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Large Aircraft Planning Calculations Overview

May 14, 2025

Lecture on Large Aircraft Planning Calculations and Charts

Introduction

  • Focus on FAA test question 8630; use ASA ATP test prep book.
  • Essential to practice questions using charts for test readiness.

Understanding FAA Figures

  • Figures 56, 57, 58: Used for calculating the ground distance during in-route climb for V3.
  • Initial Observations:
    • Brake release weight given in 1,000 lbs.
    • Cruise pressure altitude and airport elevation stated.
    • ISA temperature and average wind component provided.

Calculations for Climb

  • Example calculation:
    • 85,000 lbs brake release weight.
    • 35,000 ft pressure altitude.
    • 16 minutes climb time with 26,000 lbs fuel burned.
    • Distance: 87 nautical miles at 373 knots average speed.
  • Adjust for wind component:
    • Calculate true airspeed considering headwind.
    • Example: 326 knots with a 30-knot headwind results in 296.3 knots.

Interpolation Problems

  • Figures 69 and 68: Used for holding scenario.
  • Conditions:
    • 31,000 ft altitude, 102,000 lbs weight.
    • Need to interpolate between given weights and altitudes.
  • Interpolation Steps:
    • Find EER settings by calculating differences and adjusting for specific conditions.
    • Use interpolation to estimate values between known data points.

Drift Down Scenario

  • Figures 72: Used for determining level-off altitude after engine failure.
  • Consider factors like engine anti-ice status and ISA temperature.
  • Importance of reading notes for adjustments (e.g., air conditioning off adjustment).

Spaghetti Chart for Trip Time

  • Figures 61 and 62: Used for calculating trip time and fuel.
  • Follow the lines on the chart for distance, wind, and altitude considerations.
  • Determine trip time and trip fuel by following guidelines across chart intersections.

Calculating Trip Time and Fuel

  • Figures 66 and 67: Provide formulas for correcting trip time and fuel for wind components.
  • Example calculations using given formulas:
    • Tailwind reduces time, headwind increases fuel consumption.

Radius of Turn Calculation

  • Figures 481: Used to determine radius of turn based on altitude and airspeed.
  • Combine airport elevation with flight information for accurate radius calculation.

Comprehensive Flight Log Problem

  • Involves: Gathering initial data from various charts and directories.
  • Steps:
    • Calculate magnetic variation, true airspeed, and fill in flight log.
    • Use route and arrival procedures to determine leg distances.
    • Convert winds from true to magnetic for calculations.

Using Flight Computers

  • Demonstrated with a manual flight computer.
  • Steps:
    • Dial in wind angles, adjust for true airspeed to calculate ground speed.
    • Use time/distance calculations for flight legs.

Additional Notes

  • Discussed using flight computers for converting Mach numbers to true airspeed.
  • Importance of understanding standard lapse rates for temperature calculations.

These notes summarize the lecture focusing on aircraft planning calculations, highlighting essential steps and tips for interpreting charts and solving related problems efficiently.

Full transcript