Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Lesson Plan

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

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) 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 short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL (Airplane Single-Engine Land), AMEL (Airplane Multiengine Land)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands short-field 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) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) 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 E, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands short-field 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 short-field takeoff and maximum-performance climb sequence from performance planning and maximum-runway utilization through obstacle clearance and transition to VY. (AI.VII.E.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how wind, density altitude, temperature, pressure, runway slope and condition, weight, and obstacles affect takeoff distance and climb performance. (AI.VII.E.K2)
    • Differentiate VX from VY, including their purposes, tolerances, transition point, and changes with altitude. (AI.VII.E.K3)
    • Determine the manufacturer-recommended flap, trim, power, landing-gear, and other configuration for maximum takeoff and climb performance. (AI.VII.E.K4)
    • Identify, demonstrate, and correct common errors such as inadequate runway use, improper power verification, premature rotation, speed excursions, and early configuration changes. (AI.VII.E.K5)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Select the runway using pilot capability, calculated airplane performance and limitations, available distance, wind, surface condition, obstacles, and departure options. (AI.VII.E.R1)
    • Assess and mitigate the following environmental and surface hazards: (AI.VII.E.R2)
      • Crosswind (AI.VII.E.R2a)
      • Windshear (AI.VII.E.R2b)
      • Tailwind (AI.VII.E.R2c)
      • Wake turbulence (AI.VII.E.R2d)
      • Landing surface/condition (AI.VII.E.R2e)
    • Establish decision points and immediate actions for these abnormal operations: (AI.VII.E.R3)
      • Rejected takeoff (AI.VII.E.R3a)
      • Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight (AI.VII.E.R3b)
    • Control collision hazards through runway clearing, traffic monitoring, appropriate calls, and wake-turbulence avoidance. (AI.VII.E.R4)
    • Protect stall, spin, obstacle, and CFIT margins by maintaining precise directional control, coordination, pitch, and airspeed close to the ground. (AI.VII.E.R5)
    • Manage distractions and task priorities so power verification, runway tracking, airspeed, obstacle clearance, and situational awareness remain primary. (AI.VII.E.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 checklists and verify takeoff readiness. (AI.VII.E.S1)
    • Make clear, timely radio calls. (AI.VII.E.S2)
    • Verify the assigned and correct runway. (AI.VII.E.S3)
    • Determine wind direction and approximate velocity. (AI.VII.E.S4)
    • Position the controls correctly for the wind. (AI.VII.E.S5)
    • Clear the area and use the maximum available runway while aligning on centerline. (AI.VII.E.S6)
    • Hold the brakes while setting the manufacturer-recommended power for maximum performance. (AI.VII.E.S7)
    • Confirm takeoff power before brake release and verify engine and flight instruments before rotation. (AI.VII.E.S8)
    • Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to the obstacle-clearance speed or VX, ±5 knots. (AI.VII.E.S9)
    • Maintain obstacle-clearance speed or VX, ±5 knots, until clear of the obstacle or 50 feet above the surface. (AI.VII.E.S10)
    • After obstacle clearance, transition smoothly to VY ±5 knots. (AI.VII.E.S11)
    • Configure in accordance with manufacturer guidance after verifying a positive rate of climb. (AI.VII.E.S12)
    • Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude. (AI.VII.E.S13)
    • Maintain directional control and wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb. (AI.VII.E.S14)
    • Comply with applicable noise-abatement procedures without compromising performance or safety. (AI.VII.E.S15)
    • Analyze learner performance and correct common errors without compromising positive aircraft control. (AI.VII.E.S16)
    • 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) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a short-field takeoff and maximum-performance climb lesson (ASEL, AMEL) while maintaining an organized flow and appropriate learner participation.
  • Require verified performance calculations, a runway and obstacle assessment, wind/surface review, rejected-takeoff and engine-failure plan, and low-altitude intervention criteria. (AI.VII.E.R1–R6)
  • Have the applicant teach and coach maximum-runway utilization, power verification, precise liftoff and VX control, obstacle clearance, configuration, and transition to VY. (AI.VII.E.S1–S15)
  • Introduce an error such as incomplete power, early rotation, VX deviation, premature configuration change, or inadequate drift correction; require timely intervention and learner-centered correction. (AI.VII.E.K5; AI.VII.E.S16)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) 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) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) 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 E: Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL).
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands short-field 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-8083-25; POH/AFM
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.E.K1:
    Purpose of and procedures for short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb.
  • AI.VII.E.K2:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • AI.VII.E.K3:
    Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
  • AI.VII.E.K4:
    Appropriate airplane configuration.
  • AI.VII.E.K5:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.E.R1:
    Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • AI.VII.E.R2:
    Effects of:
    • AI.VII.E.R2a:
      Crosswind
    • AI.VII.E.R2b:
      Windshear
    • AI.VII.E.R2c:
      Tailwind
    • AI.VII.E.R2d:
      Wake turbulence
    • AI.VII.E.R2e:
      Landing surface/condition
  • AI.VII.E.R3:
    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • AI.VII.E.R3a:
      Rejected takeoff
    • AI.VII.E.R3b:
      Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
  • AI.VII.E.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.VII.E.R5:
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • AI.VII.E.R6:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 16 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.E.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • AI.VII.E.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.E.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway.
  • AI.VII.E.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • AI.VII.E.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • AI.VII.E.S6:
    Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position, and align the airplane on the runway centerline utilizing maximum available takeoff area.
  • AI.VII.E.S7:
    Apply brakes while setting engine power to achieve maximum performance.
  • AI.VII.E.S8:
    Confirm takeoff power prior to brake release and verify proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
  • AI.VII.E.S9:
    Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or VX, ±5 knots.
  • AI.VII.E.S10:
    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.E.S11:
    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.E.S12:
    Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance after a positive rate of climb has been verified.
  • AI.VII.E.S13:
    Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • AI.VII.E.S14:
    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • AI.VII.E.S15:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
  • AI.VII.E.S16:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) 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.