How the charts work
Each trainer has its own takeoff graph, landing table, crosswind chart and cruise and climb tables, drawn here from one smooth model, plus one density altitude chart for both. They look and read like the charts in a POH and the FAA knowledge test supplement, with our own numbers. A class link carries the set code and every setting, so each student gets the same problems.
Chart answers count when they land within the stated reading tolerance: 200 ft for density altitude; on the takeoff graph 7% of the ground roll (at least 90 ft) and 9% of the total (at least 150 ft); 2 kt for wind components. Table answers are interpolated in straight lines, the notes are applied in the order printed, and landing distances (and takeoff distances on grass, worked from the graph figures given) are rounded up to the next 10 ft.
Worked example: the takeoff graph
The four-seat trainer at 3,500 ft pressure altitude, 24 °C, 2,250 lb, with an 8 kt headwind:
| Panel | What you do | Reading (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Up from 24 °C to 3,500 ft (three quarters of the way from the 2,000 to the 4,000 ft line), across to the reference line | 1,320 |
| Weight | Follow the guide lines down to 2,250 lb | 1,170 |
| Wind | Follow the headwind lines to 8 kt (the lines already count only half of a headwind): the ground roll | 1,010 |
| Obstacle | Follow the lines up to 50 ft: the total distance | 1,780 |
A careful reading lands within 90 ft of the ground roll and 170 ft of the total. Try five takeoff problems.
Methods and where they come from
| What | Method | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure altitude | field elevation + (29.92 − setting) × 1,000 ft, or the conversion table | PHAK ch. 11, Fig. 11-3 and 11-22; FAA-P-8740-2 |
| Density altitude | chart: temperature up to the pressure altitude line, across | PHAK ch. 11, Sample Problem 1 |
| Takeoff graph | reference lines and guide lines, panel by panel | PHAK ch. 11, Fig. 11-23 |
| Table notes | percent of the table figure, in the order printed | PHAK ch. 11, Sample Problem 3 |
| Interpolation | straight line between rows and columns | PHAK ch. 11, Fig. 11-21 and Sample Problem 11 |
| Wind components | angle line to the wind speed arc; down for crosswind, across for headwind | PHAK ch. 11, Sample Problem 10 |
| Climb | cruise altitude figures minus the departure figures | PHAK ch. 11, Fig. 11-25 |
| VFR fuel reserve | 30 minutes by day, 45 at night, at normal cruise | 14 CFR 91.151 |
Sources checked October 25, 2026. On our density altitude chart the PHAK's example (5,883 ft, 30.10 "Hg, 70 °F) reads about 7,700 ft, as in the handbook.
Questions
How do you read a takeoff distance graph?
Start at the outside air temperature, go up to the pressure altitude line, then across to the first reference line. From there follow the guide lines to the takeoff weight, across to the next reference line, follow the wind lines, and read the ground roll. For the total over 50 ft, follow the obstacle lines up to 50 ft.
How do you find density altitude on the chart?
Find the pressure altitude first. Go up from the outside air temperature to that pressure altitude line, then straight across to the density altitude scale. In the FAA handbook's example, a pressure altitude of 5,718 ft and 70 °F give about 7,700 ft.
How do you work out pressure altitude?
Set 29.92 in the altimeter and read it, or correct the field elevation: add (29.92 minus the altimeter setting) times 1,000 ft, or use the conversion table printed with many density altitude charts. A setting below 29.92 makes the pressure altitude higher than the field.
How do you interpolate a performance table?
Take the two rows (or columns) either side of your value and go the same fraction of the way between their figures. Halfway between 2,000 and 3,000 ft is the average of the two. When both altitude and temperature fall between lines, interpolate one, then the other.
What is the difference between ground roll and total distance over a 50 ft obstacle?
Ground roll is the runway used until the wheels leave the ground (or, on landing, from touchdown to a stop). The total over 50 ft adds the air distance to or from 50 ft above the runway. Compare the total with the runway you have.
How do you find the crosswind component?
Work out the angle between the wind and the runway. On the chart, find where that angle line meets the wind speed arc, then read straight down for the crosswind and across for the headwind. The FAA handbook's example: 30° and 25 kt give 22 kt headwind and 13 kt crosswind.
What does maximum demonstrated crosswind mean?
It is the crosswind the airplane was landed in during its certification flight tests (tested up to two tenths of its power-off stall speed in the landing configuration), published in the POH/AFM. Above it you are past what was tested.
Are these real airplane charts?
No. Both trainers and all their charts are made up and drawn here, close to real light trainers in size, so the reading skills carry over. For a flight, use your aircraft's POH/AFM.
Load the same trainers on the weight and balance practice problems page: the maximum weights here are the ones on their loading tables.
Practice only. Not for flight planning. Use your aircraft's POH/AFM. The two trainers and every chart, table and note on this page are made up.
Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), chapter 11, Aircraft Performance (PDF); FAA-P-8740-2 Density Altitude (PDF); Private Pilot Airplane ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C), Task I.F Performance and Limitations (PDF); 14 CFR 91.151.