Lesson Overview

The student should develop knowledge of the elements related to the before takeoff check. The student should perform the check as required in the manufacturer’s POH and as required in the ACS/PTS.

References : Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C, page(s) 2-17)

Key Elements

  1. Read and Do

  2. Departure Brief

  3. Incursions and Hazards
Elements

  1. Required Temperatures and Pressures

  2. Positioning the Aircraft

  3. Division of Attention

  4. Checklist

  5. Go/No Go Decision

  6. Departure Brief

  7. Assuring the Takeoff Area is Free of Hazards

  8. Avoiding Incursions
Schedule

  1. Discuss Objectives

  2. Review material

  3. Development

  4. Conclusion
Equipment

  1. White board and markers

  2. References
IP Actions

  1. Discuss lesson objectives

  2. Present Lecture

  3. Ask and Answer Questions

  4. Assign homework
SP Actions

  1. Participate in discussion

  2. Take notes

  3. Ask and respond to questions
Completion Standards

The student understands the elements involved in a proper, thorough, and safe before takeoff check. The student can make a competent decision as to whether the airplane is safe to fly and is vigilant in maintaining hazard and incursion avoidance.

Instructor Notes

Attention

Which situation would you rather be in? Discovering there is a problem with the airplane after takeoff and having to make an emergency landing or discovering there is a problem with the airplane before taxiing onto the runway?
Overview

Review Objectives and Elements/Key ideas
What

The before takeoff check is the systematic procedure for making a check of the engine, controls, systems, instruments, and avionics prior to flight.
Why

This final check ensures the airplane is ready for safe flight before taking off.

Lesson Details

Prior to takeoff there is one last opportunity to catch problems, and this is during the pre-takeoff checks.

Pre-Takeoff Check Procedure

The aircraft should be positioned appropriately prior to performing the pre-takeoff checks. This should be on a firm surface free of debris (which can damage the propeller and tail). The aircraft should be positioned facing into the wind, if possible. After positioning the aircraft allow it to roll forward slightly to straighten the nosewheel. Careless positioning of the aircraft can subject people/vehicles/aircraft behind the plane to a blast of wind and debris. Consideration and situational awareness is critical when positioning the aircraft.

During a pre-takeoff check there is by necessity a division of attention between items inside and outside the aircraft. It is important to pay attention to the possibility of aircraft movement and arrest it immediately. If the toes slip off of the brakes, or the brakes are not adequate to hold the aircraft during higher power checks movement might occur, which is risky. Excessive "heads down" time should be avoided.

The before takeoff checklist provided in the POH should be used, if available. Follow the checklist item by item using a "read and do" technique. Never accept items which fail these checks. Don’t just move the controls in the aircraft, but also watch each control surface to ensure it actually moves the way it should based on the control movement (i.e. ensure the controls are not mis-rigged …​ it has happened, and is deadly).

During the "run up" portion of the check various engine parameters should be checked. First ensure that the oil has reached a reasonable temperature (for the {aircraft-type} a minimum oil temperature of {minimum-oil-temp} is desired). Scan all instruments, as called out on the manufacturer’s checklist, and ensure all engine operating parameters are as they should be.

Ultimately, once the checks are complete, the PIC must make a go/no-go decision. All items on the checklist are being checked for a reason, and any one of them may dictate a decision to not go. If there are discrepancies note their effect and determine if the aircraft is still legal and safe to fly. If there are any doubts, return to the ramp and seek advice.

Departure Brief

Once it is determined that the aircraft is legal and safe for flight, a departure brief to review critical information should be performed. A reminder of critical airspeeds (for the {aircraft-type}) : Vx - {airspeed-v-x}, Vy - {airspeed-v-y}, and Vr - {airspeed-v-r}. These speeds should be announced aloud. The runway heading should be checked by comparing the wet compass to the number on the runway, and the DG should be set to match. These three numbers should ultimately be the same, and should be announced verbally. Note the runway length, and confirm that it is adequate for the takeoff operation to be performed.

Also review how an emergency will be handled. Determine how a loss of power will be handled if there is still runway upon which to stop, and how it will be handled after passing the point where that is possible. Ensure you have a plan.

Runway Incursion Avoidance

Prior to entering the runway have a clearance to do so at a tower controlled airport, and at an uncontrolled airport visually scan the final approach path to verify there are no other aircraft inbound. At an uncontrolled airport make an announcement on CTAF with your intentions. Be vigilant for aircraft in the pattern.

If at a tower controlled airport repeat all clearances and do not cross hold short lines without a specific clearance. If there is any doubt, wait for traffic to clear or request clarification from ATC.

Common Errors

  • Failure to properly use the appropriate checklist

  • Improper positioning of the airplane

  • Improper acceptance of marginal engine performance

  • An improper check of flight controls

  • Hazards of failure to review takeoff and emergency procedures

  • Failure to avoid runway incursions and to ensure no conflict with traffic prior to taxiing into takeoff position

Conclusion

The before takeoff check is essential to ensure there are no problems before taking off. It is extremely important to use the correct checklist and make a safe decision regarding whether or not to make the flight. During this check, runway incursion and hazard avoidance is also extremely important and should not be ignored.

ACS Requirements

To determine that the applicant:name: value

  1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of the before takeoff check by describing:

    1. Positioning the airplane with consideration for other aircraft, surface conditions, and wind.

    2. Division of attention inside and outside the cockpit.

    3. Importance of following the checklist and responding to each checklist item.

    4. Reasons for ensuring suitable engine temperatures and pressures for run-up and takeoff.

    5. Method used to determine that the airplane is in a safe operating condition.

    6. Importance of reviewing takeoff performance airspeeds, expected takeoff distances, and emergency procedures.

    7. Method used for ensuring that the takeoff area or path is free of hazards.

    8. Method of avoiding runway incursions and ensures no conflict with traffic prior to taxiing into takeoff position.

  2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to the before takeoff check by describing:

    1. Failure to properly use the appropriate checklist.

    2. Improper positioning of the airplane.

    3. Improper acceptance of marginal engine performance.

    4. An improper check of flight controls.

    5. Hazards of failure to review takeoff and emergency procedures.

    6. Failure to avoid runway incursions and to ensure no conflict with traffic prior to taxiing into takeoff position.

  3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a before takeoff check from an instructional standpoint.

  4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to a before takeoff check.