What are standard performance calculations pilots must conduct?

The correct answer focuses on essential safety and operational aspects of flight: takeoff distances, landing distances, and weight and balance. These calculations are critical for ensuring that the aircraft can safely take off and land given its current load, runway length, and environmental conditions.

Takeoff distances involve determining how long a runway the aircraft will need to become airborne based on its weight, wind conditions, and runway surface. Similarly, landing distances account for the same variables to ensure the aircraft can stop safely on the available runway.

Weight and balance calculations are crucial as they ensure the aircraft is within its permissible limits for safe flight. Improper weight distribution can affect aircraft handling and performance, impacting safety. Pilots are trained to conduct these specific performance calculations before flight to adhere to regulations and ensure safe operations.

Other options, while relevant to flying, do not pertain directly to the immediate performance calculations that impact takeoff and landing phases of flight, which are critical for safety.