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Flight Test Items - Ex. 16 Takeoff

Please note: Sections that are highlighted in Yellow indicate new topic areas or important changes in criteria or policy.

The candidate will demonstrate a soft-field takeoff and a short-field takeoff to clear an actual or simulated obstacle.  If conditions permit, one of the takeoffs should be completed under crosswind conditions.

Where practicable, the short-field takeoff should be based on the previously calculated performance.

Note 1:  The candidate must be able to explain the operational necessity for any variation from the recommended speed, e.g. gusty or crosswind conditions.

Note 2:  Prior to take-off, in the interest of better cockpit co-ordination, the candidate will complete a crew briefing with the examiner on the intended departure procedure, takeoff considerations and procedures to be used in the event of an actual engine failure during the takeoff and initial climb.

A.  Soft-Field Takeoff

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to safely take off from an actual or simulated grass, gravel or rough  surface (no pavement or concrete) using the correct procedure and technique for the actual or simulated wind conditions, runway surface and length, and to assess the possibility of further conditions such as wind shear and mechanical turbulence.

Description

For the purpose of this exercise, the examiner will specify simulated conditions such as surface conditions, obstacles to be cleared and available runway length.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

  1. perform an effective passenger safety review;

  2. complete appropriate checklists;

  3. position the flight controls and configure the aeroplane for the existing or simulated conditions;

  4. specify a GO/NO GO decision point to the examiner;

  5. check for traffic and taxi onto the take-off surface at a safe speed while keeping the nosewheel as light as possible and, without stopping, advance the throttle smoothly to take-off power (ATC instructions must be complied with);

  6. confirm that take-off power has been achieved;

  7. maintain directional control during the take-off roll;

  8. establish and maintain a pitch attitude that will effectively and efficiently transfer the weight of the aeroplane from the wheels to the wings;

  9. lift off at the slowest airspeed commensurate with safety in existing conditions;

  10. remain in ground effect and accelerate to VX or VY, as obstacles may dictate;

  11. establish the pitch attitude for the recommended climb speed and maintain that speed (+10/–5 knots);

  12. retract the landing gear (where applicable) at a safe height;

  13. retract flaps (where applicable) at a safe height and above the recommended minimum speed;

  14. maintain take-off power to a safe height, then, where applicable, set climb power (±0.5” MP, ±50 RPM);

  15. maintain directional control and apply drift correction in the climb;

  16. complete appropriate checks.

B.  Short-Field Takeoff (Maximum Performance)

Aim

To determine the candidate’s ability to safely take off from a short field and clear an obstacle using the correct procedure and technique for the actual wind conditions, simulated or actual runway length and obstacles to be cleared, and to assess the possibility of further conditions such as wind shear and mechanical turbulence.

Description

For the purpose of this exercise, the examiner will specify simulated conditions, such as available runway length and obstacles to be cleared for the short-field takeoff.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate’s ability to:

  1. perform an effective passenger safety review;

  2. complete appropriate checklists;

  3. position the flight controls and configure the aeroplane for the actual or simulated conditions;

  4. specify a GO/NO GO decision point to the examiner;

  5. check for traffic and taxi into position for maximum utilization of available take-off distance;

  6. advance the throttle smoothly to take-off power while holding brakes;

  7. confirm static take-off power has been achieved;

  8. maintain directional control during the take-off roll;

  9. rotate at the recommended airspeed, lift off and accelerate to the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed (VX);

  10. establish the pitch attitude for the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed, and maintain that speed (+10/–5 knots) until any actual or simulated obstacle is cleared or until reaching 50 feet AGL;

  11. retract the landing gear (where applicable) at a safe height;

  12. retract flaps (where applicable) at a safe height and above the minimum recommended flap retraction speed;

  13. maintain take-off power to a safe height, then, where applicable, set climb power (±0.5” MP, ±50 RPM);

  14. maintain directional control and apply drift correction in the climb;

  15. complete appropriate checks.
Date modified:
2010-05-20