AA.VI.A — Instrument Takeoff

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

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.VI.A.K1Operational factors that could affect an instrument takeoff (e.g., runway length, runway lighting, surface conditions, wind, wake turbulence, icing conditions, obstructions, available instrument approaches or alternate airports available in the event of an emergency after takeoff).

Risk Management

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

• AA.VI.A.R1Selection of a runway based on pilot capability, aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, surface conditions, lighting, and wind.
• AA.VI.A.R2Wake turbulence.
• AA.VI.A.R3Abnormal operations, to include planning for:
  • AA.VI.A.R3aa. Rejected takeoff
  • AA.VI.A.R3bb. Engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight with the ceiling or visibility below the minimums for an instrument approach at departure airport
• AA.VI.A.R4Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, vessels, persons, and wildlife.
• AA.VI.A.R5Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT.
• AA.VI.A.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.VI.A.S1Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to takeoff in a timely manner.
• AA.VI.A.S2Properly set the applicable avionics and flight instruments prior to initiating the takeoff.
• AA.VI.A.S3Make radio calls as appropriate.
• AA.VI.A.S4Verify assigned/correct runway (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
• AA.VI.A.S5Position the flight controls for the existing wind.
• AA.VI.A.S6Clear the area; taxi into takeoff position and align the airplane on the runway centerline (ASEL, AMEL) or takeoff path (ASES, AMES).
• AA.VI.A.S7Perform an instrument takeoff with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) simulated at or before reaching an altitude of 100 feet AGL. If accomplished in a full flight simulator, visibility should be no greater than 1/4 mile, or as specified by applicable operations specifications, whichever is lower.
• AA.VI.A.S8Maintain centerline (ASEL, AMEL) and proper flight control inputs during the takeoff roll.
• AA.VI.A.S9Confirm 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.VI.A.S10Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed, establish the desired pitch attitude, and accelerate to the desired airspeed/ V-speed.
• AA.VI.A.S11Transition smoothly from visual meteorological conditions (VMC) to actual or simulated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
• AA.VI.A.S12Maintain desired heading ±5° and desired airspeeds ±5 knots.
• AA.VI.A.S13Comply with ATC clearances and instructions issued by ATC or the evaluator, as appropriate.
• AA.VI.A.S14Complete appropriate after-takeoff checklist(s) in a timely manner.