Private Pilot (Airplane)
Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES)
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

  • Research a mishap case study:
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

Motivator:

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES):
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard, Weight and Balance worksheet, Pilot Information/Operating Handbook

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb Guided Scenario(s):

  • Discuss the purpose of an conditions which warrant a glassy water takeoff and climb procedure
  • Conduct a weight and balance calculation for the day
  • Conduct a takeoff distance calculation for the day, noting where takeoff should occur in reference to the airport runways (save for later in lesson)
    • Provide simulated variables that cover different airfield elevations (takeoff distance), temperatures, surface conditions, and winds for subsequent calculations and discuss on how they effect takeoff and climb performance
  • Conduct a glassy water takeoff and compare actual rotation location to calculated location
  • Discuss how crosswind takeoffs
    • How do control inputs change as the aircraft accelerates?
    • How does the pilot manage the liftoff/transition to climb?
  • Discuss rejecting the takeoff in the rain/snow
    • How would rejecting a takeoff on a wet runway change a pilot's action?
    • How would performance change?
  • Discuss an engine failure on takeoff roll, just after takeoff, and while in the climb
    • How does a pilot recognize loss of performance? What is normal RPM expected?
    • How do pilot options change as the aircraft gains altitude?
  • Discuss the importance of checking for aircraft on final before taxiing onto the runway
    • What are some reasons pilots may be on final without other pilots otherwise knowing?
  • Discuss hazards by providing an example of taking off after a larger aircraft (windshear)
  • Discuss minimum safe altitudes
    • Describe minimum safe altitudes for a given area?
    • Discuss how minimum safe altitudes apply to takeoff/airport operations?
  • Discuss reasons where Vx and Vy would be most appropriate for climbout
  • Discuss risk in climb (power-on stall) as well as terrain avoidance being low altitude, nose-high, high workload
  • Discuss why noise abatement procedures exist and where to find them
    • Have student locate noise abatement procedures for the local or a nearby airport
  • Related scenarios:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Airman Certification Standards:

.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.IV.I.K1:

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

  • PA.IV.I.K2:

    Best angle of climb speed (Vx) and best rate of climb speed (Vy).

  • PA.IV.I.K3:

    Appropriate airplane configuration.

  • PA.IV.I.K4:

    Appropriate use of glassy water takeoff and climb technique.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.IV.I.R1:

    Selection of takeoff path based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance.

  • PA.IV.I.R2:

    Water surface/condition.

  • PA.IV.I.R3:

    Abnormal operations, to include planning for.

  • PA.IV.I.R4:

    Collision hazards.

  • PA.IV.I.R5:

    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

  • PA.IV.I.R6:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

  • PA.IV.I.R7:

    Gear position in an amphibious airplane.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.IV.I.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

  • PA.IV.I.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate.

  • PA.IV.I.S3:

    Position flight controls and configure the aircraft for the existing conditions.

  • PA.IV.I.S4:

    Clear the area; select appropriate takeoff path considering surface hazards or vessels and surface conditions.

    • PA.IV.I.S4a:

      Retract the water rudders, as appropriate.

    • PA.IV.I.S4b:

      Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.

  • PA.IV.I.S5:

    [Archived].

  • PA.IV.I.S5:

    Establish and maintain an appropriate planing attitude, directional control, and correct for porpoising, skipping, and increase in water drag.

  • PA.IV.I.S7:

    Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s).

  • PA.IV.I.S8:

    Use appropriate techniques to lift seaplane from the water considering surface conditions.

  • PA.IV.I.S9:

    Establish proper attitude/airspeed and accelerate to Vy +10/-5 knots during the climb.

  • PA.IV.I.S10:

    Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer's instructions.

  • PA.IV.I.S11:

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

  • PA.IV.I.S12:

    Maintain directional control throughout takeoff and climb.

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

Conclusion: