Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area V, Task C

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with soft-field takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Factors impacting takeoff performance:
    0:10
    Part 3, Takeoff performance calculations:
    0:10
    Part 4, Factors impacting climb performance:
    0:10
    Part 5, Climb Performance Calculations:
    0:10
    Part 6, Soft/Rough Field Takeoff & Climb Procedures:
    0:10
    Part 7, Anomalies and Malfunctions:
    0:10
    Part 8, Safety:
    0:10
    Part 9, Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 10, Conclude Lesson:
    0:10
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present 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.

  • 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

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Review the maneuver's common errors and assess the learner's understanding of their mitigations.
  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Factors impacting takeoff performance:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how atmospheric conditions—including wind, temperature, pressure, humidity, gusts, and density altitude—affect acceleration, liftoff, and climb performance from a soft or rough surface. (CA.IV.C.K1)
    • Evaluate the combined effects of crosswind, windshear, tailwind, wake turbulence, and surface condition. (CA.IV.C.R2)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain surface wind impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb performance, including determining wind direction with or without visual indicators.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain crosswind effects and control limits. (CA.IV.C.R2a)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain windshear recognition, avoidance, and escape considerations. (CA.IV.C.R2b)
    • Evaluate tailwind effects on acceleration, liftoff distance, obstacle clearance, and climb. (CA.IV.C.R2c)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain wake turbulence considerations during soft/rough field takeoff and climb. (CA.IV.C.R2d)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain outside air temperature and field elevation/density altitude impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb performance.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain takeoff surface condition, including rolling resistance, contamination, hidden hazards, rutting, and the ability to maintain directional control. (CA.IV.C.R2e)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain runway slope impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain gross weight center of gravity impacts and to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain power settings impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain flight profile impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain nose strut slope impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain tire pressure impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain ground effect and why premature climb-out before reaching the proper airspeed can result in settling or inadequate obstacle clearance. (CA.IV.C.K4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the importance of transferring weight from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as practical while preserving directional control. (CA.IV.C.K5)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain the four left turning tendencies. (CA.IV.C.K6)
  • Part 3, Takeoff performance calculations:
    • Review Performance and Limitations lesson plan (as appropriate), specifically takeoff and climb performance.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain weight & balance performance calculation.
    • Select and justify the runway or takeoff path using airplane performance, available distance, wind, surface condition, obstacles, and pilot capability. (CA.IV.C.R1)
  • Part 4, Factors impacting climb performance:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the purpose and use of VX and VY after accelerating in ground effect. (CA.IV.C.K2)
  • Part 5, Climb Performance Calculations:
  • Part 6, Soft/Rough Field Takeoff & Climb Procedures:
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain taxiing, as required.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain and justify the manufacturer-recommended airplane configuration. (CA.IV.C.K3)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain soft/rough field takeoff procedures.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain soft/rough field takeoff common errors.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain rejected takeoff considerations.
  • Part 7, Anomalies and Malfunctions:
    • Plan for abnormal operations, including rejected takeoff criteria and a potential engine failure during the takeoff roll or climb. (CA.IV.C.R3)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain aborted/rejected takeoffs. (CA.IV.C.R3a)
    • Brief aircraft-specific actions and available landing options following a powerplant failure, considering surface condition, runway remaining, altitude, terrain, wind, and obstacles. (CA.IV.C.R3b)
  • Part 8, Safety:
  • Part 9, Guided Scenario(s):
    • Require completion of the appropriate checklists and radio calls and verification of the correct runway. (CA.IV.C.S1, CA.IV.C.S2, CA.IV.C.S3)
    • Determine wind direction and position the flight controls appropriately. (CA.IV.C.S4, CA.IV.C.S5)
    • Clear the area, maintain required control inputs, enter and align without stopping, and smoothly apply takeoff power. (CA.IV.C.S6)
    • Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight-instrument indications. (CA.IV.C.S7)
    • Establish the pitch attitude needed to transfer weight from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as practical. (CA.IV.C.S8)
    • Lift off at the lowest practical airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to VX or VY, as appropriate. (CA.IV.C.S9)
    • Establish and maintain the selected climb speed within 5 knots, configure after a positive rate or as directed by the manufacturer, and maintain that speed to a safe maneuvering altitude. (CA.IV.C.S10, CA.IV.C.S11, CA.IV.C.S12)
    • Maintain directional control and wind-drift correction and comply with applicable noise-abatement procedures. (CA.IV.C.S13, CA.IV.C.S14)
    • Introduce a soft spot, unexpected drag, wind change, or abnormal indication and require a safe reject, delay, or continue decision.
  • Part 10, Conclude Lesson:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons (power-on stalls) to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Discuss the purpose of and conditions that warrant a soft/rough-field 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 soft/rough field 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 the normal engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)?
    • 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) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
Skills 14 ACS Elements
  • CA.IV.C.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CA.IV.C.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • CA.IV.C.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway.
  • CA.IV.C.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • CA.IV.C.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • CA.IV.C.S6:
    Clear the area, maintain necessary flight control inputs, taxi into takeoff position and align the airplane on the runway centerline without stopping, while advancing the throttle smoothly to takeoff power.
  • CA.IV.C.S7:
    Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications.
  • CA.IV.C.S8:
    Establish and maintain a pitch attitude that transfers the weight of the airplane from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible.
  • CA.IV.C.S9:
    Lift off at the lowest possible airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to Vx or Vy, as appropriate.
  • CA.IV.C.S10:
    Establish a pitch attitude for Vx or Vy, as appropriate, and maintain selected airspeed ±5 knots during the climb.
  • CA.IV.C.S11:
    Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer's instructions.
  • CA.IV.C.S12:
    Maintain Vx or Vy, as appropriate, ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • CA.IV.C.S13:
    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • CA.IV.C.S14:
    noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Soft Field Takeoff and Climb combines performance planning, directional control, and precise aircraft configuration during a phase of flight with little time or altitude to correct errors.
    • Wind, runway condition, density altitude, weight, obstacles, and aircraft limitations must be evaluated before committing to the takeoff.
    • Briefing abort points, continuously evaluating acceleration and aircraft response, and acting decisively when performance is not as expected transform calculations into meaningful risk management.
    • Continued practice with Soft Field Takeoff and Climb prepares commercial pilots for more demanding runway, weather, and aircraft-performance scenarios later in training.

  • Closure:

    • The Federal Aviation Administration (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.