CROSSWIND TAKE-OFF
Description
Takeoff roll, lift-off and initial climb with some wind
acting perpendicular to the runway.
Objective
To teach techniques necessary for a takeoff when the wind is
not aligned with the runway.
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, using wind correction during taxi
·
Position full ailerons into the direction of the wind (turn
into for headwinds, dive away from tailwinds)
·
Smoothly apply full power
·
Anticipate need for right rudder pressure and to maintain
centerline
·
Check engine instruments (in green)
·
As controls become effective, gradually reduce aileron /
rudder pressures
·
At VR (C172RG: 55 KIAS),
gradually apply back pressure to lift nose wheel
·
Pitch for normal climb attitude, climb at VY (C172RG: 84 KIAS)
·
Gear up upon positive rate of climb, safe airspeed, no
useable runway
·
Crab into wind as necessary to maintain extended runway
centerline
·
Maintain ball centered
·
Look for traffic
Discuss maximum demonstrated crosswind component. Discuss
taxi wind correction (turn into for headwinds, dive away from tailwinds).
Common Errors
·
Failure to adequately clear the area prior to taxiing onto the
active runway
·
Using less than full aileron pressure into the wind initially on
the takeoff roll
·
Mechanical use of aileron control rather than sensing the need
for varying aileron control input through feel for the airplane
·
Premature lift-off resulting in side-skipping
·
Excessive aileron input in the latter stage of the takeoff roll
resulting in a steep bank into the wind at lift-off
·
Inadequate drift correction after lift-off
References
FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 5-5