Takeoff performance calculations start with a chart from the airplane's POH but there may be more to the story. We'll take a look at one of these charts along with the conditions and notes on the chart that many pilots overlook. We'll also address what to do when the runway just doesn't fit the mold defined by the chart.

One of the best ways to become a better pilot is easy, free and doesn’t require a flight instructor. Sound too good to be true? Hardly. In fact, you may already do it, at least in some form.