Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a short-field takeoff, maximum performance climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field 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, Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb Procedures:
    0:10
    Part 7, Anomalies and Malfunctions:
    0:10
    Part 8, Short Field 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:
      • Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to short field takeoff and climb.
    • 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:

    • The goal of the Short-field approach and landing is to maximize aircraft performance in order to safely and accurately land the airplane, obtaining maximum performance, by touching down at the slowest possible airspeed

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Factors impacting takeoff performance:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how atmospheric conditions, including wind, temperature, pressure, and density altitude, affect short-field takeoff and climb performance. (PA.IV.E.K1)
    • Select a runway by comparing pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available takeoff distance, obstacles, and wind. (PA.IV.E.R1)
    • Assess the combined effects that crosswind, windshear, tailwind, wake turbulence, and takeoff-surface condition have on the takeoff decision and required performance. (PA.IV.E.R2)
      • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain crosswind effects and determine wind direction with or without visual indicators. (PA.IV.E.R2a)
      • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain windshear effects and establish conservative rejection criteria. (PA.IV.E.R2b)
      • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain the effect of a tailwind on takeoff distance and climb performance. (PA.IV.E.R2c)
      • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain wake turbulence avoidance during takeoff and climb. (PA.IV.E.R2d)
      • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain how takeoff surface and condition affect acceleration and stopping capability. (PA.IV.E.R2e)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain outside air temperature and field elevation/density altitude impacts to short-field takeoff and climb performance.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain runway surface condition impacts to short-field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain runway slope impacts to short-field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain how gross weight and center of gravity affect short-field takeoff and climb performance.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain power settings for short-field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain the flight profile for a short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain nose strut slope impacts to soft/rough field takeoff and climb.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain tire pressure impacts to soft/rough field 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:
  • Part 6, Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb Procedures:
    • Explain and demonstrate the airplane configuration specified by the manufacturer for a short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb. (PA.IV.E.K3)
    • Complete the appropriate checklists, make required radio calls, verify the assigned or correct runway, determine wind direction, and position the flight controls for the existing wind. (PA.IV.E.S1) (PA.IV.E.S2) (PA.IV.E.S3) (PA.IV.E.S4) (PA.IV.E.S5)
    • Clear the area, use the maximum available takeoff area, and align the airplane with the runway centerline. (PA.IV.E.S6)
    • Apply brakes while setting maximum-performance takeoff power; confirm takeoff power and verify proper engine and flight-instrument indications before rotation. (PA.IV.E.S7) (PA.IV.E.S8)
    • Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed, then accelerate to the recommended obstacle-clearance speed or Vx, +10/-5 knots. (PA.IV.E.S9)
    • Maintain the recommended obstacle-clearance speed or Vx, +10/-5 knots, until the obstacle is cleared or the airplane reaches 50 feet above the surface when simulating an obstacle. (PA.IV.E.S10)
    • After clearing the obstacle—or at 50 feet AGL when simulating one—establish the pitch attitude for Vy and accelerate to Vy, +10/-5 knots. (PA.IV.E.S11)
    • After verifying a positive rate of climb, configure the airplane in accordance with manufacturer guidance and maintain Vy, +10/-5 knots, to a safe maneuvering altitude. (PA.IV.E.S12) (PA.IV.E.S13)
    • Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb, and comply with applicable noise-abatement procedures. (PA.IV.E.S14) (PA.IV.E.S15)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain soft/rough field takeoff procedures.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain soft/rough field takeoff common errors.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain rejected takeoff considerations.
  • Part 7, Anomalies and Malfunctions:
  • Part 8, Short Field Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:
  • Part 9, Guided Scenario(s):
    • Use the guided scenario to have the learner select a runway, calculate performance, identify hazards and rejection criteria, brief an engine-failure plan, and explain and perform the complete short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb sequence within ACS (Airman Certification Standards) tolerances.
  • Part 10, Conclude Lesson:
    • 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 the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Discuss the purpose of and conditions that warrant a short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb.
  • 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 affect takeoff and climb performance.
  • Conduct a short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb, comparing the actual liftoff point with the calculated takeoff distance and evaluating obstacle clearance.
  • Discuss how a crosswind affects a short-field takeoff.
    • 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 the normal engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)?
    • 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) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Airman Certification Standards

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a short-field takeoff, maximum performance climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM; AIM
Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
Skills 15 ACS Elements
  • PA.IV.E.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.E.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.E.S3:
    Verify assigned/correct runway.
  • PA.IV.E.S4:
    Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
  • PA.IV.E.S5:
    Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  • PA.IV.E.S6:
    Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position, and align the airplane on the runway centerline utilizing maximum available takeoff area.
  • PA.IV.E.S7:
    Apply brakes while setting engine power to achieve maximum performance.
  • PA.IV.E.S8:
    Confirm takeoff power prior to brake release and verify proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
  • PA.IV.E.S11:
    Establish a pitch attitude for Vy and accelerate to Vy, +10/-5 knots after clearing the obstacle or at 50 feet AGL if simulating an obstacle.
  • PA.IV.E.S12:
    Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance after a positive rate of climb has been verified.
  • PA.IV.E.S13:
    Maintain Vy +10/-5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  • PA.IV.E.S14:
    Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
  • PA.IV.E.S15:
    Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Takeoff & Climb Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Short Field 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 Short Field 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.