Aircraft Performance Weight and Balance

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Summary

This book explores the physics of flight, jet engine propulsion, principles and regulations of aircraft performance, and other related topics, always with an innovative and straightforward approach to piloting and flight planning. This way, a traditionally complex study was made into something fun and easy.

It focuses on Class A aircraft performance and is suitable for those new to airplane performance, as well as those with prior experience who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the subject (pilots - professionals or students - aeronautical engineers, flight dispatchers, and aviation enthusiasts).

The book is organized into six chapters that guide the reader through an entire flight. First, we have Physics of Flight, which covers the basics of aerodynamics. It is followed by Weight and Balance, Takeoff Performance (by far the largest chapter), Enroute Performance, Landing Performance, and Miscellaneous (which includes ACR/PCR, Cold Weather Operations, ETOPS, Reclearance, and others).

Capt Thiago Lopes Brenner

Capt Thiago Lopes Brenner

From his first terrifying lesson in aircraft performance — a takeoff that almost went wrong — to commanding the Boeing 737 as an airline captain, Captain Thiago Lopes Brenner has spent his career turning experience into understanding. With over 11,000 flight hours and years of teaching at one of Brazil's top aviation universities, he brings a rare mix of operational insight and academic depth.

This book is the result of that journey: a pilot's guide to aircraft performance that blends real-world flying with clear explanations. It's written not just to inform, but to make performance feel alive — practical, logical, and essential to every safe takeoff.

When I started teaching performance, I couldn't find a book that spoke to pilots the way pilots think. Everything was either too complex or too simplistic. So, I decided to write the one that was missing.

Captain T.Brenner
VPT Recommends

At Virtual Performance Tool, we're committed to empowering pilots with knowledge that goes beyond our platform. This book perfectly complements our performance calculations by providing the theoretical foundation every serious pilot needs. Captain Brenner's practical approach mirrors our own philosophy: make complex performance concepts accessible, accurate, and actionable. Whether you're using VPT for your calculations or flying professionally, this book will deepen your understanding of the "why" behind every takeoff.