| Questions | Question 1 | Question 2 | Question 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Decision to be made (Phrased as a question.): |
Is the runway long enough for this aircraft to gain the speed and height
needed to clear any obstructions at the end of the runway? |
Will the flying speed and climb rate of the aircraft be great enough to
fly safely above the mountains? |
How will density altitude and temperature affect the aircraft's flight
performance? |
| B. Critical Factors Involved |
runway length and aircraft's take off distance requirements obstructions at end of runway weight of loaded airplane current temperature and density altitude wind conditions current and forecasted weather conditions airport's elevation |
aircraft's flight specifications for fuel, payload weight and climb rate flying speed and climbing speed tailwinds and headwinds distance to mountains from airport height of mountain peak maximum climb performance of aircraft |
air temperature and air pressure changes with altitude temperature at peak of mountain
|
| C. Information known |
runway is 8,544 feet long with a 50 foot obstruction at one end based on airport directory map Takeoff speed can be computed from aircraft specifications manual based
on weight of loaded aircraft |
Climb Performance Chart will assist with climb information and calculations Formula for computing flight time: Total # of gallons of fuel divided by fuel flow. Formula for computing fuel consumed = fuel flow (gallons per hour) multiplied by time Time = distance divided by speed |
Climb Performance Chart will assist with climb information and calculations The temperature drops 1.8 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet
Airport's elevation is 6,264 feet. |
| D. Information
needed (question) |
A) What is the weight of this loaded aircraft? B) According to the aircraft specifications what will be the maximum takeoff speed? C) Will the wind at takeoff be a positive or negative factor? D) How long is the runway? E) How tall are any obstructions within takeoff path? F) What is the airport's elevation or alittude? G) What is the current air temperature? H) What is the current density altitude? I) Can I substitute density altitude calculations for air pressure altitude when using the Takeoff Performance Chart? J) What information is needed to correctly calculate the aircraft's ability
to takeoff safely under the current conditions using the Takeoff Performance
Chart? |
A) What is the distance from airport to peaks that need to be crossed? B) What will be my flying speed (considering wind as a factor)? C) How many minutes will it take the airplane to reach the mountain? D) Based upon the aforementioned factors, how many feet per minute will the airplane need to climb in order to clear peaks safely? (calculated climb performance) E) How does one read a Climb Performance Chart? F) What do the weather reports indicate? G) What is the formula for computing flight time given distance? H) Does climb performance change along with changes in air temperature and air density? I) What will be the maximum climb performance of this aircraft as indicated
by aircraft flight specifications, weather, temperature and density altitude? |
A) What happens to air temperature as altitude increases? B) What information is needed to compute density altitude at the mountain's peak? C) What is the density altitude at the mountain's peak? D) Under the current flight conditions what will be the maximum climb performance for this aircraft? E) How does the calculated climb performance compare to the aircraft's actual climb performance based upon the Climb Performance Chart? F) What will the air temperature at the airport have to be in order for
the aircraft to climb safely over the peaks? |
| E. Resources
for fact-finding |
airport directory map for runway length and obstructions aircraft's flight specifications manual |
aeronautical chart to determine distances weather reports for airport and area climb performance chart to compute climb rate |
aeronautical chart to determine distances climb performance chart to compute climb rate density altitude chart to compute density at different altitudes and
temperatures |
| F. Answers to each question |
A) 2,550 pounds B) C) Positive factor. D) 8,544 feet in length E) Trees 50 feet tall. F) 6,264 feet in elevation G) H) I) Yes, you can substitute density altitude calculations for air pressure altitude when using the Takeoff Performance Chart. J) You need the calculated density altitude, the current air temperature,
airplane's total weight, headwind speed, runway distance and clearance
height for obstructions (calculated takeoff distance). |
|
| A. Possible Decisions | B. Negative Consequences |
B. Positive Consequences |
C. Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1) Do not even attempt to take off today. Reschedule flight for late
tomorrow morning depending upon weather report. |
A) You'll be late getting back home. B) You'll have to file another flight
plan C) You'll have to do some more calculations in the morning after
chacking the weather reports. |
A) You will be able to fly safely out of the area, clearing the peaks
within FAA regulations. |
|
|
2) Leaving behind any extra weight and recalculate all parameters. Take
off as soon as possible. Circle the Lake Tahoe basin to attempt an altitude
gain before crossing peaks. |
A) You'll have to find another way to get all your stuff home. |
If you make it you'll get home on schedule. |
|
|
3) Go ahead and take off because you will clear the runway and who knows,
there's a slim chance you could just clear the peaks. |
A) You will not clear the peaks according to
all the calculations. B) With the temperature changes and the impending weather changes, the risk is too great for loss of life and aircraft. |
A) You will clear the runway and obstructions. |
| Final decision with rationale: TOP 3 CHOICES | First Choice: | Second choice: | Third Choice: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflect upon decision: |
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