Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Lesson Plan

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

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

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) 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 soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL (Airplane Single-Engine Land)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

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

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) 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 C, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands soft-field takeoff and 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 soft-field takeoff sequence from surface assessment and continuous taxi through early liftoff, ground-effect acceleration, and climb. (AI.VII.C.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how wind, density altitude, runway softness, contamination, weight, and obstacles affect acceleration and climb performance. (AI.VII.C.K2)
    • Differentiate VX and VY and select the appropriate climb speed for obstacles and conditions. (AI.VII.C.K3)
    • Determine the manufacturer-recommended flap, trim, power, and landing-gear configuration. (AI.VII.C.K4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain reduced induced drag in ground effect and the danger of climbing before adequate airspeed is attained. (AI.VII.C.K5)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how aft elevator transfers weight from the wheels to the wings while avoiding a tail strike or excessive pitch. (AI.VII.C.K6)
    • Anticipate torque, P-factor, spiraling slipstream, and gyroscopic effects during high-power, low-speed operation. (AI.VII.C.K7)
    • Have the learner identify and correct common errors such as stopping on the surface, weak elevator input, premature liftoff, climbing out of ground effect too soon, and poor directional control. (AI.VII.C.K8)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Select the runway using pilot capability, performance, available distance, wind, surface bearing strength and condition, obstacles, and departure options. (AI.VII.C.R1)
    • Assess and mitigate the following environmental and surface hazards: (AI.VII.C.R2)
      • Crosswind (AI.VII.C.R2a)
      • Windshear (AI.VII.C.R2b)
      • Tailwind (AI.VII.C.R2c)
      • Wake turbulence (AI.VII.C.R2d)
      • Runway surface/condition (AI.VII.C.R2e)
    • Establish decision points and immediate actions for: (AI.VII.C.R3)
      • Rejected takeoff (AI.VII.C.R3a)
      • Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight (AI.VII.C.R3b)
    • Control collision hazards through runway clearing, traffic monitoring, appropriate calls, and wake-turbulence avoidance. (AI.VII.C.R4)
    • Protect stall, spin, obstacle, and CFIT margins while operating at low airspeed and altitude. (AI.VII.C.R5)
    • Manage distractions so surface control, pitch, power, airspeed, traffic, and situational awareness remain primary. (AI.VII.C.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.C.S1)
    • Make clear, timely radio calls. (AI.VII.C.S2)
    • Verify the assigned and correct runway. (AI.VII.C.S3)
    • Determine wind direction and approximate velocity. (AI.VII.C.S4)
    • Position the controls correctly for the wind. (AI.VII.C.S5)
    • Clear the area, maintain required control inputs, enter and align without stopping, and smoothly apply takeoff power. (AI.VII.C.S6)
    • Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight-instrument indications. (AI.VII.C.S7)
    • Use pitch to transfer weight from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as practical. (AI.VII.C.S8)
    • Lift off at the lowest practical airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to VX or VY, as appropriate. (AI.VII.C.S9)
    • Establish and maintain VX or VY, as appropriate, ±5 knots. (AI.VII.C.S10)
    • Configure after verifying a positive climb or as directed by the manufacturer. (AI.VII.C.S11)
    • Maintain the selected climb speed ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude. (AI.VII.C.S12)
    • Maintain directional control and wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb. (AI.VII.C.S13)
    • Comply with applicable noise-abatement procedures without compromising safety. (AI.VII.C.S14)
    • Analyze learner performance and correct common errors without compromising positive aircraft control. (AI.VII.C.S15)
    • 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) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a soft-field takeoff-and-climb lesson (ASEL) while maintaining an organized flow and appropriate learner participation.
  • Require a surface and runway assessment, performance and wind review, rejected-takeoff and engine-failure plan, and low-altitude intervention criteria. (AI.VII.C.R1–R6)
  • Have the applicant teach continuous motion, wind controls, aerodynamic unloading, early liftoff, ground-effect acceleration, climb-speed control, and configuration. (AI.VII.C.S1–S14)
  • Introduce an error such as stopping, releasing elevator pressure, climbing out of ground effect early, or losing directional control; require timely intervention and learner-centered correction. (AI.VII.C.K8; AI.VII.C.S15)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) 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) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) 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 C: Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL).
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands soft-field 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-8083-25; POH/AFM
Knowledge 8 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.C.K1:
    Purpose of and procedures for soft-field takeoff and climb.
  • AI.VII.C.K2:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
  • AI.VII.C.K3:
    Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
  • AI.VII.C.K4:
    Appropriate airplane configuration.
  • AI.VII.C.K5:
    Ground effect.
  • AI.VII.C.K6:
    Importance of weight transfer from wheels to wings.
  • AI.VII.C.K7:
    Left turning tendencies.
  • AI.VII.C.K8:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.C.R1:
    Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • AI.VII.C.R2:
    Effects of:
    • AI.VII.C.R2a:
      Crosswind
    • AI.VII.C.R2b:
      Windshear
    • AI.VII.C.R2c:
      Tailwind
    • AI.VII.C.R2d:
      Wake turbulence
    • AI.VII.C.R2e:
      Runway surface/condition
  • AI.VII.C.R3:
    Abnormal operations, including planning for:
    • AI.VII.C.R3a:
      Rejected takeoff
    • AI.VII.C.R3b:
      Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
  • AI.VII.C.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.VII.C.R5:
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • AI.VII.C.R6:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 15 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.C.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • AI.VII.C.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.C.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway.
  • AI.VII.C.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • AI.VII.C.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.C.S7:
    Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.C.S9:
    Lift off at the lowest possible airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to VX or VY, as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.C.S10:
    Establish a pitch attitude for VX or VY, as appropriate, and maintain selected airspeed ±5 knots during the climb.
  • AI.VII.C.S11:
    Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer’s instructions.
  • AI.VII.C.S12:
    Maintain VX or VY, as appropriate, ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • AI.VII.C.S13:
    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • AI.VII.C.S14:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
  • AI.VII.C.S15:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) 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.