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Sources & calculation methods
PilotDesk is built as a planning and training aid. Where a calculator uses a recognized FAA rule, definition, or relationship, the calculator page states its assumptions and links to an authoritative reference. Pure unit conversions and geometry use standard mathematical constants.
Operational rule: a PilotDesk answer never overrides an AFM/POH, approved weight-and-balance data, aircraft limitations, current chart/procedure, regulation, NOTAM, weather product, or operator/instructor procedure.
Primary references
| Reference | Used for |
|---|---|
| FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge | Atmosphere concepts, load factor, accelerated stalls, hydroplaning and general performance relationships. |
| FAA Airplane Flying Handbook | Pivotal altitude, turn rate/radius concepts, maneuvering guidance. |
| FAA Aviation Weather Handbook | Weather theory and temperature/dew-point cloud-base approximation. |
| FAA Weight & Balance Handbook | Moment, arm, CG and weight-and-balance theory. |
| FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary | Standard-rate turn definition (3° per second). |
Engineering / math conventions
- 1 NM = 1,852 m = approximately 6,076.115 ft.
- 1 kt = 1 NM/hr = approximately 0.514444 m/s.
- Great-circle calculations use a mean Earth radius of 3,440.065 NM.
- Density-altitude calculation uses a dry-air ISA tropospheric model and is limited to the troposphere; humidity can change actual density.
- Turn calculations assume coordinated, level flight unless the page says otherwise.
Change-control approach
When formulas are changed, PilotDesk should be tested against known examples before deployment. Aircraft-specific performance calculators should not be added unless their underlying approved source data and interpolation rules are known.