Private Pilot (Airplane)
Short Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a Short-Field Takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-6, FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AIM

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:

  • 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

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Short-Field Approach and Landing:
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:

Short-Field Takeoff and Climb Guided Scenario(s):

  • Discuss the purpose of an conditions which warrant a short-field 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 short-field 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) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) 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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Risk Management:

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL) Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:
  • 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.

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: