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:
- 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
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate
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:
- 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
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures
- Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23 (Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM
Private Pilot (Airplane) Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:-
PA.IV.A.K1:
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance. -
PA.IV.A.K2:
Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY). -
PA.IV.A.K3:
Appropriate airplane configuration.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Crosswind Takeoff and Climb Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:-
PA.IV.A.R1:
Selection of runway or takeoff path based on aircraft 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:
Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight.
-
-
PA.IV.A.R4:
Collision hazards. -
PA.IV.A.R5:
Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
PA.IV.A.R6:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
PA.IV.A.R7:
Runway incursion.
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.S9:
Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to VY. -
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:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/.
- The FAA provides guidance for test taking at: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/pilot_tips/
- Test guides can be found on the FAA's website at: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_guides/media/faa-g-8082-17i.pdf
- To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page