PA.IV.C — Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a soft-field takeoff, climb operations, and rejected takeoff procedures.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• PA.IV.C.K1Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
• PA.IV.C.K2VX and VY.
• PA.IV.C.K3Appropriate airplane configuration.
• PA.IV.C.K4Ground effect.
• PA.IV.C.K5Importance of weight transfer from wheels to wings.
• PA.IV.C.K6Left turning tendencies.

Risk Management

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

• PA.IV.C.R1Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• PA.IV.C.R2Effects of:
  • PA.IV.C.R2aa. Crosswind
  • PA.IV.C.R2bb. Windshear
  • PA.IV.C.R2cc. Tailwind
  • PA.IV.C.R2dd. Wake turbulence
  • PA.IV.C.R2ee. Runway surface/condition
• PA.IV.C.R3Abnormal operations, to include planning for:
  • PA.IV.C.R3aa. Rejected takeoff
  • PA.IV.C.R3bb. Engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
• PA.IV.C.R4Collision hazards, to include aircraft, vehicles, persons, wildlife, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• PA.IV.C.R5Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT.
• PA.IV.C.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, and/or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• PA.IV.C.S1Complete the appropriate checklist.
• PA.IV.C.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.
• PA.IV.C.S3Verify assigned/correct runway.
• PA.IV.C.S4Ascertain wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.
• PA.IV.C.S5Position the flight controls for the existing wind conditions.
• PA.IV.C.S6Clear the area, maintain necessary flight control inputs, taxi into takeoff position and align the airplane on the runway centerline without stopping, while advancing the throttle smoothly to takeoff power.
• PA.IV.C.S7Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications.
• PA.IV.C.S8Establish and maintain a pitch attitude that will transfer the weight of the airplane from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible.
• PA.IV.C.S9Lift off at the lowest possible airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to VX or VY, as appropriate.
• PA.IV.C.S10Establish a pitch attitude for VX or VY, as appropriate, and maintain selected airspeed +10/-5 knots during the climb.
• PA.IV.C.S11Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer’s instructions.
• PA.IV.C.S12Maintain VX or VY, as appropriate, +10/-5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
• PA.IV.C.S13Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.
• PA.IV.C.S14Comply with noise abatement procedures.