PLT004: Climb and Descent Performance
What code PLT004 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Climb and Descent Performance before your checkride.
Calculate aircraft performance - climb / descent / maneuvering
What this means for your checkride
This is computing climb, descent, and maneuvering performance: rate and angle of climb, the descent rate for a target gradient, and the speeds for best angle (Vx) or best rate (Vy). They come from the POH charts for the weight, altitude, and temperature.
These numbers decide whether you clear an obstacle or make a crossing restriction, so the FAA tests whether you can read the charts and apply the right speed.
Pilots confuse Vx and Vy. Best angle (Vx) gives the most altitude over a distance for obstacle clearance; best rate (Vy) gives the most altitude over time.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.