Performance Data Entry

Step-by-step: Performance Data Entry

1. First, set up the route. Type LEMD/EGLL (Madrid to London) and press 1R.
2. Go to the PERF page to enter takeoff performance data.

   All the values on this page come from a takeoff performance calculation — either from an EFB app, printed tables, or the airline's performance software. The calculation uses your actual takeoff weight, runway length, temperature, wind, and airport elevation to produce safe speeds.

3. Enter V1 (decision speed) of 138. Type 138 and press 1L.

   Madrid Barajas has long runways (up to 4,350m), which allows lower V-speeds at similar weights. V1 = 138 here vs 145 at Heathrow reflects the different conditions. In practice, you'd calculate this fresh for every flight using your EFB.

4. Enter VR (rotation speed) of 142. Type 142 and press 2L.

   VR is always at or above V1. The gap between V1 and VR gives a small buffer — after committing to takeoff at V1, you accelerate a few more knots before rotating.

5. Enter V2 (takeoff safety speed) of 148. Type 148 and press 3L.

   V2 must be at least 1.13× the stall speed in takeoff configuration. The performance software computes this automatically. If you entered a wrong flap setting, V2 would change too.

6. Enter flex temperature of 55. Type 55 and press 4R. Flex takeoff uses reduced thrust to save engine life.

   Flex (flexible) takeoff tells the engines to produce thrust as if it were 55°C outside (even if it's really 25°C). Hotter air = less thrust = less stress on the engines. Airlines use this to extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs. The max flex temp comes from your performance calculation. You can NEVER use flex on a contaminated runway or when performance is limiting.

7. Set takeoff flaps to 2. Type 2 and press 3R. Madrid has long runways, so flaps 2 works well.

   Madrid's long runways allow Flaps 2, which produces less drag than Flaps 3 and gives better climb performance after takeoff. At a shorter runway you might need Flaps 3 for the lower speeds it allows. Your performance tables indicate which flap settings are valid for the conditions.

8. Performance data complete. Press INIT to return to the main page.