Safety

Strive to be Normal
A good place to start with takeoff safety is looking
at what exactly comprises a “normal” takeoff.
According to the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook, a
normal takeoff is one in which the airplane is headed
into to the wind, or the wind is very light. Also,
the takeoff surface is firm and of sufficient length
to permit the airplane to gradually accelerate to
normal lift-off and climb-out speed, and there are no
obstructions along the takeoff path.
It would be nice if every takeoff conformed to
those conditions, but in reality, it doesn’t always play
out this way. But just because you may not be lucky
enough to have normal conditions doesn’t mean you
can’t expect a normal outcome when taking to the
sky. All it takes is solid preparation and legwork.
Windy Wisdom
It starts with the planning process — well before
you even set foot inside the aircraft. As part of your
preflight preparation, you’ll want to carefully study
weather conditions, taking note of wind direction
and velocity. Both of these will help you estimate
your direction of takeoff, anticipate wind correction
inputs during taxi and takeoff roll, and determine if
an existing crosswind component is within your (and
your aircraft’s!) comfort zone.
If there is a crosswind, be sure to use full aileron
into the wind once you start the takeoff roll. As you
feel increased pressure on the ailerons and they
become effective for maneuvering, you can gradually
reduce control input. You’ll want to maintain some
aileron pressure on the takeoff roll to prevent that
upwind wing from lifting once airborne and to keep
the airplane from side-skipping (see Fig. 1). Proper
rudder control is also critical on the takeoff roll to
keep the aircraft from becoming a giant weathervane
and to correct for its left-turning tendency at full
power. Crosswinds require a careful balancing act;
overcorrecting or underestimating their effects can
lead to a LOC situation in the blink of an eye. Practicing
crosswind takeoffs with an instructor can help you
fine tune your coordination as well as help develop
your personal go/no-go threshold for future flights.
Studying the wind will also give you an idea of
which runway is in use and allow you to plot out
what landing options you might have should you
lose power on takeoff. If you’re in unfamiliar territory,
studying the sectional should give you a good
indication of where it may be safe to set down (fields,
roads) as well as what areas to completely avoid
(dense housing areas, office buildings). You can also
Fig. 1 – Correction technique for crosswind effect
check out Google Earth aerial maps on your smart
phone or tablet, and ask a local pilot or instructor
to help you get a better lay of the surrounding land.
This will help you discover any hidden obstacles
(trees, towers, power lines, etc.) that you’ll want to
factor in on your takeoff roll.
Another important consideration of your
pre-flight weather research is density altitude.
Being high, hot, and heavy before takeoff is often
a disastrous mix. Be sure to check your aircraft’s
performance limitations with regard to temperature,
altitude, payload, and how much pavement
you’ll need to get airborne. It can be an eye-opening
experience when you run the numbers and see how
much more takeoff distance you need to stay safe
with high density altitude. It goes without saying
that a weight and balance check should be a part
of every pre-flight plan. Carrying extra weight (or
less than you’re used to hauling) can affect several
aspects of your takeoff and departure, including
ground roll and V speeds. (Always check your POH).
If the numbers don’t add up or are too close to call,
consider delaying your takeoff until cooler and more
performance-friendly conditions prevail.
Know Thy Runway
A huge factor in determining a successful and
safe takeoff is studying up on the runway you plan to
use. In addition to some of the more obvious things
March/April 2016 FAA Safety Briefing 15