ForeFlight provides takeoff and landing performance data

ForeFlight makes these instant calculations for about 200 models of singles, twins, and turboprops. The popular app has the ability to account for weather, wind, and runway condition and orientation along a pilot’s entire route of flight. It even makes estimates based on forecast conditions at the estimated time of arrival.

“All pilots learn how to read performance tables and spaghetti charts as part of flight training,” said Angela Anderson, ForeFlight marketing director. “But pilots may not feel the need to always do these calculations for every takeoff and landing...even though it contributes to safety.”

Before takeoff, ForeFlight automatically calculates ground roll, accelerate-stop distance, climb rate and gradient, and other measures. Before landing, it figures reference airspeed, landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle, ground roll, and other measures dealing with possible go-arounds.

If a runway is too short or a twin’s single-engine climb performance is inadequate, ForeFlight highlights those “areas of concern” before a pilot takes off or attempts a landing.

One word of caution: ForeFlight’s performance numbers are based on manufacturer-supplied data which tends to be optimistic. Real-world pilots seldom match factory test pilots who were flying new airplanes under ideal test conditions. So beware the lack of any “fudge factor” in the ForeFlight numbers.

ForeFlight only supplies takeoff and landing performance calculations for its $300-a-year Performance Plus and Business Performance subscribers.