Performance refers to the capability of an aircraft at various stages of its flight. This capability can be measured in terms of weight, altitude, speed, distance, gradient, obstacle clearance, range, etc. This is a general overview and should not be confused with the net takeoff path and gross takeoff path, which are specific terms used in climb performance. Climb performance can be considered a subsection of overall aircraft performance studies. If you are looking for information on the net takeoff path or gross takeoff path, please check the link in the footer of this article.

Mandatory Performance

It is the minimum performance standard that must be met by an aircraft to be granted a Certificate of Airworthiness by the appropriate authority (DGCA for India). A conventional transport aircraft (Category A) should not have to make a forced landing in the event of an engine failure at any stage of its flight. The Aeroplane Flight Manual specifies the performance of aircraft that complies with the mandatory performance standards.

Mandatory performance can be further specified as: Gross Performance and Net Performance

Gross Performance

Gross performance is the average performance expected to be achieved by a fleet of a particular aircraft type.

Net Performance

Net performance is the performance obtained by reducing the gross performance in a specified manner. This adjustment accounts for factors such as variations in operating techniques, degradation of aircraft performance due to aging, and deviations of environmental conditions from those assumed.

Operational Performance

Operational performance is the performance specified by the manufacturer for the day-to-day operations of the fleet. This is more conservative than mandatory performance and is provided in the FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual). Operational performance data is used for planning purposes.

Demonstrated Performance

Demonstrated performance is the performance recorded during the demonstration flights by the manufacturer for the Certificate of Airworthiness.

Takeoff Segments | Climb Gradient Requirements | Obstacle Clearance Requirements