Master Aircraft Performance for your ATPL theory exam
Free practice questions covering takeoff and landing distances, balanced field length, V speeds, climb gradients, obstacle clearance, density altitude, Performance Class A/B and runway correction factors — with detailed explanations for every answer.
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Topics covered in this question bank
All major Performance topic areas from the EASA ATPL syllabus, from runway requirements to en-route obstacle clearance.
Four-segment climb gradient requirements after engine failure
The four-segment climb analysis is the most calculation-intensive topic in ATPL Performance. Net gradients (gross minus 0.8% for twin-engine aircraft) must be achieved at all segments. These exact values are directly tested in the exam.
| Segment | Phase | 2-Engine | 3-Engine | 4-Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Gear retracting (35 ft to gear up) | Positive | Positive | Positive |
| 2nd | Gear up → 400 ft (flap retraction altitude) | 2.4% | 2.7% | 3.0% |
| 3rd | Acceleration / flap retraction (level or climbing) | Net positive | Net positive | Net positive |
| 4th | 1500 ft to en-route climb configuration | 1.2% | 1.5% | 1.7% |
What to expect on the real exam
Performance contains a high proportion of calculation questions — candidates are expected to extract data from performance charts, apply correction factors for temperature, altitude, wind and runway slope, and calculate balanced field lengths or net climb gradients. Conceptual questions test understanding of V speeds, performance class differences and the effects of density altitude. Practise with real charts and numbers — this subject cannot be learned from definitions alone.
Why Performance is directly linked to flight safety
Performance calculations determine whether an aircraft can safely take off, climb, and land at a given airfield under prevailing conditions. Getting these calculations wrong has direct and serious consequences. The Performance paper tests both mathematical ability and conceptual understanding of the factors that affect aircraft performance.
Questions are aligned with the EASA ATPL Performance (Aeroplane) syllabus and cover Class A turbine operations in full detail, including the four-segment climb analysis, balanced field length derivation, and the declared distances (TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA).
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