
INOPERATIVE TAKEOFF PROFILE
DEC 6, 2004 3
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
V1, VR and V2 are indicated airspeeds (IAS) and does the pilot use the speeds during takeoff. The
other speeds are certification speeds used for takeoff performance calculations.
These certification speeds are necessary to make sure that the operational speeds are safe from
the standpoint of controllability, braking and tire speed. These constraints are all common sense.
Take VLOF ≤ VMAX TIRE, for example. This is to ensure that ground roll does not exceed the tire limit;
or V1min ≤ V1: this grants that, should an engine fail close to V1, directional control can be
maintained if the pilot elects to continue the take off; or 1.1VMCA ≤ V2: this grants that adequate
engine-out directional control exists in the airborne part of the take off. And so on.
VEF ENGINE FAILURE SPEED - The speed at which the critical engine is assumed to become
inoperative. May not be less than VMCG.
VMCG MINIMUM CONTROL SPEED ON THE GROUND - The speed during the takeoff ground
run at which, when the critical engine is made suddenly inoperative and if the takeoff is continued,
it is possible to maintain directional control of the airplane using primary aerodynamic controls only
(nose wheel steering not allowed), without deviating from the runway centerline by more than 30 ft.
V1min MINIMUM V1 - The speed at which the aircraft will be after the pilot recognizes the critical
engine failure that occurred at VEF and takes the first action to bring the aircraft to a stop.
V1 DECISION SPEED – It may not be less than VEF plus the speed gained with critical engine
inoperative during the time interval between the instant at which the critical engine is failed, and
the instant at which the pilot recognizes and reacts to the engine failure by application of the first
retarding means.
The speed at which a pilot's decision to continue or not the takeoff will result in:
DEC 6, 2004 4
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
- A takeoff distance to the screen height at V2 speed, that will not exceed the available takeoff
distance; or
- The distance to bring the aircraft to a full stop that will not exceed the available accelerate-stop
distance
V1 is selected to ensure it is:
• Greater than or equal to V1min
• Less than or equal to VR
• Less than or equal VMBE
VR ROTATION SPEED - The speed at which the pilot initiates action to raise the nose gear off
the ground. It may not be less than V1, or 1.05 VMCA.
V2 TAKEOFF SAFETY SPEED - The speed attained at the screen height (e.g. 35 ft),
assuming one engine inoperative and rotation initiated at VR.
V2 is selected to ensure it is:
• Greater than or equal to 1.1 VMCA
• Greater than or equal to 1.2 VS (or 1.13 Vs-1g)
• Greater than or equal to VR
VMBE MAXIMUM BRAKE ENERGY SPEED - The highest speed from which the airplane may be
brought to a stop without exceeding the maximum energy absorption capability of the brakes. V1
may not exceed VMBE.
VMU MINIMUM UNSTICK SPEED - The speed at which at and above it the aircraft can safely lift
off the ground and continue the takeoff without showing any hazardous characteristics.
VMU is normally defined when the elevator has enough power to rotate the aircraft to an attitude
that it can get airborne. An aircraft is defined as geometry limited when the tail contacts the
ground before the attitude that would generate enough lift to get airborne is reached. In this case,
the aircraft will have the tail skidding the ground until it accelerates to a higher speed at which the
geometry limited attitude provides enough lift to get airborne.
VMAX TIRE MAXIMUM TIRE SPEED - The maximum ground speed for which the tires were
structurally certified. Above VMAX TIRE the strength limits of the tires are exceeded and they may not
resist to the centrifugal forces (caused by high wheel spinning) they are subject to.
VLOF LIFT-OFF SPEED - The speed at which the airplane becomes airborne (i.e., no contact
with the runway). VLOF cannot be less than 1.10 VMU (All Engines Operating, AEO) or 1.05 VMU
(One Engine Inoperative, OEI), except for geometry limited aircraft where VLOF cannot be less than
1.08 VMU (AEO) or 1.04 VMU (OEI). In addition, VLOF cannot be greater than VMAX TIRE.
VMCA MINIMUM CONTROL SPEED ON THE AIR - The speed, at which, when the critical engine
is suddenly made inoperative, it is possible to maintain control of the airplane with that engine still
inoperative, and maintain straight flight with an angle of bank of not more than 5 degrees.
VMCL MINIMUM CONTROL SPEED FOR LANDING – The minimum control speed with the airplane
configured for approach at which the airplane is controllable with a maximum of 5 degrees bank
when the critical engine suddenly becomes inoperative with the remaining engine at takeoff thrust.
DEC 6, 2004 5
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
VFR FLAP RETRACTION SPEED - Is the speed (or speed schedule) at which the takeoff flaps
retraction should be initiated during the 3rd segment in case of engine failure during takeoff. VFR is
normally defined as V2 + ∆, where the ∆ speed varies as a function of the initial takeoff flap setting.
For All Engines Operating (AEO) takeoff, VFR is just a reference of the minimum speed at which the
flaps retraction should be initiated.
VFS TAKEOFF FINAL SEGMENT CLIMB SPEED - Is the speed to be achieved during final
segment, with landing gear up and flaps retracted. Must be greater than or equal to 1.25 VS (or
1.18 Vs-1g).
VS STALL SPEED - The minimum speed reached during the stall maneuver as described
below.
The flight tests for determining the stall speed are performed with the most adverse CG position
and idle thrust, decreasing the aircraft airspeed and increasing the angle of attack by applying
elevator control so that the airspeed reduction do not exceed more than one knot per second.
The airplane is considered to be fully stalled when any one or a combination of the characteristics
listed below occurs to give the pilot a clear and distinctive indication that he should stop any further
increase in angle of attack. The stall speed is defined as the minimum speed reached during the
maneuver.
a) The pitch controls reaches the aft stop and is held full aft for two seconds, or until the pitch
attitude stops increasing, whichever occurs first.
b) An uncommanded, distinctive and easily recognizable nose down pitch that cannot be readily
arrested.
c) The airplane demonstrates an unmistakable, inherent aerodynamic warning of a magnitude
and severity that is a strong and effective deterrent to further speed reduction.
d) The activation point of a stall identification device that is strong and effective deterrent to
further speed reduction (stick pusher).
VS-1g 1-G STALL SPEED - Is the stall speed corrected for 1-g flight conditions.
The VS stall speed as defined above is the minimum airspeed attained in the stall maneuver. For
many high speed swept wing aircraft this has resulted in the VS being defined with a flight load
factor considerably less than one, which has led to inconsistent and non-repeatable reference stall
speeds. Additionally, because the minimum speed in the maneuver typically occurs near the point
at which the airplane spontaneously pitches nose down or where the pilot defines the level of
buffet as deterrent, inconsistencies can also be introduced into the definition of the minimum speed
by pilot technique and judgment.
Since FAR/JAR Part 25 defines operating speeds as multiples of the VS stall speed, the resulting
operating speed margins to stall are not representative of the actual lift margin available (i.e., the
margin to the speed at which wing lift alone can support the weight of the airplane in 1-g flight). To
remedy this situation, procedures and requirements that are interpreted as being equivalent to the
current stall-related regulations have been developed to define a reference stall speed that exists
when the wing is generating maximum usable lift in a 1-g flight condition; this speed is referred to
as the 1-g stall speed (VS-1g).
The figure below represents a sample flight test result that shows the determination of the VS stall
speed. The VS-1g stall speed is determined by correcting VS assuming 1-g flight conditions.
DEC 6, 2004 6
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
VS-1g
As the VS-1g is higher (faster) than VS, new speed margins to the operating speeds where defined,
keeping the same safety levels:
V / VS V / VS-1g
Takeoff Climb Speed - V2 ≥1.2 ≥1.13
Takeoff Final Segment Climb Speed - VFS ≥1.25 ≥1.18
Landing Reference Speed - VREF ≥1.3 ≥1.23
Approach Climb Speed - VAPPCLB or VGA ≤1.5 ≤1.4
DEC 6, 2004 7
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 8
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
1.3.4 CLEARWAY
The clearway is an area beyond the runway end with the following characteristics:
• minimum 500 feet wide;
• centrally located around the extended centerline of the runway;
• must be under control of airport authorities;
• no obstacle protruding above 1.25% slope plane, except threshold lights located at the sides of
runway with a height lower than 26 feet.
Takeoff field length calculation allow the aircraft to reach the 35 ft screen height position above the
clearway area, provided at least one half of the flare distance between VLOF and V2 is made above
the runway.
1.3.5 STOPWAY
The stopway is an area beyond the runway end with the following characteristics:
• must be as wide as the runway;
• centered around the extended centerline of the runway;
• must be able to support the airplane weight, without causing structural damage to the airplane;
• designated by the airport authorities for use in decelerating the airplane during an aborted
takeoff.
DEC 6, 2004 9
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
1.3.7 TAKEOFF DISTANCE AVAILABLE (TODA): is the runway length plus available clearway.
1.3.8 ACCELERATE STOP DISTANCE AVAILABLE (ASDA): is the runway length plus available
stopway.
SWY CWY
LDA
TORA
ASDA
TODA
8 APPROACH CLIMB
An airplane shall takeoff only if its actual weight does not exceed the weights for which
requirements above are met, in accordance with the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
All corrections for pressure altitude, outside air temperature, runway slope, wind components and
obstacle clearance must be taken into account for the runway in use at the time of the takeoff.
DEC 6, 2004 10
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Airplane
weight
DEC 6, 2004 11
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
For a fixed runway length an increase in V1 will result in a higher continued takeoff weight
(Accelerate-Go) due to the reduction of time and distance for acceleration between VEF and VR
(one engine acceleration), and a lower rejected takeoff weight (Accelerate-Stop) due to the greater
amount of kinetic energy to be absorbed during the braking maneuver. Similarly, a lower V1 results
in a lower continued takeoff weight (Accelerate-Go) and a higher rejected takeoff weight
(Accelerate-Stop).
The intersection of the “Rejected takeoff” and the “Continued takeoff” lines defines the maximum
airplane weight that will satisfy both Accelerate-Go and Accelerate-Stop criteria. If this weight is
less than the all-engine field length limit weight, it then becomes the Field Length limiting weight for
the takeoff.
The takeoff is then described as being at a “Balanced Field Limit Weight” because the “GO” and
“STOP” distances are equal. It is characterized by the fact that the airplane will require the entire
runway length to reach 35 ft or to stop if the RTO is initiated at V1.
DEC 6, 2004 12
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Standard Takeoff
V1 35ft - Balanced V1
Clearway
• Higher Weight
V1
35ft • V1 Lower than Standard
• Unbalanced
Stopway
V1 35ft • Higher Weight
• V1 Higher than Standard
• Unbalanced
DEC 6, 2004 13
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Where: V1 OPT is the optimized V1 calculated using both clearway and stopway.
On the graph above, V1 CLW, V1 SWY and V1 OPT are unbalanced V1. The maximum Field Length
Limited takeoff weight is WOPT, and V1 OPT may be higher or lower than V1 BAL depending on which
factor affects more the increase in weight: clearway or stopway.
As a general rule, V1 CWY will always be lower than V1 BAL, and V1 SWY will always be higher than V1
BAL.
DEC 6, 2004 14
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
1.5.6 FIXED V1
In order to simplify the pilot procedures regarding takeoff speeds determination, some airlines
prefer to use a Fixed V1 concept.
Let's say for example that an airline has decided to always use a V1 equal to VR (V1/VR = 1.0). In
this case the pilot procedure for determining V1 is simplified (V1 will always be equal to VR, no
matter which is the actual takeoff weight, temperature or wind), but, as a result, the Field Limit
Weight may be penalized (see figure below).
DEC 6, 2004 15
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 16
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 17
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 18
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Deposits of water, slush or snow may cause a runway to be considered contaminated. As each of
these contaminants have different characteristics, it would be necessary to develop individual AFM
charts for each type of contaminant. In addition, snow may be present in various stages, like Wet
Snow, Dry Snow or Loose Dry Snow, further increasing the number of AFM charts required.
In order to reduce the number of contaminated runway charts in the AFM, aircraft manufacturers
usually present the contaminated runway performance in the AFM as a function of WED - Water
Equivalent Depth.
For each contaminant type and depth there is an associated precipitation drag (landing gear
displacement drag and spray impingement drag), for which there always exist a certain water
depth that results in the same precipitation drag (landing gear displacement drag and spray
impingement drag). This equivalent water depth is called WED. The WED is the contaminant
depth multiplied by its specific gravity.
The graph below shows the relationship between contaminant depth and WED, as a function of
contaminant specific gravity:
The average specific gravity for slush is 0.85, for wet snow is 0.4, for dry snow is 0.2 and for loose
dry snow is 0.125. As a runway is considered contaminated if it has more than 3 mm of water, it
may also be considered contaminated if:
a) It has more than 3 / 0.85 = 3.6 mm of slush; or
b) it has more than 3 / 0.4 = 7.5 mm of wet snow; or
c) it has more than 3 / 0.2 = 15mm of dry snow; or
d) it has more than 3 / 0.125 = 24 mm of loose dry snow.
DEC 6, 2004 19
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 20
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
TAKEOFF DISTANCE 1st Segment 2nd Segment 3rd Segment 4th / Final Segment
TAKEOFF THRUST T.O. THRUST T.O. THRUST T.O. THRUST Max Continuous THRUST
TAKEOFF FLAPS T.O. FLAPS T.O. FLAPS Flap Retraction FLAPS UP
Acceleration to V2 V2 V2 Acceleration to CLIMB SPEED
Gear Retraction Gear Up FINAL CLIMB SPEED
ENROUTE
CLIMB
1500 ft
GROSS PATH
NET
PATH
Net Flight Path =
35 ft
Gross Path - 0.8%
35 ft
V2
VEF
35 ft
ALL
ENGINES
ONE ENGINE
INOPERATIVE TAKEOFF PROFILE
The takeoff flight path is the flight profile from a standing start up to the point at which the aircraft
attains a height of 1500 ft above the runway surface or completes the transition to the en-route
configuration (in terms of altitude), whichever is the highest altitude; at a speed not less than
1.25Vs, with one engine inoperative.
The above requirements are made on the principle that the aircraft is accelerated to VEF, at which
point the critical engine is made inoperative and remains inoperative for the rest of the take-off,
and that the take-off safety speed V2 is attained before the 35ft screen height.
The Climb Limited Takeoff Weight with one-engine-inoperative as per FAR 25.121:
First segment: This is the segment from VLOF to the point where the landing gear is fully retracted.
The required gross gradient of climb must be positive at all times for two-engined aircraft, not less
than 0.3% for three-engined aircraft and not less than 0.5% for four- engined aircraft, all from VLOF.
Second segment: This segment starts when the landing gear is fully retracted, and may extend up
to any point where a level flight acceleration element is introduced, with the lower level set at 400ft.
The upper limit is dictated by the point at which takeoff power must be reduced to maximum
continuous power, after retracting flaps and accelerating to the single engine climb speed. This
segment is flown with the landing gear up and the flaps at the takeoff setting. In addition, no
changes to thrust or power may be made by the pilot until the aircraft is 400 ft above the runway
surface. The required gross climb gradients are not less than 2.4% for two-engined aircraft, 2.7%
DEC 6, 2004 21
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
for three-engined aircraft and 3.0% for four-engined aircraft. During this segment, the aircraft must
be flown as close as possible to V2.
Third segment: This segment is also known as the Acceleration Segment and is the first of the
‘optional’ segments. It may be used when obstacle clearance considerations permit the aircraft to
level out and a horizontal attitude to be assumed. During this segment the aircraft is accelerated
up to the Flap Retraction Speed (VFR), after which the aircraft is in the en route configuration or, as
it is more usually referred to, ‘clean’. Once the aircraft is ‘cleaned-up’ the climb is resumed at
Takeoff Final Segment Climb Speed (VFS). The Third Segment may not be initiated at a height less
than 400ft above the take-off surface.
Takeoff final climb segment: Also called as 4th segment, this comprises the segment existing
from the chosen acceleration height up to an altitude of 1500ft. The required gross gradients of
climb for this segment, which are determined at maximum continuous thrust, are not less than
1.2% for two-engined aircraft, 1.5% for three-engined aircraft and 1.7% for four-engined aircraft,
flown at a speed not less than 1.25Vs.
The table below summarizes the climb gradient requirements in each takeoff segment:
Minimum Gradient
Configuration Number of Engines Installed
Segment Gear Flaps Thrust Speed 2 3 4
1 Transition Positive 0.3% 0.5%
Takeoff Takeoff
V2
Position Thrust on
2 2.4% 2.7% 3.0%
operating
engines Acceleration
3 Up Transition -
to VFS
Max.
Final Retracted VFS 1.2% 1.5% 1.7%
Continuous
The Climb Limited Takeoff Weight is the maximum weight at which the aircraft climb gradient on
each takeoff segment is equal or above the gradients listed above. Typically, the second segment
climb gradient is the most limiting among all gradients requirements, but this may not be
considered as a general rule.
Since air distance is used instead of ground distance, the wind has no influence on climb gradient.
For a certain aircraft configuration and takeoff thrust, the climb gradient (and as a consequence the
climb limited weight) is a function of temperature and altitude only.
DEC 6, 2004 22
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Net takeoff flight path: Is a calculated flight path for verification of obstacle clearance. According
FAR 25.115 it starts at the 35 ft screen height point and must be determined so that they represent
the actual takeoff flight paths reduced at each point by a gradient of climb equal to:
• 0.8% for two-engined aircraft;
• 0.9% for three-engined aircraft;
• 1.0% for four-engined aircraft.
These margins are a safety factor to guarantee obstacle clearance in case of any errors introduced
during the scheduling of the take-off, and to allow for any aircraft performance worse than
expected. The OEI climb gradients subtracted by these margins are called net gradients.
35 ft
35 ft
35 ft
Although the screen height during a takeoff on wet/contaminated/slippery runways is of 15 ft, the
net takeoff flight path is considered to start at 35 ft. In fact, in this case the net takeoff flight path
may be considered starting at the screen height of 15 ft, but with a 15 ft instead of 35 ft obstacle
clearance.
If the net flight path does not clear the obstacles by 35 ft, it is necessary to reduce the takeoff
weight, in order to increase the climb gradient, until the net flight path clears all obstacles. There
are 3 ways of doing this weight reduction, described below:
• The first method, shown in picture B below, is to reduce the takeoff weight not taking credit of
the shorter takeoff distance. In this case, the point where the net flight path starts remains the
same (35 ft at the end of the runway), and the takeoff weight is reduced until the increased climb
gradient allows obstacle clearance.
• The second method, shown in picture C below, is to reduce the takeoff weight, taking credit of
the shorter takeoff distance (longer distance to the obstacle), but maintaining a balanced field
length.
DEC 6, 2004 23
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
• The third method, shown in picture D below, is to reduce the takeoff weight taking credit of the
shorter takeoff distance, but using the entire available runway for accelerate-stop (i.e., unbalancing
the takeoff).
WF
V2 A
VSTOP
W1
B
V2
VSTOP
W2
V2 C
VSTOP
W3
V2 D
VSTOP
The weight WF shown in picture A is the Field Length Limiting Weight. The methods shown on
pictures B, C and D will result in different Obstacle Limited Takeoff Weights, W1, W2 and W3,
respectively. It can be said that:
As explained above, method D will result in the better (heavier) Obstacle Limited Weight by
unbalancing the takeoff. This field unbalancing will result in a high V1, eventually as high as VR,
i.e., V1 = VR.
DEC 6, 2004 24
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The obstacle accountability area is an area within which all obstacles must be cleared vertically.
Each operating regulation defines a different obstacle accountability area. The ICAO, JAA, FAA
and Brazilian CTA definitions are presented below:
ICAO (annex 6 and 14) and JAA (JAR-OPS 1.495): It is an area on the shape of a cone, starting
at the end of the runway and centered around the intended flight track. The area initiates with a
half width of 90m, increasing at a rate of 1:8 to its length (i.e., half width = 90 + 0.125D, where D is
the distance along the intended flight path from the end of runway in meters). The area half width
may extend up to 300m, 600m or 900m as a function of meteorological conditions and heading
change in case of turns.
FAA (FAR 121.189) and CTA (RBHA 121.189): Is a corridor that has the following half widths:
a) 200 feet horizontally within the airport boundaries
b) 300 feet horizontally outside airport boundaries
FAA (Draft AC 120-OBS): Although not yet an official FAA document, Draft AC 120-OBS is used
by many US airlines to develop obstacle clearance analyses. As the use of the corridor as defined
in FAR 121.189 would require the operator to account for factors that could cause a difference
between the intended and actual ground track, such as crosswind and available course guidance,
Draft AC 120-OBS provides a method for calculating an obstacle accountability area similar to
ICAO's and JAA's.
The FAA Draft AC 120-OBS defines an area on the shape of a cone, starting at the end of the
runway and centered around the intended flight track.
DEC 6, 2004 25
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The area initiates with a half width of 200 ft within the airport boundaries, increasing at a rate of
1:16 to its length (i.e., half width = 200 + 0.0625D, where D the distance along the intended flight
path from the end of runway in feet). The minimum area half width outside the airport boundaries
is 300 ft. The area half width extends up to 2000 ft in straight flight or if the heading change is less
than 15 degrees.
In case of turns changing the track in more than 15 degrees, the minimum half width where the
turn begins is 300 ft, and the half width from this point and beyond will increase at a rate of 1:8
(i.e., half width increase = 0.125D1, where D1 is the distance along the intended flight path from
the beginning of the turn). In this case, the area half width may extend up to 3000 ft.
DEC 6, 2004 26
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
For FAA and CTA operators, the legal minimum height to begin a turn is 50 ft and the maximum
bank angle may not be more than 15 degrees (FAR 121.189(f) and RBHA 121.189(f)). According
FAA Draft AC 120-OBS, bank angles of up to 25o are accepted, provided speed increments and
gradient of climb penalties are applied.
For JAA operators, according JAR-OPS 1.495, the maximum bank angles during a turn are the
following:
Maximum bank angle: All Engines Operative: 25o at V2 + 10
One Engine Inoperative: 15o at V2
One Engine Inoperative: 20o at V2 + 5
One Engine Inoperative: 25o at V2 + 10
Note: According JAR OPS 1.495 (c), if the airplane is banked by more than 15o, the net
path must clear all obstacles during the banked turn by 50 ft instead of 35 ft. In addition,
JAR OPS 1.495 (c) defines at which height a turn may be started.
As explained above, if bank angles of more than 15° are used, V2 speeds may have to be
increased to provide an equivalent level of stall margin protection and adequate controllability. The
following are examples of acceptable methods for accounting this speed increment:
(i) If available, AFM data for "optimized V2/Vs” performance may be used to determine weight
decrements for the desired increase to V1, VR, and V2.
(ii) Account for the acceleration above V2 by trading the climb gradient for speed increase.
Integrate this climb gradient loss over the distance required to accelerate to determine an
equivalent height increment to be added to all subsequent obstacles.
In case of banked flight, climb gradient reductions have to be applied, due to the effect of bank
angle in the climb gradient. The gradient corrections are normally provided by the aircraft
manufacturers on a graph called "Gradient Loss due to a Steady Turn"', which shows the gradient
loss as a function of bank angle.
Gradient
loss
Bank Angle
DEC 6, 2004 27
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Gradient loss in turns may be accounted for by increasing the obstacle height by the gradient loss
multiplied by the flight path distance in the turn, in order to arrive at an equivalent obstacle height
that can be analyzed as a "straight-out" obstacle in the operator's airport analysis programs.
Obstacle Distance:
d1 + (R x θ) + d2
Obstacle Height:
h1 + (R x θ x GradLoss) (*)
h1
If the time to reach the end of the 3rd segment exceeds 5 minutes, the takeoff weight has to be
decreased in order to allow better climb gradients and acceleration. This reduced weight is called
the 5-Minutes Thrust Limited Takeoff Weight.
The 5-Minutes Thrust Limited Takeoff Weight is also known as Level-Off Limited Takeoff Weight,
because for every level-off selected there is an associated weight which will result in completing
the 5 minutes period at the end of the 3rd segment.
Maximum Level Off: for a certain aircraft weight, it is the maximum height at which the 3rd
segment can be completed before the time limit on the use of takeoff thrust expires.
DEC 6, 2004 28
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
5 minutes
According to FAR/JAR 25.1001 , If a fuel jettisoning system is not installed in the airplane ,
approach and landing climb requirements must also be evaluated for takeoff. The following
scenario is considered:
• Engine failure after takeoff and a subsequent turn back to the departure airport.
• The weight for approach and landing is the Maximum Takeoff Weight, less the actual
or computed weight of fuel necessary for a 15-minute flight.
DEC 6, 2004 29
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
• AFM charts must be developed considering only 50% of the reported headwind and 150% of
the reported tailwind. This is to guarantee appropriate performance margins in case the actual
headwind is weaker than the reported one, or if the actual tailwind is stronger than the reported
one.
• The wind reported by the airport tower (V10 = wind measured at 10 meter height) must be
corrected for the aircraft actual height above ground by using the following formula:
The AFM charts already incorporate these wind adjustments, so that no additional corrections
need to be made when using the AFM charts (actual tower reported wind, without corrections,
must be used when calculating the takeoff performance from the AFM).
Basically, a low flap setting allows better climb while a higher flap setting results in lower take off
speeds and consequently allows shorter ground rolls. So if the takeoff is to be performed from a
short runway, the higher flap setting probably will be the best option; if the takeoff is to be
performed from a long runway or high altitudes the higher flap setting will probably be a bad choice
because of its high drag and consequently worse climb gradient.
The figure below illustrates a typical take off path for two flap settings:
Flap 1
Flap 2
DEC 6, 2004 30
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
1.17 INCREASED V2
Increased V2 performance data is available for some aircraft types.
Very much like flap setting variations, increased V2 works best when there are no runway length
limitations and it is high and hot. So, putting everything together we can say that if the runway is
short, the elevation is low and the temperature is mild, a higher flap setting and normal V2 are the
best options; at the other extreme, if the runway is long and it is high and hot, a lower flap setting
and a increased V2 is the best combination. For situations in between these extremes, the best
strategy is run simulations in a computer using the runway analysis program to figure out the best
combination. It is important to mention that the ideal combination of flap and V2 may vary for the
same runway for different temperatures and winds.
750
700
650
600
550
V2 for Maximum
V2 for Maximum
Rate of Climb
Climb Angle
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
V2
150
100
50
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
The interesting fact is the similarity between the figure that shows the effect of flap setting
discussed earlier, and the figure below that shows the Increased V2 takeoff compared to a Normal
V2 take off.
Increased V2 Takeoff
Normal Takeoff
DEC 6, 2004 31
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
TO WEIGHT
Field Limited
Weight
Maximum
Takeoff
Weight
Climb
Limited
Weight
Optimum V2/Vs
V2/Vs Ratio
The airplane will have the maximum takeoff weight allowable with the Optimized V2 / Vs ratio.
So what happens in practice? A flight is scheduled to take place. The crew gets the flight briefing
from the operational dispatch, and goes to the airplane. After start and having the clearance, the
runway analysis has to be checked with the correct and final weight of the aircraft. Let us suppose
that the actual weight of the aircraft is 34500 kg and the weight that shows in the runway analysis
is 37100 kg. This means that the rated take off thrust is more than the thrust required to takeoff.
Using reduced thrust has the big advantage of saving the engines by lowering the turbine
operating temperature. This saving is very significant in terms of time between overhauls and
engine overhaul costs.
DEC 6, 2004 32
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
WEIGHT THRUST
Thrust
Max TO Thrust
Reduced TO Thrust
TOGW
Max TO Weight
Actual Assumed
TEMPERATURE
The maximum thrust reduction permitted is 25% from the thrust rating, as per FAA AC 25-13 and
JAA AMJ 25-13. In addition, this method may not be used if the runway is contaminated. For wet
runways it is permitted provided wet runway performance is used.
The assumed temperature method (ATM) is always conservative. Takeoff using ATM reduced
thrust will always result in equal or better airplane performance than would be the case if takeoff
were executed at the higher (assumed) temperature, because of the temperature effect on
airspeed (for a constant IAS, TAS is lower at cooler temperatures, resulting in a shorter takeoff
distance).
Embraer 170 family engine control system has the possibility to input assumed temperature value
and to accomplish the applicable thrust reduction.
DEC 6, 2004 33
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
T/O-1
EGT Limit
T/O-2
OAT
The derated thrust method may be used under any circumstance, but only if the actual takeoff
weight is low enough to permit the use of derated thrust.
On the "assumed temperature" method we enter the analysis with the actual weight of the aircraft
and get the assumed temperature. Then we find a throttle setting that produces a thrust equal to
the rated thrust at the assumed temperature.
On the "derated thrust" method we check two analyses: the Full Thrust analysis (T/O-1 on our
example) and the Derated Thrust analysis (T/O-2 on our example). If the actual weight is lower
than the corresponding weight in both analyses, then T/O-2 can be used; if the actual weight is
between T/O-1 and T/O-2 then T/O-1 has to be used. If the actual weight is higher than the two
weights, take off is unfeasible.
What are the advantages of each method? The "assumed temperature" method has the advantage
of allowing a fine-tuning of the reduction; it also allows the use of a single runway analysis
regardless of the amount of reduction. On the other side, the "derated thrust" method is simpler
because the pilot does not have to adjust the throttles. They are simply moved to the thrust set
(TOGA) position (with the proper rate selected). It also has the advantage of producing more
consistent statistical data about engine life because flight data can be grouped in two types of
takeoff only. The use of the "assumed temperature" method results in statistical data where in
each takeoff the engine is strained differently.
DEC 6, 2004 34
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Choose which
Setting to use
Actual Temperature
Assumed Temperature
DEC 6, 2004 35
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
On the ERJ-170, one also must keep in mind that in the event of an engine failure during take off
with T/O-2 the functioning engine will immediately accelerate to T/O-2 RSV thus increasing the
safety margin of the engine-out performance.
The main advantage of the use of T/O-2 is of course economical. There are significant savings in
terms of engine wear. The magnitude of these savings may vary depending on how often it is used
and under which circumstances it is used.
•The thrust reduction should be not more than 25% of normal takeoff thrust or lower than some
derated thrust (climb thrust – EMB-170).
- T/O-1 and T/O-2 are limited by CLB1 (12400 lb – 12.7% ).
- T/O-3 limited by CLB2 (11200 lb – 13.8%).
•The operator shall at regular intervals check the maximum thrust in order to detect any possible
engine deterioration, unless the operators has an adequate engine performance monitoring
program.
• The AFM states that: Application of reduced takeoff thrust is always at the discretion of pilots.
• When conducting a takeoff using reduced takeoff thrust, takeoff thrust may be selected at any
time during takeoff operation.
Another method used for increasing engine life is the ATTCS. During a takeoff, if an engine failure
is detected, the ATTCS automatically resets thrust on the remaining engine from TO-X thrust to
TO-X RSV thrust.
Prior to every takeoff, the pilot must set the ATTCS (ON or OFF).
If the pilot skips the ATTCS setting, the default mode will be ATTCS ON.
- If pilot selects ON:
TLA position for ATTCS takeoff is TO/GA.
In case of an engine failure, the FADEC will automatically increase thrust without any pilot action.
Pilot can select the single engine thrust level by moving the thrust levers to the MAX position.
- If pilot selects OFF:
In case of an engine failure, the FADEC will not increase thrust without any pilot action.
If Pilot moves thrust levers to the MAX position FADEC will not increase thrust.
If pilot continues takeoff and after takeoff phase and if pilot perform a go-around and move thrust
levers to the MAX position FADED will increase thrust.
DEC 6, 2004 36
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The First Principles software is a certified software that replaces steps 2 and 3 above. Availability
of First principles software replaces the performance graphical presentation in the AFM (i.e.,
replacing the AFM graph conservatism).
The figure below illustrates the differences between a software based on the AFM charts and a
software based on the approved take off analysis software (first principles):
AFM Method
Flight tests
Data Data Runway Analysis
Reduction CAFM
Computerized AFM
DEC 6, 2004 37
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Alignment allowance (JAR-OPS 1.490 c6) is the runway length distance that is lost when the
aircraft maneuvers into the runway prior to takeoff. There are two alignment distances:
• ASDA Alignment Distance: is the distance from the aircraft nose landing gear to the end of
the runway surface. This allowance must be subtracted from the accelerate-stop distance
available.
• TORA/TODA Alignment Distance: is the distance from the aircraft main landing gear to the
end of the runway surface. This allowance must be subtracted from the takeoff runway
available and takeoff distance available.
This alignment distance depends on the airplane geometry and access possibility to the runway in
use. Accountability is usually required for a 90º taxyway entry to the runway and 180º turnaround
on the runway. The alignment allowances may be calculated by using the following formulas:
90º entry 180º entry
TORA/TODA Alignment Rm + X Rn + Y
ASDA Alignment Rm + X + Wb Rn + Y + Wb
Where: X = Safety distance of outer main wheel during turn to the edge of runway.
Y = Safety distance of outer nose wheel during turn to the edge of runway.
Rm = Radius of turn of outer main wheel.
Rn = Radius of turn of outer nose wheel. Wb = Wheel base.
DEC 6, 2004 38
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Not all concrete and asphalt runways have the same characteristics, including variations in the
capacity of the pavement supporting the aircraft weight (pavement strength). As a consequence,
each airport authority reports the maximum weight an aircraft may operate on the particular runway
without damaging it.
There are various methods for reporting the pavement strength, the most common one being the
PCN (Pavement Classification Number). In order to use it, the aircraft manufacturer must also
publish the ACN (Aircraft Classification Number).
The Pavement Classification Number (PCN) reported shall indicate that an airplane with ACN
equal to or less than the reported PCN can operate on that pavement.
Example: PCN 50 / F / A / X / T
1 2 3 4
1 - Type of pavement:
R = Rigid (concrete) F = Flexible (asphalt)
2 - Pavement sub-grade strength category:
A = High, B = Medium, C = Low, D = Ultra-low.
3 - Maximum tire pressure authorized for the pavement:
W = High, no limit; X = Medium (up to 217 psi)
Y = Low (up to 145 psi); Z = Very low (up to 73 psi)
4 - Pavement evaluation method:
T = Technical evaluation;
U = By experience of airplane actually using the pavement.
The tire pressure of the Embraer 170 LR is 131 psi in the main landing gear and 98 psi in the nose
landing gear (for more details see AOM Ground Servicing 13-40).
A 10% difference in ACN over PCN for flexible pavement and 5% for rigid pavements is generally
accepted, provided that overload operations do not exceed 5% of the annual departures and are
spread throughout the year.
DEC 6, 2004 39
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
FLIGHT PLANNING
DEC 6, 2004 1
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
INDEX
1. ENROUTE CLIMB..................................................................................................... 3
DEC 6, 2004 2
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
1. ENROUTE CLIMB
The force relationships during climb:
THRUST - T
LIFT - L
γ
θ
W•cosγ
DRAG - D
WEIGHT - W
W•senγ
TRUE AIRSPEED
RATE OF CLIMB - R/C
γ
Also is shown the aircraft’s attitude angle (θ), which is the angle between the longitudinal
axis of the aircraft and the horizontal line.
T − D V dv
R/C = V • ( − • )
W g dt
T − D 1 dv
tan (γγ = climb gradient = − •
W g dt
where:
T = thrust
D = drag
W = weight
V = velocity (TAS)
g = gravitational acceleration
dv/dt = airplane acceleration
γ = climb angle
DEC 6, 2004 3
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Climb speeds are selected taking into account the following aspects:
• maximum rate of climb – shortest time to reach cruise altitude.
• maximum climb angle (clearing obstacle, shortest distance to reach cruise altitude);
• lowest operating costs;
The graph below shows the relationship between rate of climb and the thrust drag curve.
It may be observed that the speed for maximum climb gradient occurs when the aircraft
has the maximum margin between thrust and drag. In addition, it may be observed that
the maximum rate of climb will occur at a speed higher than the maximum climb gradient
speed.
DEC 6, 2004 4
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DRAG – D THRUST - T
WEIGHT - W
THRUST/δ
DRAG/δ
THRUST/δ
DRAG/δ
MSC SPEED
DEC 6, 2004 5
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
NAM TAS
SR = =
FUEL FF
Where:
SR: specific range;
NAM: air distance range
FUEL: fuel burned
TAS: true air speed
FF: total fuel flow
The MAXIMUM RANGE CRUISE (MRC) is the speed at which fuel mileage reaches its
highest possible value.
SPECIFIC
RANGE 1%
MRC LRC
DEC 6, 2004 6
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The economy speed (ECON) is defined as the speed at which the sum of the time related
costs and the fuel costs are minimized. The graph below shows the economic speed
concept:
Costs X Mach
240
230
220
210
200
190
180
170
Total Costs
160
150
Costs - US$
140
130 Time Related Costs
120
110
100
90
80
Fuel Related Costs
70
Min. Fuel Mach
60
Min. Cost Mach
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.40 0.42 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.50 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.60 0.62 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.70 0.72 0.74 0.76 0.78 0.80 0.82 0.84 0.86
Mach
The Economy Cruise Speed (ECON) can be calculated as a function of a parameter called
Cost Index. It expresses the relative importance of time related cost compared with the
fuel related cost , defined as:
DEC 6, 2004 7
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
But when time related costs are higher and fuel related costs are not so expressive it
becomes necessary to fly on higher speeds in order to decrease the flight time. In this
case, the lower flight time is achievable when flying on MAXIMUM SPEED CRUISE
(MSC).
For an operator that uses metric units, the cost index will may be expressed by :
TIME RELATED COST ($/ minute)
COST INDEX = = Kg/min
FUEL COST ($/KG )
For an operator that uses imperial units, the cost index will may be expressed by :
TIME RELATED COST ($/ hour)
COST INDEX = = Lb/h/100
FUEL COST (Cents $/Lb )
It can be noticeable that the COST INDEX has the same dimensional units of fuel flow.
Many aircraft manufacturers provide ECON cruise speeds as a function of Cost Index.
The operators use it by calculating their particular Cost Index based on formula above, and
then use the manufacturers published data to find the Mach number associated to their
calculated Cost Index.
Altitude = 33.000 ft
ISA conditions SR X Mach
0.30
MRC
0.29 LRC
CI = 10
0.28
0.27
1%
0.26
0.25
0.24
SR - NM/kg
0.23 MSC
0.22 27.000 kg
0.21
30.000 kg
0.20
33.000 kg
0.19
0.18 36.000 kg
0.17
0.16
0.15
0.36 0.38 0.40 0.42 0.44 0.46 0.48 0.50 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.60 0.62 0.64 0.66 0.68 0.70 0.72 0.74 0.76 0.78 0.80 0.82 0.84 0.86
Mach
DEC 6, 2004 8
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
In order to provide some performance margin for the aircraft flying at the Maximum
Altitude, sometimes it is defined as the maximum altitude for a given speed, weight and
thrust at which the aircraft still has a residual rate of climb of, for example, 100 or 300 feet
per minute.
The maximum altitude at which an airplane can fly is limited by three factors:
• Engine thrust.
• Capacity of the wing to generate enough buffet-free lift.
• Operational envelope.
The aircraft manufacturers usually publish graphs which show at which speed the aircraft
will start experiencing high and low speed buffeting for a given weight and altitude. These
graphs also show corrections for load factors greater than 1, which can be used to
determine the buffeting speed in case of banked flight or in turbulence. The figure below
shows a typical Maneuver Capability graph:
DEC 6, 2004 9
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
For a certain weight, load factor and altitude, the graph shows the minimum and maximum
speeds the aircraft can fly without experiencing buffeting. If the minimum and maximum
speeds coincide, it is said that the aircraft has reached the Coffin Corner. At this speed, it
is neither possible to accelerate or decelerate, otherwise buffeting would occur. In this
case, the only option left for the pilot is to descend to a lower altitude.
The load factor margin may be expressed in terms of the level flight bank angle that
corresponds to the given loading. For example, an airplane flying at 39 degrees of bank
while maintaining a level flight altitude will generate a loading of 1.3.
L
θ
mg
In the situation shown above, the balance of forces in the vertical plan is:
L 1 1
L × cosθ = m × g ⇒ = ⇒ n=
m × g cosθ cosθ
Where:
L = lift
m = mass
g = acceleration of gravity
θ = bank angle
n = load factor
DEC 6, 2004 10
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
From where we can say that the bank angle for reaching stick shaker for a given stick
shaker speed margin is:
2 2
V 1 V 1
n = ⇒ = ⇒ θ = arccos
2
VShaker cosθ VShaker (V/VShaker )
The chart above can be used to determine what is the maximum weight at a certain
altitude that provides a selected maneuver margin. Many airlines prefer to limit the
operations by 1.3Gs on Buffet Margin. That is equivalent to stall the aircraft at 40º bank
angle.
35000
34000
33000
32000
31000
30000
29000
28000
27000
26000
25000
0.2 0.21 0.22 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.29 0.3 0.31 0.32
Many times, it is not possible to fly at the optimum altitude because the available flight
level depends on the direction of the flight or may not be cleared by the ATC. In addition,
the aircraft may not have enough buffet margin to fly at that altitude.
The optimum altitude, as defined above, is based on the cruise specific range only, and
does not consider the overall fuel consumption during an entire flight. For shorter-range
flights, it makes more sense defining the Optimum Cruise Altitude as the altitude at
which the entire flight fuel burn is minimized (i.e., minimizing Climb+Cruise+Descent fuel).
DEC 6, 2004 11
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
In must be observed that on short flights the leveled cruise segment may be very small, or
non-existent at all (descent starting immediately after the climb to cruise altitude is
completed). In this case, in order to allow leveled flight for in-flight meal service, a lower
cruise altitude may be used, but total fuel burn is penalized. Embraer publishes on its
Embraer 170 Airplane Operations Manual (AOM) a cruise altitude table based on minimum
flight fuel consumption (A) and minimum flight fuel consumption with at least 40% of total
flight time in leveled cruise conditions (B).
For this reason, in long routes airlines use step climb procedures, so that the aircraft flies
as long as possible close to the optimum altitude. Normally, the flight will be scheduled so
that the first cruise altitude will be approximately 2000 ft above the optimum altitude. As
the aircraft gets lighter, the optimum altitude increases and gets closer to the aircraft
cruising altitude. As the aircraft gets further lighter, it will start being below its optimum
altitude, and will climb 4000 ft when the optimum altitude is 2000 ft above the aircraft
cruising altitude.
Cruising
4000 ft CLIMB
Altitude
(Air Traffic rules and restrictions)
Optimum
DEC 6, 2004 12
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The optimum altitude is normally calculated for zero wind, but wind is a factor that may
justify operations considerably above or below the optimum altitude. For example, a
favorable wind component may have an effect on ground speed that more than
compensates for the loss in specific air range.
If a stronger headwind is present at the optimum altitude than at a lower altitude, for
example, it might be advantageous to fly at the lower altitude (and weaker headwind) to
save fuel.
This analysis of the wind in regard to the advantage of flying at a non-optimum altitude is
called wind-altitude trade.
The main idea is to compare the ground-specific range on actual (a) and predicted (d)
flight levels, as shown on the equation below:
Many aircraft manufactures present this equation on table format. The break-even wind
(VWd) can be determined on the flight level, which is intended to climb, or descent
(destination flight level), considering the wind on the actual flight level, speed, weight and
altitude.
While comparing two headwinds, for example, if the predicted wind on the destination flight
level is higher than the break-even wind, climb and descent is not compensative.
For air traffic control (ATC) purposes, airspace is divided into Flight Levels (FL), which
are the pressure altitudes at which the aircraft are allowed to fly.
The available flight levels may depend upon the direction of the flight, and are separated
by 1000 ft steps at altitudes below 29000 ft, and 2000 ft steps at altitudes above 29000 ft.
On Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspaces, the flight level separation of
1000 ft is maintained in the entire altitude range.
Standard Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) altitudes (in countries where altitudes are
measured in feet) are:
DEC 6, 2004 13
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Westbound Eastbound
Magnetic Magnetic
Heading Heading
180 - 359 000 - 179
2000` 3000`
4000` 5000`
etc to etc to
16000` 17000`
18000` 19000`
20000` 21000`
etc to etc to
28000` 29000`
31000 33000` 2000 ft separation begins
35000 37000`
39000 41000`
43000
FAR 121.639 covers fuel requirements for air carriers in domestic operations. According to
this rule, an airplane should not be dispatched or takeoff unless it has enough fuel:
a) To fly from the origin airport to the destination airport;
b) Thereafter, to fly and land at the alternate airport (if an alternate airport is necessary),
and;
c) Thereafter, to fly 45 minutes at normal cruising fuel consumption.
The alternate airport is necessary if, during the time period of 1 hour before the estimated
time of arrival (ETA) and 1 hour after ETA, the destination airport ceiling is 2000 ft or
below, or visibility is less than 3 NM.
DEC 6, 2004 14
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 15
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
2.3.5 RECLEARANCE
The reclearance is a procedure used to reduce the 10% (or 5%) contingency fuel, in order
to increase payload availability or reduce the total fuel required for the flight.
The total fuel requirement for a flight with reclearance is sum of item a) below plus the
larger between (a1+b1+c1+d1) and (a2+b2+c2+d2):
a) To fly from the origin airport to the reclearance point.
a1) To fly from the reclearance point and land at the reclearance airport.
b1) After that, to fly for a period of 10 percent of the total time (or 5% of the fuel) required
to fly from the airport of origin to the reclearance airport.
c1) After that, to fly to and land at the reclearance alternate airport, and
d1) After that, to fly for 30 minutes at holding speed at 1500 feet above the reclearance
alternate airport.
a2) To fly from the reclearance point and land at the destination airport.
b2) After that, to fly for a period of 10 percent of the total time (or 5% of the fuel) required
to fly from the reclearance point to the destination airport.
c2) After that, to fly to and land at the alternate airport, and
d2) After that, to fly for 30 minutes at holding speed at 1500 feet above the alternate
airport.
DEC 6, 2004 16
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 17
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Where:
Q = additional fuel quantity loaded at the origin airport.
f = fuel burn surplus due to extra payload ( Kg fuel burned / Kg extra payload)
The remaining quantity of additional fuel (QR) when the aircraft arrives the destination
airport will be:
QR = Q - AFB = Q - Q x f = Q x (1 - f)
The total amount of money (M$) paid for the additional fuel will be:
M$ = Q x P where P = price of fuel at the origin airport.
So, the aircraft arrives at the destination airport with a quantity of additional fuel equal to
QR, and the airline has paid M for this fuel. This results in an equivalent fuel price at
destination (PR) of:
PR = M / QR = (Q x P) / (Q x (1 - f)) = P / (1 - f)
Finally, if the fuel price at destination is more expensive than PR, it is economically
feasible to transport fuel (tanker fuel) from the origin to destination airport. If the fuel price
at destination is cheaper than PR, it is not economically interesting to tanker fuel. The
adjusted fuel price on destination is also called BREAK EVEN FUEL PRICE.
Note: The fuel surplus (f) is a parameter very sensitive to the flight planning variables such
as : trip distance, cruise flight levels , ISA deviation , winds and speed schedules. Typical
values are found by 3% to 5%.
Example:
Price at origin = $ 0.60/gallon
Price at destination = $ 0.68/gallon
Fuel burn surplus = 3%
The Break Even Fuel Price at destination (PR) will be:
PR = 0.60 / (1 - 0.03) = $ 0.65/gallon
As PR is cheaper than the fuel price at destination ($ 0.68/gallon), fuel tankering is
recommended for this flight.
Special care must be taken in determining the total fuel quantity to be tankered. Basically,
two factors must be observed:
DEC 6, 2004 18
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
• The amount of fuel tankered must be such that the total fuel remaining at the end of
the flight shall not exceed the minimum fuel required for the next flight, unless a fuel
tankering analysis has been done for a multi-leg flight.
• Tankered fuel may not cause the aircraft weight to exceed the maximum takeoff
and landing weights.
• Due to increased landing weights, additional maintenance costs may be expected
while performing fuel tankering. Tires and brakes wear is the most affected. In order
to compensate it, some operators adjust the break-even fuel price on destination by
another factor. This factor is usually “empirical” and is determined by airlines based
on each maintenance costs.
Many aircraft manufacturers present fuel tankering for flight planning data, using tables
and charts. The fuel surplus is usually calculated as function of trip length, flight level and
speed schedule.
When the CG of the aircraft is in a forward position, the nose-down moment caused by the
wing lift and aircraft weight forces increases, thus requiring a greater horizontal stabilizer
down force to counteract it.
In order to guarantee stabilized flight conditions, the wing lift force must be equal to the
aircraft weight plus the horizontal stabilizer down force. If the horizontal stabilizer down
force increases due to forward CG position, the wing lift force will also need to increase.
This lift increase can only be obtained by increasing the aircraft angle of attack, which will
also result in an increase of the drag forces.
Thus, in general, the best position to save fuel is an aft CG, because this condition results
in smaller stabilizer down forces and, therefore, smaller wing lift forces. The reduction on
the lift results in less drag, therefore reducing fuel consumption.
Some airplanes have an automatic system to maintain CG as aft as possible, in order to
optimize fuel consumption.
DEC 6, 2004 19
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
+ +
Trip T.O.
Fuel Fuel
(*) = Max Landing is the lowest between the Max Structural Landing Weight, Performance Limited
Landing Weight and Landing Pavement Strength Limited Weight.
DEC 6, 2004 20
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
2.7 EMERGENCY DESCENT AND OXYGEN REQUIREMENTS (JAR OPS 1.770 / 1760
and FAR 121.329/333)
An operator shall not operate a pressurized airplane at pressure altitudes above 10000 ft
unless supplemental oxygen equipment, capable of storing and dispensing the oxygen
supplies required is provided.”
Chemical Systems:
The supply pressure is constant and independent of the cabin altitude. This will lead to a
continuous and decreasing flow during the descent of the aircraft. So high flows are
provided at high altitudes and low flows at low altitudes. A period of 14 or 22 minutes of
oxygen supply is typically used on commercial aircraft.
Gaseous Systems:
When pulling the oxygen masks, oxygen cylinders are triggered providing high pressure of
oxygen to the passengers.
The oxygen flow and supply depend on the cabin altitude. The passenger supply is then
optimized for consumption. On lower altitudes, lower is the flow. Below 10000 ft , no
oxygen is provided. In this case, the oxygen supply time depends on the flight profile and
on the number of cylinders installed.
DEC 6, 2004 21
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The amount of supplementary oxygen required shall be determined on the basis of cabin
pressure altitude. It is possible to built a flight profile that represents the maximum altitudes
that the aircraft can be fly in such a way that all the oxygen capability is provided.
The oxygen profile is then constructed providing that the supplementary oxygen time limit
is expired exactly when then aircraft reaches 10000 ft.
The aircraft must have performance to accomplish this profile using emergency descent
speeds according to each type of aircraft. The performance descent profile must always
stand at or below the oxygen profile.
OXYGEN PROFILE
EMERGENCY
DESCENT SPEED
EMERGENCY
Step Flight DESCENT SPEED
PERFORMANCE
PROFILE EMERGENCY
Step Flight DESCENT SPEED
10000 ft
2.8 ETOPS
Extended Range Operation with Two Engine Airplanes (ETOPS) is a special certification
that the aircraft and aircraft operator must have to operate over a route that contains a
point more distant than 60 minutes flying time (in still air at normal cruising speed with one
engine inoperative) from an adequate aerodrome.(FAR 121.161)
In order to have the ETOPS certification, the aircraft must be designed with certain
considerations and the operator must gain the operational approval. Some factors that
must be considered are listed below:
Airframe/engine designed for fail-safe criteria
Effect of operation with a single engine
Fuel management
Independent sources of AC power
Cargo fire protection system
Equipment cooling
Analysis of failure effects
In-Service experience
Manufacturer validation flight test
DEC 6, 2004 22
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
ETOPS CIRCLES
Any point along a route must be located within the ETOPS approval time range circles (or
60 min for non-ETOPS approved aircraft):
In JAR OPS 1.245 it is defined that for aircraft without ETOPS certification, the 60 min
range circles shall be calculated based in the following conditions:
DEC 6, 2004 24
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DRIFTDOWN
DEC 6, 2004 1
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
INDEX
DEC 6, 2004 2
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
1.1 DRIFTDOWN
For most normal cruise weights and altitudes, an airplane will not be able to maintain its
cruise altitude following an engine failure, and will begin to descend (drift down). In order
to remain as high as possible, the pilot will use maximum continuous thrust on the
remaining engine and slow down to the optimum driftdown speed, which is the speed
that results in the lower descent gradient. The airplane will then descend along what is
called the optimum driftdown profile. The optimum driftdown profile will keep the
airplane as high as possible during the descent.
Regulations require that the actual airplane performance be calculated in the most
conservative airplane configuration and then further decreased by a 1.1 percent climb
gradient for two-engine airplanes, 1.4 percent for three-engine airplanes, and 1.6 percent
for four-engine airplanes. This reduced gradient path is called the en-route net flight path
and is used to ensure en-route obstacle clearance (FAR/JAR 25.123).
During a driftdown, the available thrust increases as the aircraft descends. Eventually, at
a certain altitude the available thrust will become equal to the airplane drag, and the
airplane will level off. This altitude is called the gross level off altitude. The gross level
off altitude, when corrected by the 1.1%, 1.4% or 1.6% gradient margins, is called the net
level off altitude and will depend on the atmospheric temperature and the airplane
weight.
The aircraft actual climb gradient (gross gradient) at the net level off altitude will be 1.1%,
1.4% or 1.6%. The net gradient is the gross gradient subtracted by 1.1%, 1.4% or 1.6%.
Obviously, the net gradient is zero at the net level off altitude, and the gross gradient is
zero at the gross level off altitude.
Regulations (FAR 121.191/JAR-OPS 1.500) require that the airplane be able to clear all
terrain by a given margin when an engine fails. Two means of compliance for en-route
obstacle clearance are allowed:
• The net level-off altitude must clear all en-route obstacles by at least 1000 ft; or
• The net flight path must clear all en-route obstacles between the point where the
engine is assumed to fail and an airport where a landing can be made by at least
2000 ft.
DEC 6, 2004 3
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
All terrain and obstructions along the route within 9.3 Km (5 NM) of either side of the
intended track must be considered when doing an en-route obstacle analysis (FAR
121.191).
Alternatively, the published minimum flight altitudes (Minimum En-Route Altitude, MEA, or
Minimum Off Route Altitude, MORA) may be used (JAR-OPS 1.500). MEA and MORA
normally already provide the required 2000 ft obstacle clearance for driftdown, however, at
and below 6000 ft altitude, MEA and MORA cannot be used directly as only 1000 ft is
ensured.
Prior to departure a detailed analysis of the route should be made using contour maps of
the high terrain and plotting the highest points within the prescribed corridor's width along
the route (or, alternatively, using MEA or MORA as described above). The next step is to
determine if it is possible to maintain level flight with one engine inoperative 1000 ft above
the highest point of the crossing. If this is not possible, or if the associated weight
penalties are unacceptable, a driftdown procedure should be worked out, based on engine
failure at the most critical point and clearing critical obstacles during the driftdown by at
least 2000 ft. The minimum cruise altitude and the point of no return (PNR) are
determined by the intersection of the two driftdown paths (JAR-OPS 1.500).
If an engine failure occurs after the PNR, the airplane will drift down on course. If the
failure occurs before PNR, the airplane will have to turn back. In either flight direction the
net flight path must clear the obstacles by 2000 ft.
Suppose that you are starting operation along a route that overflies the following terrain
profile:
FLIGHT DIRECTION
The first step is to calculate the driftdown net path. There will be two paths: one
considering the wind component for a driftdown along the initial component flight direction,
and another considering the wind component for a turn back and driftdown in opposite
flight direction.
NET DRIFTDOWN PATH
DEC 6, 2004 4
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
The idea is to combine the driftdown curve with the terrain profile.
A
2000 FT
The point where the dashed line touches the terrain is the earliest point (A) along the route
where the pilot can elect to proceed ahead. Continuing ahead anywhere before this point
would result in the aircraft passing too close to the terrain or even flying into it.
Now, the procedure is repeated but this time using the opposite direction driftdown curves,
and starting with the curves at left of the terrain profile. Moving the curves to the right until
the dashed curve touches the terrain profile. This represents the latest point (B) along the
route where the pilot can elect to do a 180-degree turn and return:
B
The altitude at which the solid lines cross each other is the minimum flight altitude, and the
crossing point defines the point of no return (PNR).
If an engine failure occurs before the PNR, the pilot must perform a 180 degrees turn and
do the driftdown in a direction opposite to the original flight. If the engine fails after the
PNR, the driftdown must be done along the original flight direction.
Flight in altitudes lower than the minimum flight altitude is not permitted because the
minimum terrain clearance would not be guaranteed.
PNR
Minimum Altitude
DEC 6, 2004 5
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
If the departure airport is close to the mountains that require driftdown analysis, it is not
necessary to climb to the minimum cruise altitude before starting the obstacle crossing. In
this case, it is preferable to just verify if the all engines gross climb profile is always above
the opposite flight direction driftdown path when crossing starts. A climbing pattern above
the departure airport is necessary up to the point where the all engines gross climb profile
crosses the net driftdown path.
PNR
Minimum Altitude
Departure Airport
PNR
Minimum Altitude
Departure Airport
A similar analysis can be done if the destination airport is located close to the mountains.
In this case, the top of descent (TOD) point must be delayed until it can be guaranteed that
the all engines gross descent profile will be above the net driftdown path.
DEC 6, 2004 6
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Sometimes the large quantity of obstacles along the route may result in unacceptable
weight penalties, high minimum cruise altitudes or impossibility of PNR determination. In
this case, the existence of an intermediary alternate airport allows the construction of a
double driftdown path, minimizing the penalties.
Alternate
Airport
When an intermediate alternate airport is used, two PNR's and two minimum altitudes are
defined, each one to be used in its associated route segment.
The driftdown tables published by aircraft manufacturers typically show driftdown paths
and level off information in terms of pressure altitude. As explained about Geometric
(True) Altitude Variation with ISA, the pressure altitude may not correspond to the actual
height of the aircraft.
When performing driftdown analysis, it is important to convert the obstacles heights to
pressure altitude before comparing it to the net flight path. This is especially important on
cold days, when the pressure altitude is higher than the actual height of the aircraft.
DEC 6, 2004 7
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 8
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
LANDING PERFORMANCE
DEC 6, 2004 1
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
INDEX
DEC 6, 2004 2
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 3
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Note: For landing performance, thrust reverser effect is not taken into consideration.
APPROACH CLIMB
LANDING CLIMB
The minimum climb gradients and the aircraft configuration are given in the table below:
Configuration Minimum Gradients
Gear Flap Thrust Max Number of engines
Speed 2 3 4
Approach up Approach 1 engine
position inoperative 1.5 Vs 2.1 % 2.4% 2.7%
T/O Thrust on (*) (*)
remaining engines
Landing down Landing T/O thrust on all 1.3 Vs 3.2% 3.2% 3.2%
position engines
(*) - For JAA certified aircraft, as per JAR-AWO 243, the minimum gradient required for go-
around (approach climb) during a CAT II approach is 2.5%.
DEC 6, 2004 4
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
Many airlines have policies for applying wind and gust corrections (additives) to the
landing reference speed (VREF). These wind additives are intended for compensating a
sudden unexpected change of winds during landing. Embraer, for example, recommends
an approach speed (VAPP) equal to:
VAPP= VREF + 1/2 steady headwind component+ full gust increment
It must be noted that the AFM landing performance does not take into consideration these
VREF additives. As a matter of fact, the AFM considers that the aircraft is always landing at
a speed exactly equal to VREF.
The wind velocity reported by the airport tower is measured at a 10 meters height.
Landing Field and Quick Turn Around weights are affected by wind during landing.
Headwinds improve landing performance due to the smaller distances required for aircraft
deceleration and lower ground speeds. Tailwinds degrade the landing performance due to
the greater deceleration distances and higher ground speeds.
Performance regulations require that the aircraft manufacturer must consider the following
factors when developing the AFM charts:
• AFM charts must be developed considering only 50% of the reported headwind and
150% of the reported tailwind. This is to guarantee appropriate performance margins
in case the actual headwind is weaker than the reported one, or if the actual tailwind is
stronger than the reported one.
The ECAFM already incorporate these wind adjustments, so that no additional corrections
need to be made.
Landing weight is limited by field length, the approach and landing climb gradient and the
structural landing weight. The Maximum Landing Weight is the lower of these four
limiting weights.
subsequent takeoff is only allowed after the cooling period is expired and tire fuse plugs
are checked not melted.
The Quick Turn Around Weight is calculated based on:
• Maximum Manual Braking
• Idle Thrust (no Reverse Thrust credit is taken)
• Speed Brakes extended
Usually the QTAW is a conservative reference, because the conditions above are not
typical of a normal landing, where normal braking is used and reverse thrust is deployed.
For this reason, many manufacturers certify their aircraft with a Brake Temperature
Monitoring System (BTMS). With BTMS the pilot can monitor the actual brake
temperature, and a subsequent takeoff is allowed provided the brakes temperature are in
the normal (green) range.
The ERJ 145 and EMB 170 families do have BTMS installed.
DEC 6, 2004 6
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 1
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
INDEX
2. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 25
DEC 6, 2004 2
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
CALCULATION OF MOMENT
The ‘Moment’ about any given point due to an applied force can be determined by
multiplying the force by the distance between its point of application and the given point.
Clockwise moment about the intersection point between the board and the wall due to
force F:
Moment=Fxd
To keep any segment of a beam in equilibrium when an external force is applied to it, there
must be forces internal to the beam itself which are equal and opposite to the applied load.
-These internal forces can be categorized as “shear” forces and “bending” forces.
‘Shearing’ forces act tangentially to the applied load. Each section of the beam must
support the adjacent section in response to the load.
‘Bending’ forces act perpendicularly to the applied load, and result from the moment
caused by the load. These forces cause tension and compression within the beam, to
offset the moment caused by the applied load.
DEC 6, 2004 3
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 4
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
‘Shearing’ and ‘Bending’ plotted versus the distance from the wall to see the complete
effect along the beam
DEC 6, 2004 5
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 6
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
AIRPLANE DATUM
This is a plane perpendicular to the fuselage centerline from where all arm measurements
are taken.
(BA − LEMAC)
C.G.(%MAC) = x100
MAC
DEC 6, 2004 7
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 8
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 9
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 10
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
A sweptback wing has sections that differ in size, and frequently in profile shape. However,
a representative segment on each wing half exists, whose aerodynamic characteristics
reflect the average of the entire wing half, thus localizing the center of pressure. The chord
line of this particular profile is the Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC). The position of the
total lift force and of the center of gravity is given in percent MAC, from the MAC-leading
edge.
DEC 6, 2004 11
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
CONDITIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
Straight and level flight is only possible if the vertical forces are balanced, that is, if their
sum is equal to zero. Furthermore, the moments generated by each force about any axis
of rotation (here acting on CP) must be balanced too.
∑F =0 ∑M = 0
LIFT
DOWN
FORCE
WEIGHT
Generally, the moments are not related to the center of pressure (CP), but to a certain
balance station whose units are (m x kg). This however results in large numbers that are
then transformed to more workable figures through division and addition of constants. The
resultant no longer has the units (m x kg), but is still a moment and is referred to Index.
DEC 6, 2004 12
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 13
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
CG CP
2m 16m
Case 2: When CG is 2.5 meters ahead of center of pressure (CP), horizontal stabilizer is
not anymore able to generate a moment enough to compensate pitch down moment
created by the pair of forces Lift/Weight.
CG CP
2.5 m 16m
Thus, the maximum allowable forward CG position is dictated by the controllability of the
aircraft.
DEC 6, 2004 14
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
CP
2.0 m 16m
DEC 6, 2004 15
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
CP
1m 16m
From first picture can be seen that the restoring moment of 26 m x ton is sufficient to
return the aircraft to equilibrium, whereas the restoring moment in second picture is not,
since it is less than required 25 m x ton.
On the contrary; the angle of attack keeps increasing, aggravating the situation even more.
The further the CG moves backwards the less the restoring moment will be. If ∆M
becomes zero there will be no tendency for the airplane to either return to equilibrium or
diverge from it. The airplane is thus neutrally stable and is said to have reached its “neutral
point”.
For a manual flight, commercial air transport aircraft must have positive stability to
maintain a stability margin. The amount of margin required is a function of a number of
variables and will generally differ from one airplane to another.
The maximum permissible aft limit is thereby defined by the controllability or the static
inherent stability of the aircraft.
Naturally, changes in position and intensity of aerodynamic forces during variations in
angle of attack will be taken into consideration for the calculation of the CG limit.
The CG limits on the Balance Chart are shown with certain safety margins (certified
limit/operational limit) to cover inaccuracies and CG shifts resulting from inflight movement
of passengers.
DEC 6, 2004 16
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
LIMITING FACTORS
1) Flight stability and nose gear steering effectiveness (Takeoff Pitch Up)
2) Main landing gear, center fuselage and horizontal tail.
3) nose landing gear, forward and aft fuselage and wing;
4) nose gear loads, horizontal tail and aft fuselage, takeoff performance;
5) forward & aft fuselage, and wing;
6) aft fuselage, landing gear and wing;
7) fuselage, landing gear and wing
DEC 6, 2004 17
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
In general, the best position to save fuel is an aft CG, because this condition results in
smaller stabilizer down forces and, therefore, smaller wing lift forces. The reduction on the
lift results in less drag, therefore reducing fuel consumption.
Some airplanes have an automatic system to maintain CG as aft as possible, in order to
optimize fuel consumption.
Case 1: A forward CG position requires higher lift forces and moments for the same
aircraft weight.
FORWARD CG POSITION
Lift
MAC
Weight
Case 2: An aft CG position reduces lift required, drag and fuel consumption.
AFT CG POSITION
Lift
MAC
Weight
DEC 6, 2004 18
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
NOTE: For Ferry or Training flights, in which passenger or flight attendant movement is not
an issue, a constrained center of gravity envelope without some of the takeoff and
flight allowances may be used so as not to limit these types of flight unnecessarily.
DEC 6, 2004 19
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 20
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
For these calculations we use the following formulas used for Balance Chart design:
DEC 6, 2004 21
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 22
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
DEC 6, 2004 23
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
There are some loading configurations that may lead the ZFW outside the lower part of the
CG envelope. This is typical for ferry or test flights where there is no payload or the Zero
Fuel Weight is approximately equal to the Basic Operational Weight.
ZFW
Fuel can be used as ballast in order to relocate the ZFW inside the envelope.
The ballast fuel must be shown in the weight manifest as an adjustment to the BOW (or
DOW), which will then be included in the ZFW. A minimum fuel quantity on board is then
required and shall not be considered for flight planning.
DEC 6, 2004 24
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
FLIGHT OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING COURSE
2. REFERENCES
DEC 6, 2004 25
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY