- January 29, 2021, 11:45 AM
Before advancing the thrust levers of a business jet or airliner for takeoff, pilots must calculate and review performance data to ensure there is enough runway distance available and that all obstacles will be cleared while climbing up to 1,500 feet. To complicate matters, this data must account for two different scenarios: either all engines operating or one engine inoperative.
Recent incidents and accidents point to several common errors that relate to takeoff performance calculations. Crew data input errors into takeoff performance systems, flight management computers, and thrust management computers are most common. Weight entry errors ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 pounds less than actual takeoff weight produce lower than required takeoff speeds (V1, Vr, and V2). Other gotchas include selecting the wrong thrust and/or flap setting or taking off from an intersection that provides less takeoff distance than planned.