As with any aspect of aviation, there are safety checks built into flying. From weight and balance of the aircraft to the maximum altitude you can fly, an airplane and flying both involve many calculations. To facilitate this, there are aircraft manuals and formulas that make this easier. Calculating the takeoff and landing distance of a C-152 allows a pilot to ensure a safe takeoff and landing, as well as to allow different alternatives in the event of an emergency where you need to land at the nearest suitable airport.
Get your actual loaded weight and balance as well as the local temperature. As the temperature rises, your takeoff and landing distance will increase; the opposite occurs when the temperature lowers. Airplanes behave differently at different temperatures. A high temperature will also increase density altitude.
Calculate your airport's height above sea level. This will affect your airplane's performance as well. The higher you are, the thinner the air density and the longer your takeoff roll and landing. This information will be available on the airport information sheet that you should have before you start out at the airport. This will also give you taxi ways, radio frequency information and general references.
Plot the chart/graph to your weight and temperature point using the graphs that come in the operator manual of the C-152. This point will allow you to calculate your landing and takeoff distance. To maintain a margin of safety, keep a fuel burn chart handy as you are flying. This will allow you to quickly calculate landing weight if an emergency arises and you need to find a landing distance quickly.
Add in a safety margin of 200 to 400 feet. This will provide a buffer that will allow for variables such as high wind changes and poor runway conditions. It will also give you some more room if you abort the takeoff.
