Private Pilot (Airplane)
Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

  • Research 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:

  • 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:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Crosswind Takeoff and Climb:
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:

Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Guided Scenario(s):

  • Discuss the purpose of an conditions which warrant a crosswind 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 crosswind 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) Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Airman Certification Standards:


Private Pilot (Airplane) Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:
  • 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.S7a:

      Establish and maintain the most efficient planing/lift-off attitude, and correct for porpoising or skipping (ASES, AMES).
  • 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.

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: