Normal and Crosswind Take-off and Climb

OBJECTIVE: To develop the pilot’s skill and knowledge of normal and crosswind takeoffs and climbs.
ELEMENTS
  • Procedures before taxiing onto the runway or takeoff area to ensure runway incursion avoidance 
  • Normal and crosswind takeoff and lift-off procedures 
  • Proper climb attitude, power setting, and airspeed (Vy) 
  • Proper use of checklist 

COMPLETION STANDARDS
  1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a normal and crosswind takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures 
  2. Positions the flight controls for the existing wind conditions 
  3. Clears the area; taxies into the takeoff position and aligns the airplane on the runway center/takeoff path
  4. Lifts off at the recommended airspeed and accelerates to Vy 
  5. Establishes a pitch attitude that will maintain Vy +10/-5 knots 
  6. Retracts the landing gear, if appropriate, and flaps after a positive rate of climb is established 
  7. Maintains takeoff power and Vy +10/-5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude 
  8. Maintains directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the takeoff and climb 
  9. Complies with noise abatement procedures 
  10. Completes the appropriate checklist 
COMMON ERRORS
  • Improper runway incursion avoidance procedures 
  • Improper use of controls during a normal or crosswind takeoff 
  • Inappropriate lift-off procedures 
  • Improper climb attitude, power setting and airspeed (Vy) 
  • Improper use of checklist 


THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • Hand on throttle unless trimming until safe altitude and history behind this. 
  • Treat every takeoff as a crosswind takeoff. The technique works even if no crosswind. 
  • Only way to properly perform emergency procedures on takeoff is to brief actions beforehand 
  • Pre-departure and takeoff briefing to include normal procedure, emergency procedures especially engine failure on upwind climb and selection of emergency landing area and/or use of BRS, sterile cockpit, and passenger responsibilities 
  • Increasing aircraft visibility on the runway: Offset from runway centerline at night, landing light on when cleared for takeoff, all strobe lights on when on runway 
  • Climbs at Vx, Vy, and cruise climb 


STUDY
  • “Airplane Flying Handbook” Ch. 2, 3, & 5 
  • “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” Ch. 10 
  • POH/AFM 
  • FAA Regulations 
  • “Aeronautical Information Manual” Ch. 2 & 4 
Notes for Students:
  • When planning take-off procedures, you (the pilot) should have a point in mind along the runway in which should the airplane not become airborne that the take-off be immediately aborted. 
  • As per the Airplane Flying Handbook, if the airplane exhibits a natural tendency to lift off before reaching Vr/Vx (where required), it is generally advisable to lift off and accelerate in ground effect and then climb at Vx as appropriate. This method is preferable rather than forcing the airplane to remain on the ground as this may cause a "wheelbarrowing" effect and will hinder acceleration and overall aircraft performance. 
  • There is no such thing as a "forced take off"- so don't let a bad judgment call 

Take-off Procedure (Normal Field)
This procedure is for basic take offs from most airports with relatively long, smooth, paved runways. 

  • Line up on the runway (verify winds and hold appropriate crosswind controls) 
  • Smoothly apply full power and verify all engine instrumentation (make sure to keep your hand on the throttle until you are at least 1000AGL)
  • Maintain center line with rudder (think feet on the center line, wing into the wind)
  • Call out "airspeed alive" when the airspeed needle shows a positive indication
  • Adjust crosswind control pressure as required
  • Increase back pressure to rotate at Vr (add 1/2 of the gust factor to Vr  if gusty winds are present... and let the airplane fly itself  off the ground- do not force it to fly)
  • Pitch the aircraft to maintain Vy (USE RUDDER to correct for left turning tendencies) 
  • Maintain the extended center line of the runway by selecting a fixed point on the ground (antenna, warehouse, mountain peak etc.) directly ahead of the airplane 
  • Climb straight out or depart the airport area with a left 45 degree turn or as otherwise required when reaching above pattern altitude                                                                -For flights remaining in the pattern you may begin your turn to cross wind when you are 300ft from pattern altitude
  • After reaching at least 1000AGL remove your hand from the throttle and complete your "Climb" checklist


Take off Emergency 
  • If you encounter any abnormality prior to rotation and if runway remains, reduce power to idle and stop the airplane!
  • If the engine fails after rotation, immediately lower the pitch attitude to prevent a stall (Vglide), pull the mixture to idle and turn mags off. Land straight ahead. If you are at least 1000ft agl you may attempt to either return to the airport to elect to land straight ahead. 

Definition of Gust Factor from FAA-P-8740-49 (On Landings, Part II): The difference between the steady state wind and the maximum gust.


Sources for above information: FAA-P-8740-49 (On Landings, Part II), FAA-H-8083-3A (Airplane Flying Handbook), Piper Archer II/Cessna 172Q PIM