Attention:
- Research a mishap case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
- Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario
Motivator:
- Soft field takeoffs maximize performance when departing from a soft or rough runway surface
- Otherwise "hard" surfaces can become "soft" following rainstorms or disturbance
- These soft and rough surfaces provide unique challenges which may make the aircraft harder to control and reduce acceleration
- Additionally, with soft and perhaps bumpy surfaces, you are at risk of getting the nose wheel stuck
- For this reason, procedures may specify a flap setting
Overview:
Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Soft/Rough-Field 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:
- 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
Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb Guided Scenario(s):
- Discuss the purpose of an conditions which warrant a soft-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 soft-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) Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb Airman Certification Standards:
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with soft-field takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM
Private Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:-
PA.IV.C.K1:
Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance. -
PA.IV.C.K2:
Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY). -
PA.IV.C.K3:
Appropriate airplane configuration. -
PA.IV.C.K4:
Ground effect. -
PA.IV.C.K5:
Importance of weight transfer from wheels to wings. -
PA.IV.C.K6:
Left turning tendencies.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:-
PA.IV.C.R1:
Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind. -
PA.IV.C.R2:
Effects of:-
PA.IV.C.R2a:
Crosswind. -
PA.IV.C.R2b:
Windshear. -
PA.IV.C.R2c:
Tailwind. -
PA.IV.C.R2d:
Wake turbulence. -
PA.IV.C.R2e:
Takeoff surface/condition.
-
-
PA.IV.C.R3:
Abnormal operations, to include planning for:-
PA.IV.C.R3a:
Rejected takeoff. -
PA.IV.C.R3b:
Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight.
-
-
PA.IV.C.R4:
Collision hazards. -
PA.IV.C.R5:
Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
PA.IV.C.R6:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skill to:-
PA.IV.C.S1:
Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
PA.IV.C.S2:
Make radio calls as appropriate. -
PA.IV.C.S3:
Verify assigned/correct runway. -
PA.IV.C.S4:
Determine wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators. -
PA.IV.C.S5:
Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable. -
PA.IV.C.S6:
Clear the area, maintain necessary flight control inputs, taxi into takeoff position and align the airplane on the runway centerline without stopping, while advancing the throttle smoothly to takeoff power. -
PA.IV.C.S7:
Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications. -
PA.IV.C.S8:
Establish and maintain a pitch attitude that transfers the weight of the airplane from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible. -
PA.IV.C.S9:
Lift off at the lowest possible airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to Vx or Vy, as appropriate. -
PA.IV.C.S10:
Establish a pitch attitude for Vx or Vy, as appropriate, and maintain selected airspeed +10/-5 knots during the climb. -
PA.IV.C.S11:
Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer's instructions. -
PA.IV.C.S12:
Maintain Vx or Vy, as appropriate, +10/-5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude. -
PA.IV.C.S13:
Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb. -
PA.IV.C.S14:
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 can be purchased at: Amazon
- Digital copies of the ACS can be found 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