Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

  • Research a mishap case study:
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

  • Normal aircraft takeoffs are the most basic of all takeoff procedures/maneuvers
  • The purpose of this maneuver is to safely execute a takeoff under normal conditions (i.e., hard surface, minimal wind, plenty of available takeoff distance)
  • Normal takeoffs are closely related to the performance of flight at minimum controllable airspeeds

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Normal Takeoff and Climb:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard, Weight and Balance worksheet, Pilot Information/Operating Handbook

Instructor Actions:

  • Discuss Waivers airman certification standards

Student Actions:

Normal Takeoff and Climb Guided Scenario(s):

  • Discuss the purpose of an conditions which warrant a normal takeoff and climb procedure
  • Conduct a weight and balance calculation for the day
  • Conduct a calculating-takeoff-performancetakeoff 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 normal 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 slick 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb Airman Certification Standards:


Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
  • CA.IV.A.K1:

    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • CA.IV.A.K2:

    Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
  • CA.IV.A.K3:

    Appropriate airplane configuration.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
  • CA.IV.A.R1:

    Selection of runway or takeoff path based on aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • CA.IV.A.R2:

    Effects of:
    • CA.IV.A.R2a:
      Crosswind.
    • CA.IV.A.R2b:
      Windshear.
    • CA.IV.A.R2c:
      Tailwind.
    • CA.IV.A.R2d:
      Wake turbulence.
    • CA.IV.A.R2e:
      Takeoff surface/condition.
  • CA.IV.A.R3:

    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • CA.IV.A.R3a:
      Rejected takeoff.
    • CA.IV.A.R3b:
      Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight.
  • CA.IV.A.R4:

    Collision hazards.
  • CA.IV.A.R5:

    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • CA.IV.A.R6:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • CA.IV.A.R7:

    Runway incursion.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:
  • CA.IV.A.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CA.IV.A.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • CA.IV.A.S3:

    Verify assigned/correct runway or takeoff path.
  • CA.IV.A.S4:

    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • CA.IV.A.S5:

    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • CA.IV.A.S6:

    Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position, and align the airplane on the runway centerline (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
    • CA.IV.A.S6a:
      Retract the water rudders, as appropriate (ASES, AMES).
  • CA.IV.A.S7:

    Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
    • CA.IV.A.S7a:
      Establish and maintain the most efficient planing/lift-off attitude, and correct for porpoising or skipping (ASES, AMES).
  • CA.IV.A.S8:

    Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s) (ASES, AMES).
  • CA.IV.A.S10:

    [Archived].
  • CA.IV.A.S11:

    Establish a pitch attitude to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended speed or VY, ±5 knots.
  • CA.IV.A.S12:

    Configure the airplane in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.
  • CA.IV.A.S13:

    Maintain VY ± knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • CA.IV.A.S14:

    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • CA.IV.A.S15:

    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.

Re-Motivation:

  • Still looking for something? Continue searching:

Closure:

  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson

Conclusion: