Monticello Flying Club Pilot Transition Manual: Mooney M20F
Page 20 of 42
CHAPTER
4.
A
IRCRAFT
P
ERFORMANCE
G
ENERAL
This section considers another critical flight planning activity, the proper use of
information contained in the aircraft performance charts to optimize performance and protect the
aircraft from damage.
T
HE
P
ILOT
O
PERATING
H
ANDBOOK
(POH)
First a little background. In the 1960s, the M20F OWNER'S MANUAL was issued with
96 pages, still with a separate loading schedule to be consulted for weight and balance data.
Mooney Owners Manuals and Pilot Operating Handbooks contain the following advice, which
we would all do well to heed:
"...It is important that you - regardless of your previous experience - carefully read the
handbook form cover to cover and review it frequently."
T
AKE
O
FF
P
ERFORMANCE
Take off performance can be obtained using the chart in the POH. These charts are
calculated based upon actual flight tests, using average piloting techniques, the airplane and
engine in good condition, and the engine power control system properly adjusted. The charts
make no allowances for varying levels of pilot technique, proficiency or environmental
conditions. The pilot must evaluate the effect of soft runways, winds aloft, or airplane
configuration changes.
Keep in mind that to use these charts you must first calculate your weight and balance
and calculate the density altitude at your departure. Remember as well to figure on 1.5 gallons of
fuel burn for start/taxi/run up/takeoff.
The worst-case scenario (per the charts) would require 2,395 ft to clear a 50 ft obstacle.
So if you are taking off from a runway that is shorter than this, you need to pay close attention to
the takeoff charts to ensure that you can depart under those conditions. Don’t be afraid to abort a
takeoff that is not progressing as you expected before it is too late to do so. Also, maintaining the
best angle of climb airspeed of 94 MPH is critical for obstacle clearance on short-field takeoffs.
Succumbing to the temptation to raise the nose to get over an obstacle can quickly put you on the
wrong side of the power curve – fly the POH performance speeds.
Keep in mind that density
altitude affects performance.
C
RUISE
P
ERFORMANCE
Cruise performance can be directly obtained from the charts found in the POH.
The
aircraft should not be continuously operated above 75% power and remember that these tables
are based on aggressive leaning of the mixture. It is also important to remember that these are
true airspeeds (TAS) not indicated airspeeds (IAS) or ground speeds (GS). You must adjust the
TAS according to pressure altitude and temperature to determine calibrated airspeed (CAS),
which should be close to the indicated airspeed (IAS) read off the airspeed indicator.
Furthermore, ground speed calculations must include the effect of winds aloft.