This lab is performed as the fundamental step for additional flight test activities. Airspeed is one of the most important factors that affect performance and other aerodynamic properties. Calibrating the indicated airspeed with onboard GPS will provide reliable results with acceptable accuracy. (This experiment is performed in the ERAU Advanced Flight Simulation Center (ASFC), data recorded are generated by a level VI C172s Flight Training Device (FTD) equipped with stimulated G1000 units.)

It is hard to measure the drag of a flying aircraft without special modifications, as the thrust is not commonly indicated in the cockpit.  By recording the manifold pressure at different phases of flight, the power generated by the engine could be found. Knowing the propeller efficiency at different airspeeds, the thrust or drag of C172s is calculated. Important characteristics like Oswald's efficiency and flat plate drag could then be calculated with the results of this test.

Climb performance is a critical aspect of flight performance. Like the other performance characteristics, the maximum rate of climb of aircraft differs at different airspeeds and configurations. This critical characteristic limits the ceiling of an aerial vehicle; it is a significant part of the determination of the flight profile.