Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

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

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 normal Takeoff and Climb.
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

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

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Materials

  • Required Materials:

    • Writing instrument and instructional surface.
    • FAA-S-ACS-25, Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards.
    • Lesson plan, student training record, and applicable instructor records.

  • Optional Materials:

    • Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM).
    • Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
    • Current charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
    • Airplane, cockpit procedures trainer, approved training device, or classroom teaching aids, as appropriate.

  • Reference Materials:

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 A, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands normal takeoff and climb, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.VII.A.K1: Procedures for normal and crosswind takeoff.
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.VII.A.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.VII.A.K3: Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.VII.A.K4: Appropriate airplane configuration.
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.VII.A.K5: Common errors related to this Task.
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R1: Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R2: Effects of:
      • AI.VII.A.R2a: a. Crosswind
      • AI.VII.A.R2b: b. Windshear
      • AI.VII.A.R2c: c. Tailwind
      • AI.VII.A.R2d: d. Wake turbulence
      • AI.VII.A.R2e: e. Takeoff surface/condition
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R3: Abnormal operations, including planning for:
      • AI.VII.A.R3a: a. Rejected takeoff
      • AI.VII.A.R3b: b. Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R4: Collision hazards.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.VII.A.R7: Runway incursion.
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S2: Make radio calls as appropriate.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S3: Verify assigned/correct runway or takeoff path.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S4: Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S5: Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S6: Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position, and align the airplane on the runway centerline (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S7: Retract the water rudders, as appropriate (ASES, AMES).
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S8: Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S9: Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s) (ASES, AMES).
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S10: Establish and maintain the most efficient planing/lift-off attitude, and correct for porpoising or skipping (ASES, AMES).
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S11: Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to VY.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S12: Establish a pitch attitude to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended speed or VY, ±5 knots.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S13: Configure the airplane in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S14: Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S15: Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S16: Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.VII.A.S17: Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
    • 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving normal Takeoff and Climb while maintaining an organized lesson flow and an appropriate level of learner participation.
  • Ask the instructor applicant to identify hazards, including AI.VII.A.R1: Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind, and teach how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the instructor applicant to explain, demonstrate, or coach the learner through AI.VII.A.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s), as appropriate to the task and training environment.
  • Introduce a realistic learner error, misconception, change in operating conditions, or external pressure and require the instructor applicant to adapt the lesson.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb 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 A: Normal Takeoff and Climb.
  • Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands normal takeoff and 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 5 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.A.K1:
    Procedures for normal and crosswind takeoff.
  • AI.VII.A.K2:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • AI.VII.A.K3:
    Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
  • AI.VII.A.K4:
    Appropriate airplane configuration.
  • AI.VII.A.K5:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.A.R1:
    Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • AI.VII.A.R2:
    Effects of:
    • AI.VII.A.R2a:
      a. Crosswind
    • AI.VII.A.R2b:
      b. Windshear
    • AI.VII.A.R2c:
      c. Tailwind
    • AI.VII.A.R2d:
      d. Wake turbulence
    • AI.VII.A.R2e:
      e. Takeoff surface/condition
  • AI.VII.A.R3:
    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • AI.VII.A.R3a:
      a. Rejected takeoff
    • AI.VII.A.R3b:
      b. Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
  • AI.VII.A.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.VII.A.R5:
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • AI.VII.A.R6:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • AI.VII.A.R7:
    Runway incursion.
Skills 17 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.A.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • AI.VII.A.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.A.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway or takeoff path.
  • AI.VII.A.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • AI.VII.A.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • AI.VII.A.S6:
    Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position, and align the airplane on the runway centerline (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
  • AI.VII.A.S7:
    Retract the water rudders, as appropriate (ASES, AMES).
  • AI.VII.A.S8:
    Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
  • AI.VII.A.S9:
    Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s) (ASES, AMES).
  • AI.VII.A.S10:
    Establish and maintain the most efficient planing/lift-off attitude, and correct for porpoising or skipping (ASES, AMES).
  • AI.VII.A.S11:
    Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to VY.
  • AI.VII.A.S12:
    Establish a pitch attitude to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended speed or VY, ±5 knots.
  • AI.VII.A.S13:
    Configure the airplane in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.
  • AI.VII.A.S14:
    Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • AI.VII.A.S15:
    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • AI.VII.A.S16:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
  • AI.VII.A.S17:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in normal Takeoff and Climb 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.