Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb
Lesson Plan

Attention:

• Research a mishap case study:
  • Takeoff and climb case studies
• 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:

Required Materials:

• Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

• Discuss soft/rough field takeoff and climb
• Discuss soft/rough field takeoff and climb procedures
• Discuss soft/rough field takeoff and climb common errors
• Discuss soft/rough field takeoff and climb airman certification standards
• Discuss case studies
• Conclusion

Student Actions:

• Complete assigned reading (see content above)
• Ask pertinent questions
• Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate

Completion Standards:

• Soft/rough field takeoff and climb Airman Certification Standards:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a soft-field takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM; AIM

  
  

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

  The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.IV.C.K1:

    ffects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance

  • PA.IV.C.K2:

    V_x and V_y

  • 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

  
  

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

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • 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:

      Runway surface/condition

  • PA.IV.C.R3:

    Abnormal operations, to include planning for:

    • PA.IV.C.R3a:

      Rejected takeoff

    • PA.IV.C.R3b:

      Engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight

  • PA.IV.C.R4:

    Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, persons, and wildlife

  • PA.IV.C.R5:

    Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT

  • PA.IV.C.R6:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

  
  

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

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.IV.C.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist

  • PA.IV.C.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate

    • Radio communications information

  • PA.IV.C.S3:

    Verify assigned/correct runway

  • PA.IV.C.S4:

    Ascertain wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators

  • PA.IV.C.S5:

    Position the flight controls for the existing wind

  • 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 will transfer 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 V_x or V_y, as appropriate

  • PA.IV.C.S10:

    Establish a pitch attitude for V_x or V_y, 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 V_x or V_y, 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

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