Which of the following are main elements of aircraft performance?

The main elements of aircraft performance are critical factors that directly influence the operational capabilities of an aircraft. Takeoff and landing distances are essential for determining whether a given runway is sufficient for the aircraft's needs under a variety of conditions. Rate of climb indicates how quickly the aircraft can gain altitude, which is vital for flight planning, especially in obstacle-laden environments. Payload assesses the capacity for passengers and cargo, which affects how much weight the aircraft can safely carry without compromising performance.

The other options presented do not reflect the primary elements of aircraft performance. Altitude and pitch attitude can influence performance but are not standalone performance metrics. Aircraft color and design features do not impact performance measurements crucial to flight operations, nor do passenger capacity and maintenance schedules directly pertain to the essential performance characteristics during flight. Therefore, the focus on takeoff and landing distances, rate of climb, and payload encompasses the key aspects of how the aircraft performs during critical phases of its operation.