AA.II.E — Before Takeoff Checks

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff checks.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.II.E.K1Purpose of pre-takeoff checklist items including:
  • AA.II.E.K1aa. Reasons for checking each item
  • AA.II.E.K1bb. Detecting malfunctions
  • AA.II.E.K1cc. Ensuring the airplane is in safe operating condition
• AA.II.E.K2Deicing and anti-icing procedures, holdover times, and pre-takeoff contamination check.
• AA.II.E.K3Adverse weather considerations for performance on takeoff (e.g., snow, ice, gusting crosswinds, low-visibility).
• AA.II.E.K4Items to be included in a before takeoff briefing.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• AA.II.E.R1Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks.
• AA.II.E.R2An unexpected change in the runway to be used for departure.
• AA.II.E.R3Failure to verify performance data is correct and airspeeds and flight instruments are set for actual conditions and the departure runway.
• AA.II.E.R4Failure to set navigation and communication equipment for departure.
• AA.II.E.R5Failure to configure autopilot and flight director controls for departure.
• AA.II.E.R6Failure to account for adverse weather conditions prior to takeoff (e.g., snow, ice, gusting crosswinds, low-visibility).
• AA.II.E.R7A powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.II.E.S1Determine the airplane’s takeoff performance for actual conditions and planned departure runway or waterway.
• AA.II.E.S2Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to takeoff in a timely manner.
• AA.II.E.S3Determine all systems checked are within an acceptable operating range and are safe for the proposed flight. During the checks, explain at the request of the evaluator, any system operating characteristic or limitation and any corrective action for a malfunction.
• AA.II.E.S4Determine airspeeds/V-speeds and set flight instruments appropriately, configure flight director, autopilot controls, and navigation and communication equipment for the current flight conditions and takeoff and departure clearances.
• AA.II.E.S5Conduct a briefing that includes procedures for emergency and abnormal situations (e.g., powerplant failure, windshear), which may be encountered during takeoff, and state the planned action if they were to occur.
• AA.II.E.S6Obtain and correctly interpret the takeoff and departure clearance.