Lesson Plan: Takeoff and Landing Maneuvers in a Cessna 172s

Objective: To teach the student pilot the proper techniques for performing short field takeoffs and maximum performance climbs, soft field takeoffs and climbs, steep turns, steep spirals, short field approach and landing, soft-field approach and landing, and go-around rejected landing in a Cessna 172s.

Equipment: Cessna 172s, Pilot Operating Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and the Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

Introduction: The takeoff and landing maneuvers are some of the most critical maneuvers in aviation. They require precision, skill, and knowledge of the aircraft’s capabilities. In this lesson, we will cover the proper techniques for performing short field takeoffs and maximum performance climbs, soft field takeoffs and climbs, steep turns, steep spirals, short field approach and landing, soft-field approach and landing, and go-around rejected landing in a Cessna 172s.

I. Short Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb

A. Definition: A short field takeoff is a takeoff maneuver used when the runway is short or when obstacles are present. The maximum performance climb is a climb maneuver used to gain altitude quickly.

B. Configuration: Flaps set to 10 degrees, full power, brakes released, rotate at 55 knots, climb at Vx (best angle of climb) of 60 knots.

C. Why we practice: We practice short field takeoffs and maximum performance climbs to ensure that we can safely take off and climb in a limited amount of runway or in the presence of obstacles.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We configure the aircraft with flaps set to 10 degrees to increase lift and reduce the takeoff distance. We use full power to achieve maximum performance and rotate at 55 knots to achieve the best angle of climb. We climb at Vx of 60 knots to gain altitude quickly.

II. Soft Field Takeoff and Climb

A. Definition: A soft field takeoff is a takeoff maneuver used when the runway is soft or when the surface is rough.

B. Configuration: Flaps set to 10 degrees, full power, brakes released, rotate at 55 knots, climb at Vy (best rate of climb) of 74 knots.

C. Why we practice: We practice soft field takeoffs and climbs to ensure that we can safely take off and climb on a soft or rough surface.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We configure the aircraft with flaps set to 10 degrees to increase lift and reduce the takeoff distance. We use full power to achieve maximum performance and rotate at 55 knots to keep the nose wheel off the ground. We climb at Vy of 74 knots to gain altitude quickly.

III. Steep Turns

A. Definition: A steep turn is a turn maneuver performed at a bank angle of 45 degrees or more.

B. Configuration: Maintain a constant airspeed, bank angle of 45 degrees, and use rudder to maintain coordination.

C. Why we practice: We practice steep turns to improve our coordination, control, and situational awareness.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We maintain a constant airspeed to prevent a stall or overspeed. We use a bank angle of 45 degrees to achieve a steep turn. We use rudder to maintain coordination and prevent a slip or skid.

IV. Steep Spirals

A. Definition: A steep spiral is a descending turn maneuver performed at a bank angle of 45 degrees or more.

B. Configuration: Maintain a constant airspeed, bank angle of 45 degrees, and use rudder to maintain coordination.

C. Why we practice: We practice steep spirals to improve our coordination, control, and situational awareness.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We maintain a constant airspeed to prevent a stall or overspeed. We use a bank angle of 45 degrees to achieve a steep spiral. We use rudder to maintain coordination and prevent a slip or skid.

V. Short Field Approach and Landing

A. Definition: A short field approach and landing is a landing maneuver used when the runway is short or when obstacles are present.

B. Configuration: Flaps set to 30 degrees, airspeed of 65 knots, touchdown at the beginning of the runway, use brakes and flaps to slow down.

C. Why we practice: We practice short field approaches and landings to ensure that we can safely land in a limited amount of runway or in the presence of obstacles.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We configure the aircraft with flaps set to 30 degrees to increase lift and reduce the landing distance. We maintain an airspeed of 65 knots to prevent a stall or overspeed. We touchdown at the beginning of the runway to reduce the landing distance. We use brakes and flaps to slow down.

VI. Soft-Field Approach and Landing

A. Definition: A soft-field approach and landing is a landing maneuver used when the runway is soft or when the surface is rough.

B. Configuration: Flaps set to 30 degrees, airspeed of 65 knots, touchdown on the main wheels, use power and elevator to maintain a nose-high attitude.

C. Why we practice: We practice soft-field approaches and landings to ensure that we can safely land on a soft or rough surface.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We configure the aircraft with flaps set to 30 degrees to increase lift and reduce the landing distance. We maintain an airspeed of 65 knots to prevent a stall or overspeed. We touchdown on the main wheels to reduce the impact on the nose wheel. We use power and elevator to maintain a nose-high attitude to prevent the nose wheel from digging into the soft surface.

VII. Go-Around Rejected Landing

A. Definition: A go-around rejected landing is a maneuver used when the pilot decides to abort the landing and take off again.

B. Configuration: Full power, flaps up, pitch for Vx (best angle of climb), retract flaps and gear after a positive rate of climb is established.

C. Why we practice: We practice go-around rejected landings to ensure that we can safely abort a landing and take off again.

D. How we configure the aircraft: We use full power to achieve maximum performance. We retract flaps and gear after a positive rate of climb is established to reduce drag and increase climb performance. We pitch for Vx to gain altitude quickly.

Conclusion: In this lesson, we covered the proper techniques for performing short field takeoffs and maximum performance climbs, soft field takeoffs and climbs, steep turns, steep spirals, short field approach and landing, soft-field approach and landing, and go-around rejected landing in a Cessna 172s. These maneuvers require precision, skill, and knowledge of the aircraft’s capabilities. By practicing these maneuvers, we can ensure that we can safely take off and land in a variety of conditions.