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AviationShort-field takeoff and maximum performance climb

You use all the runway, set full power on the brakes, lift off at the recommended speed and climb at the obstacle clearance speed or VX over a 50-foot obstacle, then accelerate to VY. It is Task E of Area IV, Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds, in the FAA Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards, for the airplane classes listed below.

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Scenarios

  • Airplane single-engine land (ASEL).
  • Airplane multiengine land (AMEL).

The steps

  1. Complete the appropriate checklists.
  2. Make radio calls as appropriate.
  3. Verify the assigned or correct runway.
  4. Determine the wind direction, with or without visible wind indicators.
  5. Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
  6. Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position and line up on the centerline using the maximum takeoff area available.
  7. Hold the brakes while you set engine power for maximum performance.
  8. Confirm takeoff power before releasing the brakes and check the engine and flight instrument indications before rotation.
  9. Rotate and lift off at the recommended airspeed and accelerate to the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or VX, +10/-5 knots.
  10. Set a pitch attitude to hold the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or VX, +10/-5 knots, until the obstacle is cleared or the airplane is 50 feet above the surface.
  11. Set a pitch attitude for VY and accelerate to VY +10/-5 knots after clearing the obstacle, or at 50 feet above the ground if the obstacle is simulated.
  12. Configure the airplane as the manufacturer says after a positive rate of climb is verified.
  13. Hold VY +10/-5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
  14. Keep directional control and the right wind-drift correction through the takeoff and climb.
  15. Comply with noise abatement procedures, as applicable.

Safety rules that stop the station

  • Any action, or lack of action, that makes the examiner step in to keep the flight safe is unsatisfactory.
  • Not clearing the area with a proper visual scan before and during the maneuver is unsatisfactory.
  • Consistently exceeding the tolerances of the task, or not correcting promptly when you exceed them, is unsatisfactory.

To pass

  • The whole runway used, obstacle clearance speed or VX +10/-5 knots to 50 feet, then VY +10/-5 knots to a safe altitude.
  • Know how the atmosphere and the wind change takeoff and climb performance, VX and VY, the right configuration, and the risks of the takeoff path, crosswind, windshear, tailwind, wake turbulence, the takeoff surface, a rejected takeoff, an engine failure in the climb, collision, low-altitude stalls and spins, and distractions.
  • Missing the standard on this task fails the task and its area of operation.

Official source

Federal · FAA Private Pilot ACS

Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-6C)

The FAA publishes the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards free: every task of the checkride with its knowledge, risks and tolerances.

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