Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
Lesson Plan

Attention:

• Research a mishap case study:
  • Takeoff and climb case studies
• Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
• Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

• While it is usually preferable to takeoff into the wind, but most situations will not be a pure headwind, and some crosswind component will exist
• One example of where you may want to takeoff with a tailwind would be rising terrain, or perhaps if in a glider, a lack of landing options in a rope break
• No matter what situation you have, always run the numbers and do not exceed the aircraft's limits

Overview:

Required Materials:

• Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

• Discuss crosswind takeoff and climb
• Discuss effects of winds on takeoff
• Discuss assessing crosswind direction
• Discuss determining crosswind component
• Discuss crosswind control mechanics
• Discuss crosswind takeoff and climb procedures
• Discuss crosswind takeoff and climb common errors
• Discuss crosswind takeoff and climb airman certification standards
• Discuss case studies
• Conclusion

Student Actions:

• Complete assigned reading (see content above)
• Ask pertinent questions

Completion Standards:

• Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Airman Certification Standards:

  • Note, there is no callout to crosswind takeoff and climbs in the airman certification standards
    • Instead, it is a normal takeoff and climb with the introduction of crosswind applications
  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a Crosswind Takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AIM

  
  

  Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Knowledge:

  The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.IV.A.K1:

    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance

  • PA.IV.A.K2:

    V_X and V_Y

  • PA.IV.A.K3:

    Appropriate airplane configuration

  
  

  Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • PA.IV.A.R1:

    Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind

  • PA.IV.A.R2:

    Effects of:

    • PA.IV.A.R2a:

      Crosswind

    • PA.IV.A.R2b:

      Windshear

    • PA.IV.A.R2c:

      Tailwind

    • PA.IV.A.R2d:

      Wake turbulence

    • PA.IV.A.R2e:

      Runway surface/condition

  • PA.IV.A.R3:

    Abnormal operations, to include planning for:

    • PA.IV.A.R3a:

      Rejected takeoff

    • PA.IV.A.R3b:

      Engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight

  • PA.IV.A.R4:

    Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, vessels, persons, and wildlife

  • PA.IV.A.R5:

    Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT

  • PA.IV.A.R6:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

  
  

  Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Skills:

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.IV.A.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist

  • PA.IV.A.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate

  • PA.IV.A.S3:

    Verify assigned/correct runway

  • PA.IV.A.S4:

    Ascertain wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators

  • PA.IV.A.S5:

    Position the flight controls for the existing wind

  • PA.IV.A.S6:

    Clear the area; taxi into takeoff position and align the airplane on the runway centerline (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES)

  • PA.IV.A.S7:

    Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation (ASEL, AMEL)

  • PA.IV.A.S8:

    Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s) (ASES, AMES)

  • PA.IV.A.S9:

    Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to V_Y

  • PA.IV.A.S10:

    Retract the water rudders, as appropriate, establish and maintain the most efficient planing/liftoff attitude, and correct for porpoising and skipping (ASES, AMES)

  • PA.IV.A.S11:

    Establish a pitch attitude to maintain the manufacturer's recommended speed or VY, +10/-5 knots

  • PA.IV.A.S12:

    Configure the airplane in accordance with manufacturer's guidance

  • PA.IV.A.S13:

    Maintain V_y +10/-5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude

  • PA.IV.A.S14:

    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb

  • PA.IV.A.S15:

    Comply with noise abatement procedures

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

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