As a pilot in command, you need to know your aircraft’s capabilities: how well, or how badly your aircraft performs in the different phases of flight under different conditions. Understanding an aircraft’s performance and what controls that performance is essential for safe and efficient flying operations.

For example, refer to the Take-Off Distance graph below. Given: Flaps 25°, Pressure Altitude 4000ft, Aircraft Weight 2200lb, Wind 10 Knot headwind. What is the approximate take-off distance to reach a height of 50 feet?

Follow the red line for each variable in turn and the take-off distance is given as 1,875ft.