Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area VII, Task G

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    0:25
    Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES (Airplane Single-Engine Sea), AMES (Airplane Multiengine Sea)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands confined area takeoff and maximum performance climb, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation VII, Task G, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands confined area takeoff and maximum performance climb, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the purpose, site-evaluation process, and aircraft-specific sequence for a confined-area takeoff and maximum-performance climb. (AI.VII.G.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how wind, temperature, density altitude, pressure, precipitation, and obstructions affect acceleration, liftoff, climb performance, and available escape paths. (AI.VII.G.K2)
    • Compare VX and VY, including when each is used, how configuration and altitude affect them, and the transition after obstacle clearance. (AI.VII.G.K3)
    • Use the POH/AFM to teach the configuration required for takeoff, obstacle clearance, and the transition to a normal climb. (AI.VII.G.K4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how water depth, waves, swell, current, debris, surface texture, and spray affect hydrodynamic drag, planing, directional control, and takeoff distance. (AI.VII.G.K5)
    • Have the learner identify and correct common errors, including poor site selection, premature water-rudder retraction, improper pitch or planing attitude, porpoising, skipping, excessive spray, early liftoff, and inadequate obstacle clearance. (AI.VII.G.K6)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Select a takeoff path using pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, usable water area, obstructions, wind, surface condition, and escape options. (AI.VII.G.R1)
    • Assess and mitigate the effects of the following conditions on control, takeoff distance, and climb performance: (AI.VII.G.R2)
      • Crosswind (AI.VII.G.R2a)
      • Windshear (AI.VII.G.R2b)
      • Tailwind (AI.VII.G.R2c)
      • Wake turbulence (AI.VII.G.R2d)
      • Water surface/condition (AI.VII.G.R2e)
    • Establish decision points and immediate actions for abnormal operations, including: (AI.VII.G.R3)
      • Rejected takeoff (AI.VII.G.R3a)
      • Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight (AI.VII.G.R3b)
    • Clear the takeoff path and climb corridor for vessels, aircraft, wildlife, docks, terrain, wires, and other collision hazards. (AI.VII.G.R4)
    • Ask the learner to define and relate to operational decisions airspeed, bank, coordination, obstacle-clearance, and instructor-intervention limits that prevent stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain during low-altitude maneuvering. (AI.VII.G.R5)
    • Manage distractions and workload by prioritizing control, takeoff path, engine indications, airspeed, obstacles, and abort criteria while maintaining situational awareness. (AI.VII.G.R6)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Complete the appropriate checklist items and verify takeoff readiness. (AI.VII.G.S1)
    • Make clear, timely radio calls appropriate to the operating environment. (AI.VII.G.S2)
    • Verify the assigned or selected takeoff path and its obstacle-clearance requirements. (AI.VII.G.S3)
    • Determine wind direction using available indicators, surface cues, and operational observations. (AI.VII.G.S4)
    • Position the flight controls for the existing wind. (AI.VII.G.S5)
    • Clear the area, use the maximum available takeoff area, and align the airplane with the selected path. (AI.VII.G.S6)
    • Retract the water rudders at the appropriate point. (AI.VII.G.S7)
    • Establish the most efficient planing and liftoff attitude and promptly correct porpoising or skipping. (AI.VII.G.S8)
    • Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and verify proper engine and flight-instrument indications before rotation. (AI.VII.G.S9)
    • Use pitch, heading, and water-surface technique to avoid excessive propeller spray. (AI.VII.G.S10)
    • Lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to the recommended obstacle-clearance airspeed or VX. (AI.VII.G.S11)
    • Maintain the recommended obstacle-clearance airspeed or VX within ±5 knots until the obstacle is cleared or the airplane is 50 feet above the surface. (AI.VII.G.S12)
    • After obstacle clearance, establish the VY attitude and accelerate to VY within ±5 knots. (AI.VII.G.S13)
    • Retract flaps, if extended, after verifying a positive climb or as directed by the manufacturer. (AI.VII.G.S14)
    • Maintain VY within ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude. (AI.VII.G.S15)
    • Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb. (AI.VII.G.S16)
    • Comply with applicable noise-abatement procedures without compromising safety. (AI.VII.G.S17)
    • Analyze learner performance and correct common errors while preserving positive aircraft control. (AI.VII.G.S18)
    • Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
  • Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Assign a confined-water departure that requires the instructor applicant to evaluate the water area, takeoff path, obstacles, wind, performance, and escape options before teaching the maneuver.
  • Require a site and surface assessment, obstacle-clearance and performance review, rejected-takeoff and engine-failure plan, collision controls, and low-altitude intervention criteria. (AI.VII.G.R1–R6)
  • Have the applicant coach the complete maneuver from positioning and water-rudder retraction through planing, liftoff, obstacle clearance, configuration, and the transition to VY. (AI.VII.G.S1–S17)
  • Introduce an error such as poor alignment, porpoising, excessive spray, premature liftoff, airspeed deviation, or unsafe obstacle clearance and require timely intervention and learner-centered correction. (AI.VII.G.K6; AI.VII.G.S18)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
  • Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
  • Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
  • Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must select at least two takeoff and two landing Tasks from Area of Operation VII, Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds.
  • Task G: Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES).
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands confined area takeoff and maximum performance climb, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.G.K1:
    Purpose of and procedures for confined area takeoff and maximum performance climb.
  • AI.VII.G.K2:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • AI.VII.G.K3:
    Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
  • AI.VII.G.K4:
    Appropriate airplane configuration.
  • AI.VII.G.K5:
    Effects of water surface.
  • AI.VII.G.K6:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.G.R1:
    Selection of takeoff path based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • AI.VII.G.R2:
    Effects of:
    • AI.VII.G.R2a:
      Crosswind
    • AI.VII.G.R2b:
      Windshear
    • AI.VII.G.R2c:
      Tailwind
    • AI.VII.G.R2d:
      Wake turbulence
    • AI.VII.G.R2e:
      Water surface/condition
  • AI.VII.G.R3:
    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • AI.VII.G.R3a:
      Rejected takeoff
    • AI.VII.G.R3b:
      Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
  • AI.VII.G.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.VII.G.R5:
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • AI.VII.G.R6:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 18 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.G.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • AI.VII.G.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.G.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct takeoff path.
  • AI.VII.G.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • AI.VII.G.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • AI.VII.G.S6:
    Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position utilizing maximum available takeoff area, and align the airplane on the takeoff path.
  • AI.VII.G.S7:
    Retract the water rudders, as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.G.S8:
    Establish a pitch attitude that maintains the most efficient planing/lift-off attitude and correct for porpoising and skipping.
  • AI.VII.G.S9:
    Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
  • AI.VII.G.S10:
    Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s).
  • AI.VII.G.S11:
    Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed, and accelerate to the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or VX.
  • AI.VII.G.S12:
    Establish a pitch attitude to maintain the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or VX, ±5 knots until the obstacle is cleared or until the airplane is 50 feet above the surface.
  • AI.VII.G.S13:
    Establish a pitch attitude for VY and accelerate to VY ±5 knots after clearing the obstacle or at 50 feet above ground level (AGL) if simulating an obstacle.
  • AI.VII.G.S14:
    Retract flaps, if extended, after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer’s guidance.
  • AI.VII.G.S15:
    Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • AI.VII.G.S16:
    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • AI.VII.G.S17:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
  • AI.VII.G.S18:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES) helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.

  • Closure:

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