Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with glassy water approach and landing.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan Introduction
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduction:0:05Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research a mishap case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
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Motivator:
- Soft field takeoffs maximize performance when departing from a soft or rough runway surface
- Otherwise "hard" surfaces can become "soft" following rainstorms or disturbance
- These soft and rough surfaces provide unique challenges which may make the aircraft harder to control and reduce acceleration
- Additionally, with soft and perhaps bumpy surfaces, you are at risk of getting the nose wheel stuck
- For this reason, procedures may specify a flap setting
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 93.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Introduce Glassy Water Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:
- Introduce collision hazards.
- Introduce low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Introduce distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Introduce runway incursion risks.
- Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)
- Discuss the purpose of an conditions which warrant a glassy water takeoff and climb procedure
- Conduct a weight and balance calculation for the day
- Conduct a takeoff distance calculation for the day, noting where takeoff should occur in reference to the airport runways (save for later in lesson)
- Provide simulated variables that cover different airfield elevations (takeoff distance), temperatures, surface conditions, and winds for subsequent calculations and discuss on how they effect takeoff and climb performance
- Conduct a glassy water takeoff and compare actual rotation location to calculated location
- Discuss how crosswind takeoffs
- How do control inputs change as the aircraft accelerates?
- How does the pilot manage the liftoff/transition to climb?
- Discuss rejecting the takeoff in the rain/snow
- How would rejecting a takeoff on a wet runway change a pilot's action?
- How would performance change?
- Discuss an engine failure on takeoff roll, just after takeoff, and while in the climb
- How does a pilot recognize loss of performance? What is normal RPM expected?
- How do pilot options change as the aircraft gains altitude?
- Discuss the importance of checking for aircraft on final before taxiing onto the runway
- What are some reasons pilots may be on final without other pilots otherwise knowing?
- Discuss hazards by providing an example of taking off after a larger aircraft (windshear)
- Discuss minimum safe altitudes
- Describe minimum safe altitudes for a given area?
- Discuss how minimum safe altitudes apply to takeoff/airport operations?
- Discuss reasons where Vx and Vy would be most appropriate for climbout
- Discuss risk in climb (power-on stall) as well as terrain avoidance being low altitude, nose-high, high workload
- Discuss why noise abatement procedures exist and where to find them
- Have student locate noise abatement procedures for the local or a nearby airport
- Related scenarios:
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with glassy water takeoff and climb
- Note: If a glassy water condition does not exist, the applicant must be evaluated by simulating the Task
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23 (Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:-
CA.IV.I.K1:
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance. -
CA.IV.I.K2:
Best angle of climb speed (Vx) and best rate of climb speed (Vy). -
CA.IV.I.K3:
Appropriate airplane configuration. -
CA.IV.I.K4:
Appropriate use of glassy water takeoff and climb technique.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:-
CA.IV.I.R1:
Selection of takeoff path based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance. -
CA.IV.I.R2:
Water surface/condition. -
CA.IV.I.R3:
Abnormal operations, to include planning for.-
CA.IV.I.R3a:
Rejected takeoff. -
CA.IV.I.R3b:
Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight.
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CA.IV.I.R4:
Collision hazards. -
CA.IV.I.R5:
Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.IV.I.R6:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
CA.IV.I.R7:
Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
CA.IV.I.S1:
Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
CA.IV.I.S2:
Make radio calls as appropriate. -
CA.IV.I.S3:
Position flight controls and configure the aircraft for the existing conditions. -
CA.IV.I.S4:
Clear the area; select appropriate takeoff path considering surface hazards or vessels and surface conditions.-
CA.IV.I.S4a:
Retract the water rudders, as appropriate. -
CA.IV.I.S4b:
Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
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CA.IV.I.S5:
[Archived]. -
CA.IV.I.S5:
Establish and maintain an appropriate planing attitude, directional control, and correct for porpoising, skipping, and increase in water drag. -
CA.IV.I.S7:
Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s). -
CA.IV.I.S8:
Use appropriate techniques to lift seaplane from the water considering surface conditions. -
CA.IV.I.S9:
Establish proper attitude/airspeed and accelerate to Vy ±5 knots during the climb. -
CA.IV.I.S10:
Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer's instructions. -
CA.IV.I.S11:
Maintain Vy ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude. -
CA.IV.I.S12:
Maintain directional control throughout takeoff and climb.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
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Closure:
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.