Performance
Please excuse me if this question has been asked before but -
How much allowance is given in the flight manual performance figures for "fudge factors" By that I mean the average pilot (me) flying a machine that maybe getting on in years and hours and the surprise factor when something goes cough splutter?
It is my understanding that 99% of aircraft testing is carried out in brand new machine with a graduate test pilot operating to a clearly defined plan. Are the profiles and charts the very best I can expect and should I apply my own "fudge factor"?