Pegasus Aviation Service, LLC

Softfield Takeoff & Climb BACK to Index

DescriptionTo ensure adequate takeoff acceleration on a soft field, a nose high pitch attitude is continued during the takeoff roll in order to transfer the airplane’s weight to the wings and then to lift off as soon as possible. After lifting off the airplane is flown in ground effect until a safe climb out speed is attained. ObjectiveTo develop the student’s ability to obtain maximum performance from the airplane when taking off from a soft or rough field. Procedure• Prepare for takeoff. Complete the before takeoff checklist. Set flaps to 10° and assure runway environment is clear.• Taxi onto runway and begin takeoff. As taxi begins, maintain full back pressure on the yoke to keep pressure off nosewheel. Avoid the use of brakes while taxing into position (cutting corner onto runway may be necessary).• Accelerate to liftoff. With full back pressure on the yoke, smoothly advance throttle to full power. As airspeed increases and the elevator becomes more effective, reduce back pressure slightly while continuing to minimize weight on nosewheel.• Establish the initial climb. As airplane becomes airborne (before ) reduce back pressure to achieve a level flight attitude just above the runway surface. Allow airplane to accelerate in ground effect until reaching (64 KIAS) if clearing an obstacle or (78 KIAS) before starting to climb.• Stabilize the climb. After all obstacles are clear (50 feet), accelerate to (78 KIAS) and retract the flaps. Trim to relieve control pressures and continue climb at . ACS Standards• Complete the appropriate checklist.• Make radio calls as appropriate.• Verify assigned/correct runway.• Ascertain wind direction with or without visible wind direction indicators.• Position the flight controls for the existing wind conditions.• Clear 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.• Confirm takeoff power and proper engine and flight instrument indications.• Establish and maintain a pitch attitude that will transfer the weight of the airplane from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible.• Lift off at the lowest possible airspeed and remain in ground effect while accelerating to or , as appropriate.• Establish a pitch attitude for or , as appropriate, and maintain selected airspeed during the climb.o Private: +10/-5 knotso Commercial: +/-5 knots• Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer’s instructions.• Maintain or , as appropriate, to a safe maneuvering altitude.o Private: +10/-5 knotso Commercial: +/-5 knots• Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.• Comply with noise abatement procedures.