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Takeoffs

Normal Takeoffs​

Safely transition from ground movement to flight.

Operation​

  • Make sure nose wheel is straight, especially if stopped
  • Use rudder to keep going straight down the runway
  • As you accelerate, the rudder will become more effective
  • At rotation speed do a smooth rotation to a constant climb attitude
  • Aircraft should accelerate after rotation

Short-Field Takeoff​

Takeoff minimizes the takeoff roll.

Operation​

  • Hold the brakes, make sure nose-wheel is straight
  • Release brakes with slightly tail-low altitude
  • Hold elevator back pressure and climb out at VxV_x

Soft-Field Takeoff​

Simulated takeoff from a soft runway.

Operation​

  • Rolling takeoff, keeping momentum when turning onto the runway
  • Elevator full-aft
  • Keep nose-wheel as high as we can until we add power
  • The airplane will lift off early, then push over into ground effect
  • In ground effect, accelerate to Vx or Vy as appropriate
  • Once at Vx or Vy climb away as normal

Crosswind Takeoff​

  • Taxiing onto the runway turn ailerons completely into the crosswind
  • As you accelerate and controls become effective, use aileron to keep the wings level
  • As you lift off, use a momentary sideslip to keep the airplane aligned with the runway
  • After climbing out, transition to a crab angle to reduce drag