May 24, 2013
Question: The maximum certificated weight of my airplane is 1,800 pounds. I plan to take off with a weight of 1,890 pounds. How does that increase my risk of having a problem during takeoff?
Answer: Attempting to fly an overweight airplane is never advisable as it is both risky and could result in a violation of 14 CFR 91.9 and 91.13. Excess weight negatively affects many aspects of airplane performance. For instance, the increase in takeoff run can be determined by the present weight divided by the maximum certificated weight, squared. In this example, a pilot will experience an increased takeoff run by a factor of (1,890/1,800)2, or 1.052. The result is a takeoff run that is increased by 10 percent. That 10 percent could make a critical difference in the success or failure of a takeoff attempt. Read about the tragic effect of weight on aircraft performance in this accident report from the Air Safety Institute.
Takeoffs and Landings,
The caustic combination of crosswind and an ice-crusted runway sent the aircraft skidding into a snow bank built up by plowing along the runway edge.
West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin on Feb. 18 signed into law a bill that will add liability protection for land owners who allow aircraft operations at their privately owned airstrips and farms.
J. Reid Garrison, an airshow performer and formation pilot who has been part of the story line at the major aviation events, including Sun 'n Fun and EAA AirVenture, across the years, was recently inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame.
VOLUNTEER AT AN AOPA FLY-IN NEAR YOU!
SHARE YOUR PASSION. VOLUNTEER AT AN AOPA FLY-IN. CLICK TO LEARN MORE >>>
VOLUNTEER LOCALLY AT AOPA FLY-IN! CLICK TO LEARN MORE >>>
BE A PART OF THE FLY-IN VOLUNTEER CREW! CLICK TO LEARN MORE >>>