Short Field Take-off and Climb 

Objective: To develop the pilot’s skill and knowledge with short field takeoffs.
ELEMENTS

  • Procedures before taxiing onto the runway or takeoff area to ensure runway incursion avoidance 
  • Short-field takeoff and lift-off procedures 
  • Initial climb attitude and airspeed (Vx) until obstacle is cleared (50 feet AGL) 
  • Proper use of checklist 

COMPLETION STANDARDS
  • Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb 
  • Positions the flight controls for the existing wind conditions; sets the flaps as recommended 
  • Clears the area; taxies into takeoff position utilizing maximum available takeoff area and aligns the airplane on the runway center/takeoff path 
  • Applies brakes, while advancing the throttle smoothly to takeoff power 
  • Lifts off at the recommended airspeed, and accelerates to the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or Vx 
  • Establishes a pitch attitude that will maintain the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed, or Vx, +10/-5 knots, until the obstacle is cleared, or until the airplane is 50 feet above the surface 
  • After clearing the obstacle, establishes the pitch attitude for Vy, accelerates to Vy, and maintains Vy, +10/-5 knots, during the climb 
  • Retracts the landing gear, if appropriate, and flaps after clear of any obstacles or as recommended by manufacturer 
  • Maintains takeoff power and Vy +10/-5 to a safe maneuvering altitude 
  • Maintains directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the takeoff and climb 
  • Completes the appropriate checklist 
COMMON ERRORS
  • Improper runway incursion avoidance procedures 
  • Improper use of controls during a short-field takeoff 
  • Improper lift-off procedures 
  • Improper initial climb attitude, power setting, and airspeed (Vx) to clear obstacle 
  • Improper use of checklist 
  • Failing to review aircraft performance before arrival at field and before departure 

THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • Hand on throttle unless trimming until safe altitude 
  • Leave gear on single down until no useable runway remaining 
  • Check Aircraft POH/AFM for flaps or gear retraction first 
  • Differences between short field no obstacle, obstacle clearance, and short with an obstacle 
  • Density Altitude Makes All Fields Short 

STUDY
  • POH/AFM 
  • “Airplane Flying Handbook” Ch. 5 
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 (Short Field)
This procedure is to be used for taking off from a short field that has a smooth, paved strip with a 50ft. obstacle. 

  • Set flaps as required 
  • Line up on the runway as close to the beginning as possible (verify winds and hold appropriate crosswind controls) 
  • Hold brakes, smoothly apply full power and verify all engine instrumentation (make sure to keep your hand on the throttle until you are at least 1000AGL), then release brakes and begin take off roll
  • 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)
  • Pitch the aircraft to maintain Vx 
  • After clearing the obstacle (or at 50ft) reduce pitch attitude to maintain Vy KIAS (USE RUDDER to correct for left turning tendencies), slowly retract flaps 
  • 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