NORMAL TAKE-OFF

Description

Takeoff roll, lift-off and initial climb with headwind or light wind, hard surface of sufficient length and no obstructions.

Objective

To teach techniques necessary for a normal takeoff.

Elements

·         Clear the area

·         Choose forced landing area

·         Configure aircraft: flaps up, cowl flaps open, propeller to full

·         Select outside references: vanishing point on runway

·         Taxi onto runway centerline

·         Smoothly apply full power

·         Anticipate need for right rudder pressure

·         Check engine instruments (in green)

·         At V_R (C172RG: 55 KIAS), apply slight back pressure to lift nose wheel (objective is not to take-off at V_R, but to position aircraft for take-off; as airspeed builds, aircraft will take-off)

·         Pitch for normal climb attitude, climb at V_Y (C172RG: 84 KIAS)

·         Gear up upon positive rate of climb, safe airspeed, no useable runway

·         Maintain ball centered

·         Look for traffic

Common Errors

·         Failure to adequately clear the area prior to taxiing into position on the active runway

·         Abrupt use of the throttle

·         Failure to check engine instruments for signs of malfunction after applying takeoff power

·         Failure to anticipate the airplane’s left turning tendency on initial acceleration

·         Overcorrecting for left turning tendency

·         Relying solely on the airspeed indicator rather than developed feel for indications of speed and airplane controllability during acceleration and lift-off

·         Failure to attain proper lift-off attitude

·         Inadequate compensation for torque/P-factor during initial climb resulting in a sideslip

·         Over-control of elevators during initial climbout

·         Limiting scan to areas directly ahead of the airplane (pitch attitude and direction), resulting in allowing a wing (usually the left) to drop immediately after lift-off

·         Failure to attain/maintain best rate-of-climb airspeed (V_Y)

·         Failure to employ the principles of attitude flying during climb-out, resulting in “chasing” the airspeed indicator

References

FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 5-2