Exercise 16 — Take-Off

Aim

To determine the trainee's ability to take-off safely using the correct procedure and technique for the actual wind conditions, runway surface and length (or those specified by the instructor), and to assess the possibility of such further conditions as wind shear and wake turbulence.

Description

The trainee shall demonstrate the ability to perform:

• a normal take-off into wind and in cross-wind conditions
• a short field take-off, or a soft field take-off

If possible, at least one of the take-offs shall be completed under crosswind conditions.

For the purpose of this exercise, the examiner may specify simulated conditions for the take-off such as surface conditions, obstacles to be cleared and available runway length.

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

Performance Criteria — Normal Take-Off

The trainee will:

• perform an effective passenger safety review;
• complete appropriate checklists;
• position the flight controls and configure the aeroplane for the existing conditions;
• clear the area, taxi into the take-off position, and align the aeroplane on the runway centre line;
• advance the throttle smoothly to take-off power;
• confirm that take-off power has been achieved;
• maintain the nosewheel (or tailwheel) within 10 feet of the centreline during the take-off roll;
• rotate at recommended airspeed, (+5/-0 knots);
• accelerate to and maintain recommended climb speed (+/-5 knots);
• retract the landing gear (where applicable) at a safe height;
• maintain take-off power to a safe height, then set climb power (+/-0.5" MAP, +/-50 RPM);
• eliminate drift and track along runway centreline and extended centreline;
• comply with noise abatement procedures;
• complete appropriate checks.

Performance Criteria — Soft Field Take-Off

The candidate will:

• perform an effective passenger safety review;
• complete appropriate checklists;
• position the flight controls and flaps for the existing conditions;
• clear the area;
• taxi onto the take-off surface at a speed consistent with safety and align the aeroplane without stopping while advancing the throttle smoothly to take-off power;
• confirm take-off power has been achieved;
• establish and maintain a pitch attitude that will effectively and efficiently transfer the weight of the aeroplane from the wheels to the wings;
• maintain directional control during the take-off roll;
• lift off at minimum possible airspeed;
• remain in ground effect after take-off while accelerating to recommended climb speed;
• maintain recommended climb speed (+/-5 knots);
• retract the landing gear (where applicable) at a safe height;
• retract flaps (where applicable) at a safe height;
• maintain take-off power to a safe height, then set climb power (+/-0.5" MAP, +/-50 RPM);
• maintain proper drift correction in the climb;
• complete appropriate checks.

Performance Criteria — Short Field Take-Off

The candidate will:

• perform an effective passenger safety review;
• complete appropriate checklists;
• position the flight controls and flaps for the existing conditions;
• clear the area, taxi into position for maximum utilization of available take-off distance;
• advance the throttle smoothly to take-off power while holding brakes, or as specified by the manufacturer;
• confirm take-off power has been achieved;
• maintain directional control during the take-off roll;
• rotate at the recommended airspeed (+5/-0 knots);
• accelerate to and maintain recommended climb speed (+/-5 knots);
• retract the landing gear (where applicable) at a safe height;
• retract flaps (where applicable) at a safe height;
• maintain take-off power to a safe height, then set climb power (+/-0.5" MAP, +/-50 RPM);
• maintain proper drift correction in the climb;
• complete appropriate checks.