Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

Teaching and Learning Flying - Private Pilot, Single-Engine Airplane

Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

DEFINITION

Proper takeoff involves aircraft control during smooth transition from acceleration on the ground through lift-off to departure climb

SAFETY FACTORS

Review aircraft performance
- Takeoff distance
- demonstrated crosswind component
  - PA-38-112: 15 knots
  - TR182: 18 knots
Takeoff hazards
- Obstructions
  - Visually CLEAR area, final approach path
  - Announce attentions
- Unexpected loss of power
  - Run-up
  - 2,000 RPM check
  - Review V_R, initial climb speed, V_Y
  - Know engine-failure-on-takeoff checklist
- Wait 2-3 minutes for wake turbulence

TOLERANCES

Private Pilot PTS, IV A
- Explain elements, including airspeeds, configurations, and emergency procedures
- Select recommended flap setting
- Align on centerline
- Smoothly advance throttle to max allowable
- Check engine instruments
- Maintain directional control on centerline
- Adjust aileron deflection during acceleration
- Rotate at recommended airspeed, accelerate to V_Y, and establish wind-drift correction
- Establish pitch for V_Y and maintain V_Y +/- 5 knots
- Retract flaps as recommended or at safe altitude
- Retract gear after positive rate of climb established and safe landing can no longer be made on remaining runway
- Maintain takeoff power to safe maneuvering altitude
- Maintain straight track over extended runway centerline
- Complete after-takeoff checklist
Commercial Pilot PTS, IV A, adds:
- Adjust mixture control as recommended for conditions
- Note obstructions or hazards in takeoff path and review takeoff performance
- Verify wind condition
- At safe maneuvering altitude, set specified power

OBJECTIVES

To develop the student's knowledge and skill in planning and performing safe takeoffs and departure climbs in normal and crosswind conditions to meet the appropriate practical test standards
To provide thorough knowledge of takeoff and climb principles that will help prevent an attempt to takeoff under conditions requiring performance beyond the capability of airplane or pilot

PROCEDURES

Discuss elements of normal and crosswind takeoffs and climbs
Demonstrate takeoff and departure climb
PA-38-112 (Tomahawk)
- Before takeoff check
  - Master ON
  - Flight instruments CHECK
  - Fuel selector proper (fullest) tank
  - Mixture RICH (minimal leaning to smooth if high altitude)
  - Electric fuel pump ON
  - Carb heat OFF
  - Engine gauges CHECK
  - Static source normal
  - Seats secure
  - Seat backs erect
  - Belts/harness fastened (incl empty seat)
  - Flaps set
  - Trim tab set
  - Controls free
  - Doors latched
  - Overhead latch engaged
- Takeoff
  - Flaps set
  - Tab set
  - 53 KIAS
  - Rotate to climb attitude
  - V_X 61 KIAS, V_Y 70 KIAS
- Power loss on takeoff roll
  - Throttle CLOSE
  - Brakes APPLY
  - Stop straight ahead or
  - Insufficient runway: (LGMI: Lean, Gas, Master, Ignition)
    - Mixture IDLE CUT-OFF
    - Fuel selector OFF
    - Master OFF
    - Magnetos OFF
    - Maneuver to avoid obstacles
- Power loss just after takeoff
  - Airspeed above stall
  - Land straight ahead
  - Insufficient runway:
    - Throttle close
    - LGMI: OFF
    - Flaps as required
  - Sufficient altitude to attempt restart:
    - Airspeed above stall
    - Fuel: switch to tank with fuel
    - Electric fuel pump ON
    - Mix RICH
    - Carb heat ON
    - Power not regained, power-off landing
TR182 (Skylane)
- Normal takeoff
  - Flaps 0-20°
  - Carb heat OFF
  - Power 31 in. MP (max) and 2400 RPM (avoid overboost)
  - Mix RICH
  - V_R = 55 KIAS
  - Climb speed 70 KIAS (flaps 20°), 80 KIAS (flaps UP)
  - Brakes APPLY momentarily when airborne
  - Gear RETRACT in climb out ("out of runway")
  - Flaps RETRACT (safe altitude above 200 feet AGL)
  - Safe altitude above 500 feet AGL: power 25 in. MP, airspeed 90-100 KIAS
- Engine failure during takeoff roll
  - Throttle IDLE
  - Brakes APPLY
  - Flaps UP
  - Mix IDLE CUT-OFF
  - Ignition OFF
  - Master OFF
- Engine failure right after takeoff (70, LGI, FM)
  - Airspeed 70 KIAS (flaps UP), 65 KIAS (flaps DOWN)
  - Mix IDLE CUT-OFF
  - Fuel valve OFF
  - Ignition OFF
  - Flaps as needed (FULL recommended)
  - Master OFF
Review of wind conditions
- Speed and direction
  - ATIS
  - UNICOM
  - Z
  - traffic
  - sock
  - smoke
- Into wind: shorter roll, slower ground speed, less wear
Use of wing flaps
- PA-38-112 Normal: up (Short or soft field: 21°, first notch)
- TR182 : 0-20°
- Visually check flap extension
Alignment with takeoff path
- Align with centerline
- Note heading and ground references
Initial positioning of flight controls
- Trim set
- Aileron full into any crosswind
Power application
- PA-38-112
  - Fuel selector proper tank, Mix rich, Pump ON, Carb heat OFF
  - Full power
- TR182
  - Carb heat OFF, Mix RICH, Prop in high RPM
  - Smooth, steady advance throttle to 30-31 in. MP
- Keep hand on throttle
Directional control during acceleration on the surface
- With rudder, heels on floor, off brakes
- Monitor airspeed and control resistance to slight deflections
Crosswind control technique during acceleration on the surface
- Reduce aileron pressure into wind gradually to keep wings level (hold upwind wing down)
- Directional control with rudder (expect downwind pressure)
- Left yawing tendency helps directional control in right crosswind
Lift-off attitude and airspeed
- PA-38-112
  - Ease control wheel back to climb attitude at V_R = 53 KIAS
  - After takeoff, lower nose slightly to accelerate to V_Y = 70 KIAS
- TR182
  - V_R = 55 KIAS
  - Gusty winds, increase V_R by ½ the gust factor
- Crosswind lift-off: transition to sideslip
- Strong crosswind
  - Minimum flaps for field length
  - Ailerons partially into wind
  - V_R slightly higher than normal
  - Pull off abruptly
  - Coordinated turn into wind when clear of ground
- Initial climb speed
  - PA-38-112 70 (61 KIAS flaps 21° with obstacle),
  - TR182: 80 KIAS flaps up, 70 KIAS flaps 20°
Climb attitude, power setting, and airspeed
- PA-38-112
- TR182
  - 80 KIAS to above at least 500 feet AGL, then 90 KIAS and reduce power to enroute climb, 25 in. MP
  - 20° flaps: 70 KIAS to approx 200 feet AGL, then flaps up slow and accelerate to 80 KIAS
Crosswind correction and track during climb
- Sideslip until well above ground
- Coordinated turn into wind
- Ground track aligned with runway
Coach student practice
Critique student performance

COMMON ERRORS

Improper initial positioning of flight controls and wing flaps
- Full aileron into wind to start
- Visually confirm flap extension
Improper power application
Inappropriate removal of hand from throttle
Poor directional control
Improper use of ailerons
Improper pitch attitude during lift-off
- Proper trim set helps
- Too high pitch delays takeoff or leads to stall just after takeoff
Failure to establish and maintain proper climb configuration and airspeed
Drift during climb

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