Objective:

To develop the skill and proficiency necessary to get the aircraft off the ground as soon as possible so as to reduce drag from the soft field condition.

Elements:

1. Review wind conditions and factors related to the transfer of airplane weight from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible.
2. Review takeoff hazards including windshear and wake turbulence.
3. Set the flaps as recommended in POH for conditions.
4. Proform Pre-Takeoff brief and prepare for possible engine failure.
5. Clear the area, taxi onto the takeoff surface at a speed consistent with safety and align the airplane with the center line without stopping and advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power.
6. Use proper positioning of flight controls according to wind conditions.
7. Maintain directional control during acceleration (P-Factor and X-wind).
8. Establish and maintain a pitch attitude that will transfer the weight of the airplane from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible.
9. Lift off at or just above stall speed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to Vy.
10. Establish the pitch attitude for Vy, +10/-5 knots, during the climb.
11. With no remaing runway available, retract the flaps and landing gear, if retractable, after a positive rate of climb is established.
12. Maintain crosswind correction to maintain groundtrack during climb.
13. Maintain takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude.
14. Comply with noise abatement procedures if applicable.
15. Complete the appropriate checklist.

Common Errors:

1. Improper initial positioning of the flight controls or wing flaps.
2. Not clearing the area before takeoff.
3. Allowing the airplane to stop on the takeoff surface prior to initiating takeoff.
4. Improper power application and use of brakes.
5. Inappropriate removal of hand from throttle.
6. Poor directional control.
7. Late liftoff using more runway than required.
8. Settling back to takeoff surface after becoming airborne.
9. Failure to establish and maintain proper climb configuration and airspeed.
10. Drift during climb.

References:

• FAA Private Pilot PTS
• Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 5-10 – 5-11

Notes:

Walk field first determining ruts, bumps, or other obstacles.
Ground effect is 1/2 the length of the wingspan
Determine abort point if not airborne.
Determine emergency landing points after rotation.
Once airplane is moving, keep it moving.
Differences between grass, wet grass, snow, dirt, dry lakebeds, gravel, sand, and other surfaces.

Printer Fiendly