Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • 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, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

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

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

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

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, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL) Risk Management:

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

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:

    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