ATPL Performance - General Principles - 3 - En Route

The lesson focuses on the general performance principles of an airplane in the enroute phase, specifically discussing range and endurance parameters.

• Forces acting on an aircraft in cruise are examined, including lift-weight and thrust-drag couples.
• The role of the tail plane in balancing nose down pitching moment for level flight is explained.
• Methods to manipulate tail plane downforce by changing the center of gravity through fuel consumption or transfer are discussed.
• Different expressions of airplane speed, including indicated AirSpeed, calibrated AirSpeed, true airspeed, true ground speed, and Mach number, are explained.
• The impact of speed on airplane performance, including maximum and minimum speeds, is detailed.
• The effects of compressibility at high speeds and the formation of shock waves are discussed.
• The concept of Mach number and its significance in high-speed flight are explained.
• Factors affecting endurance, such as weight, airplane configuration, altitude, and wind, are analyzed.
• Factors affecting range, such as weight, airplane configuration, and airplane trim, are examined.
• The relationship between payload and range in airplane operations is illustrated.
• The impact of parasite drag, misaligned surfaces, and airframe icing on fuel consumption and range is highlighted.