Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IV, Task A

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Factors Impacting Takeoff Performance:
    0:10
    Part 3, Takeoff Performance Calculations:
    0:10
    Part 4, Factors Impacting Climb Performance:
    0:10
    Part 5, Climb Performance Calculations:
    0:10
    Part 6, Normal Takeoff & Climb Procedures:
    0:10
    Part 7, Anomalies and Malfunctions:
    0:10
    Part 8, Normal Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 9, Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 10, Conclude Lesson:
    0:10
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

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

  • Motivator:

    • Normal aircraft takeoffs are the most basic of all takeoff procedures/maneuvers.
    • The purpose of this maneuver is to safely execute a takeoff under normal conditions (i.e., hard surface, minimal wind, plenty of available takeoff distance).
    • Normal takeoffs are closely related to the performance of flight at minimum controllable airspeeds.
    • While this procedure is for normal landing, assuming the wind is blowing right down the runway, that will almost never be the case.

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Factors Impacting Takeoff Performance:
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of surface wind impacts to normal takeoff and climb performance, including determining wind direction with or without visual indicators.
    • Takeoff decision-making and verification:
      • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of aircraft-specific VX/VY selection and prescribed obstacle-clearance and climb transitions; use AFM/POH adjustments, not universal numerical rules. Review takeoff and climb performance. (PA.IV.A.K2)
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply AFM/POH takeoff settings and configuration changes; resolve conflicting indications before runway entry and verify actual settings. Following a checklist interruption, resume from a positively identified point or restart as appropriate. Review before-takeoff flows and checklists. (PA.IV.A.K3)
      • Compare runway or takeoff-path options using supported performance, wind, surface, obstacles, usable distance and margins; change or abandon an inadequate plan. Discuss water-path conditions using aircraft-specific guidance (if applicable). (PA.IV.A.R1)
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply crosswind controls, tailwind penalties, surface conditions and wake avoidance. Do not use premature liftoff for wake avoidance; request delay or a safe alternative. Avoid a departure threatened by a microburst; initial acceleration is not assurance of safety, and transport-airplane pitch targets do not transfer automatically to a trainer. (PA.IV.A.R2; PA.IV.A.R2a; PA.IV.A.R2b; PA.IV.A.R2c; PA.IV.A.R2d; PA.IV.A.R2e)
      • Have the student brief rejection cues, expected indications, stopping/control actions and aircraft-specific engine-failure options. A rejection reference does not guarantee a stop. In single-engine examples, prioritize controllable airspeed and a reachable landing area; discuss turnback only with appropriate training and actual margin. Review rejected takeoffs; distinguish multiengine procedures (if applicable). (PA.IV.A.R3; PA.IV.A.R3a; PA.IV.A.R3b)
        • Identify engine-failure hazards during the takeoff roll, initial climb, and departure, considering available altitude, landing areas, obstacles, and aircraft performance.
        • Have the student explain and justify an aircraft-specific engine-failure plan, including control priorities, landing options, and limitations on continuing or returning. Include multiengine considerations (if applicable).
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply departure traffic scanning, limitations of traffic displays, checklist interruptions and deferring nonessential conversation or display setup while encouraging urgent hazard reports. Verify runway identity and clearance meaning. Plan terrain clearance and safe alternatives; do not stretch a climb or follow an unsafe noise-abatement path at the expense of control. Coordinate a safe alternative with ATC (Air Traffic Control) when appropriate.
    • Atmospheric conditions (PA.IV.A.K1):
      • Elicit prior knowledge about air density, then have the learner explain how pressure, temperature, and humidity affect density altitude.
      • Contrast headwind and tailwind effects on takeoff distance and climb gradient.
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply gusts, windshear, and vertical air movement during takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of wind shear impacts to normal takeoff and climb performance.
    • Introduce wake turbulence considerations during normal takeoff and climb. (PA.IV.A.R2d)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the aircraft conditions that produce maximum wake-vortex strength.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of outside air temperature and field elevation/density altitude impacts to normal takeoff and climb performance.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway surface condition impacts to normal takeoff and climb. (PA.IV.A.R2e)
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway slope impacts to normal takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of gross weight and center-of-gravity impacts on normal takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of power settings impacts to normal takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of flight profile impacts to normal takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of nose strut slope impacts to normal takeoff and climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of tire pressure impacts to normal takeoff and climb.
  • Part 3, Takeoff Performance Calculations:
    • Review Performance and Limitations lesson plan (as appropriate), specifically takeoff and climb performance.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain weight & balance performance calculation.
  • Part 4, Factors Impacting Climb Performance:
  • Part 5, Climb Performance Calculations:
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of determining Top-of-Climb (TOC), connecting TOC's relevance in cross-country flight planning.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of determining climb gradient, connecting climb gradient to departure procedure flight planning.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of determining rate-of-climb requirements, connecting climb rate to obstacle avoidance.
  • Part 6, Normal Takeoff & Climb Procedures:
    • Observe checklists, appropriate radio calls, correct runway/path verification, wind assessment and controls, clearing, and aligned takeoff positioning. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards; brief safe exercise limits and control-transfer responsibilities. (PA.IV.A.S1; PA.IV.A.S2; PA.IV.A.S3; PA.IV.A.S4; PA.IV.A.S5; PA.IV.A.S6)
    • For seaplanes, observe appropriate water-rudder retraction, efficient planing/liftoff attitude, porpoising/skipping correction, and avoidance of excessive propeller spray. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards; brief safe exercise limits and control-transfer responsibilities. (PA.IV.A.S6a; PA.IV.A.S7a; PA.IV.A.S8)
    • Observe smooth takeoff power, engine/instrument checks before rotation, recommended liftoff speed, acceleration and pitch for recommended speed or VY, and manufacturer-directed configuration through safe maneuvering altitude. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards; brief safe exercise limits and control-transfer responsibilities. (PA.IV.A.S7; PA.IV.A.S9; PA.IV.A.S11; PA.IV.A.S12; PA.IV.A.S13)
    • Observe directional control, wind-drift correction, and applicable safe noise-abatement procedures through takeoff and climb. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards; brief safe exercise limits and control-transfer responsibilities. (PA.IV.A.S14; PA.IV.A.S15)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain taxiing, as required.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of aircraft configuration considerations.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of normal takeoff procedures.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of multiengine considerations, as appropriate.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of normal takeoff common errors.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of rejected takeoff considerations.
  • Part 7, Anomalies and Malfunctions:
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of potential emergency procedures during normal takeoff & climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of aborted/rejected takeoffs. (PA.IV.A.R3a)
  • Part 8, Normal Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of collision hazards. (PA.IV.A.R4)
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of low-altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, and controlled-flight-into-terrain risks. (PA.IV.A.R5)
    • Introduce distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation. (PA.IV.A.R6)
      • Have the student identify and assess how distractions, competing tasks, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation could compromise aircraft control during takeoff and initial climb.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway incursion risks. (PA.IV.A.R7)
  • Part 9, Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead the normal takeoff and climb guided scenario, requiring the student to calculate performance, select and verify the runway or path, brief rejection and engine-failure decisions, execute the takeoff and climb, and reassess when wind, traffic, or aircraft indications change.
  • Part 10, Conclude Lesson:
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply risk management: Is this procedure low, medium, or high risk?
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply calculated versus actual performance.
    • Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Phase 1 – Preflight Decision Making:
    • A pilot is planning a training flight in the local area. They remembered always reviewing takeoff performance during flight training so they get to it.
      • Question: What Federal Aviation Regulation discuss takeoff and climb? What do they say?
      • What factors are affecting your takeoff performance today?
      • How does density altitude impact: Takeoff roll? Climb rate?
      • Is this still a "normal" takeoff? / At this point, is this low, medium, or high risk according to personal minimums?
    • A pilot heard about noise abatement procedures
      • Where are noise abatement procedures found?
      • What are the noise abatement procedures for the local training airport?
  • Phase 2 – Performance Validation:
    • Perform a takeoff calculation as it relates to the scenario if not already completed.
    • If a pilot was flying somewhere for lunch and returning home that same day:
      • Considerations when flying from an altitude at lower elevation to one that is higher in elevation?
      • Considerations when flying from a cold area to warm area? Vice versa?
      • Considerations whenf lying from a prepared surface to unprepared surface? Vice versa?
    • Given the distance, where should runway rotation occur (visually)?
    • Using a rule of thumb which states achieving 70% by 50% of the runway, where and at what speed is the abort criteria evaluated?
      • Are there any other factors?
  • Runway & Risk Adjustment:
    • While taxiing using appropriate taxi corrections, the pilot notices the winds are different than expected.
      • How does even a small tailwind affect takeoff performance?
      • Should a new runway be chosen?
  • Takeoff Roll (Real-Time Coaching):
    • Discuss steps from clearance to takeoff.
    • You are halfway down the runway and not airborne yet.
      • How does a pilot recognize loss of performance? What is the normal engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)?
      • Continue or reject?
      • What cues tell you performance is insufficient?
      • Where is your abort point?
    • The pilot, unsatisfied with the aircraft's performance decides to abort.
      • What is the appropriate procedure?
      • What considerations are there for aborting a takeoff at 10 knots? 25 knots? 50 knots? Snow, Rain, Ice?
      • What considerations are there for the environmentals?
  • A heavy aircraft just departed and the controller states "caution, wake turbulence."
    • Do you delay takeoff?
    • Where is the hazard?
  • Crosswind Considerations:
    • How do control inputs change as the aircraft accelerates?
    • How does the pilot manage the liftoff/transition to climb?
  • Initial Climb Emergency:
    • Shortly after liftoff, climb performance is poor.
      • Are you achieving expected airspeed?
      • Vx or Vy - which do you use and why?
      • What is your plan if the engine fails right now?
  • Assuming a good aircraft in a climb, there are trees on the departure:
    • Do you use Vx or Vy?
    • When do you transition?
  • On climbout, an aircraft is seen above you crossing from left to right.
    • Who has right-of-way?
    • Continue climb or maneuver?
    • Collision avoidance priorities?
  • Reflections:
    • Would you have departed today?
    • What would you change?
    • What was your biggest risk?
  • Related scenarios:

Interactive Guided Scenarios

The Ridge Beyond Runway Twelve

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The Short-Field Obstacle Departure

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
Skills 15 ACS Elements
  • PA.IV.A.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.A.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.A.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway or takeoff path.
  • PA.IV.A.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • PA.IV.A.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • 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.S6a:
      Retract the water rudders, as appropriate (ASES, AMES).
  • PA.IV.A.S7:
    Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
  • PA.IV.A.S8:
    Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s) (ASES, AMES).
  • PA.IV.A.S10:
    [Archived].
  • 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 Vy +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:
    noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Normal Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Normal Takeoff and Climb combines performance planning, directional control, and precise aircraft configuration during a phase of flight with little time or altitude to correct errors.
    • Wind, runway condition, density altitude, weight, obstacles, and aircraft limitations must be evaluated before committing to the takeoff.
    • Briefing abort points, continuously evaluating acceleration and aircraft response, and acting decisively when performance is not as expected transform calculations into meaningful risk management.
    • Continued practice with Normal Takeoff and Climb prepares private pilots for more demanding runway, weather, and aircraft-performance scenarios later in training.

  • Closure:

    • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.