AA.III.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management and skills associated with a normal takeoff and climb.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.III.A.K1Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
• AA.III.A.K2Appropriate V-speeds for takeoff and climb.
• AA.III.A.K3Appropriate aircraft configuration and power setting for takeoff and climb.
• AA.III.A.K4Runway markings and lighting.

Risk Management

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

• AA.III.A.R1Selection of a runway, or runway intersection, based on pilot capability, aircraft limitations, available distance, surface conditions, and wind.
• AA.III.A.R2Wake turbulence.
• AA.III.A.R3Abnormal operations, to include planning for:
  • AA.III.A.R3aa. Rejected takeoff
  • AA.III.A.R3bb. Engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
• AA.III.A.R4Improper aircraft configuration or settings (e.g., trim, flaps, autobrakes, etc.).
• AA.III.A.R5Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, vessels, persons, and wildlife.
• AA.III.A.R6Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT.
• AA.III.A.R7Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.III.A.S1Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to takeoff in a timely manner.
• AA.III.A.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• AA.III.A.S3Verify assigned/correct runway (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
• AA.III.A.S4Verify the airplane is configured for takeoff.
• AA.III.A.S5Position the flight controls for the existing wind.
• AA.III.A.S6Clear the area; taxi into takeoff position and align the airplane on the runway centerline (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
• AA.III.A.S7Retract the water rudders, as appropriate (ASES, AMES).
• AA.III.A.S8Establish and maintain the most efficient planing/liftoff attitude, and correct for porpoising or skipping (ASES, AMES).
• AA.III.A.S9Maintain centerline (ASEL, AMEL) and proper flight control inputs during the takeoff roll.
• AA.III.A.S10Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation making callouts, as appropriate, for the airplane or per the operator’s procedures.
• AA.III.A.S11Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s) (ASES, AMES).
• AA.III.A.S12Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed.
• AA.III.A.S13Establish a power setting and a pitch attitude to maintain the desired climb airspeed/V-speed, ±5 knots for each climb segment.
• AA.III.A.S14Maintain desired heading ±5°
• AA.III.A.S15Retract the landing gear and flaps in accordance with manufacturer or operator procedures and limitations, as appropriate.
• AA.III.A.S16Avoid wake turbulence, if applicable.
• AA.III.A.S17Follow noise abatement procedures, as practicable.
• AA.III.A.S18Complete appropriate after-takeoff checklist(s) in a timely manner.