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Performance, Weight & Balance

This section outlines the standard procedures for performance calculations and weight & balance at Air Canada Virtual Airline.

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Aircraft Weight Limitations

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A320 Family

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Boeing 787-9

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Load Sheet Verification

The PIC must verify that:

• ZFW + Fuel = TOW ≤ MTOW
• Center of Gravity (CG) is within envelope (%MAC)
• Fuel distribution is appropriate
• All cargo is properly secured and accounted for

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Performance Calculation Tools

• Manufacturer provided tools (preferred)
• TopCat for performance calculations
• Simbrief integration for flight planning

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V-Speed Calculations

V-speeds should be calculated for each takeoff based on:

• Runway length
• Runway condition
• Aircraft weight
• Temperature
• Pressure altitude
• Wind component

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Runway Analysis

For each departure, consider:

• Declared distances (TORA, TODA, ASDA, LDA)
• Engine-out departure procedure (EODP)
• Obstacles within 3 nm of departure path that are greater than 125 ft AGL
• Minimum climb gradients

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Climb Performance

Standard climb profiles to be used unless ATC requires otherwise:

• Airspeed/Mach climb schedule as per aircraft type
• Use appropriate NADP (Noise Abatement Departure Procedure) when required
• Step climbs should be planned to maintain optimum altitude

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Descent Planning

• Plan Top of Descent (TOD) using the formula: TOD = (Altitude Δ × 3) + 10 nm buffer
• Early descent is preferred over late descent to maintain fuel efficiency
• Speed control during descent should follow the profile in the Flight-Deck SOPs

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Landing Performance

Calculate required landing distance based on:

• Aircraft landing weight
• Reported runway conditions
• Weather (temperature, wind, pressure)
• Use of autobrake setting
• Runway slope

Landing performance assessments must be completed:

• During preflight planning
• Before commencing approach when conditions change