Lesson Plan: Takeoff and Landing Maneuvers

Objective: To teach the student pilot the proper techniques for short field takeoff and maximum performance climb, soft field takeoff and climb, steep turns, steep spirals, short field approach and landing, soft-field approach and landing, and go-around rejected landing.

Equipment: Cessna 172S, Pilot Operating Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, Aeronautical Information Manual, and ACS.

Introduction: The takeoff and landing maneuvers are critical skills that every pilot must master. These maneuvers are essential for safe and efficient flight operations. In this lesson, we will cover the techniques for short field takeoff and maximum performance climb, soft field takeoff and climb, steep turns, steep spirals, short field approach and landing, soft-field approach and landing, and go-around rejected landing.

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 60 knots, pitch for Vx (best angle of climb) at 62 knots.

C. Why we practice: We practice short field takeoff and maximum performance climb to ensure that we can safely take off and climb out of a short runway or one with obstacles.

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 5), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 4), FARAIM (Section 91.175).

II. Soft Field Takeoff and Climb

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

B. Configuration: Flaps set to 10 degrees, full power, brakes released, rotate at 55 knots, climb at 60 knots, pitch for Vy (best rate of climb) at 74 knots.

C. Why we practice: We practice soft field takeoff and climb to ensure that we can safely take off and climb out of a soft or unpaved runway.

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 5), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 4), FARAIM (Section 91.175).

III. Steep Turns

A. Definition: A steep turn is a turn maneuver where the bank angle is greater than 45 degrees.

B. Configuration: Flaps up, power set to cruise, maintain altitude, bank angle of 45 degrees, maintain airspeed.

C. Why we practice: We practice steep turns to improve our ability to control the aircraft in a steep bank angle and to develop our situational awareness.

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 4), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 5), FARAIM (Section 91.303).

IV. Steep Spirals

A. Definition: A steep spiral is a descending turn maneuver where the bank angle is greater than 45 degrees.

B. Configuration: Flaps up, power set to idle, maintain altitude, bank angle of 45 degrees, maintain airspeed.

C. Why we practice: We practice steep spirals to improve our ability to control the aircraft in a steep bank angle and to develop our situational awareness.

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 4), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 5), FARAIM (Section 91.303).

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, approach speed of 60 knots, touchdown at the beginning of the runway, full flaps, and maximum braking.

C. Why we practice: We practice short field approach and landing to ensure that we can safely land on a short runway or one with obstacles.

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 8), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 4), FARAIM (Section 91.175).

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 unpaved.

B. Configuration: Flaps set to 30 degrees, approach speed of 60 knots, touchdown at the end of the runway, minimum braking, and maximum power.

C. Why we practice: We practice soft-field approach and landing to ensure that we can safely land on a soft or unpaved runway.

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 8), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 4), FARAIM (Section 91.175).

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), and maintain runway heading.

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

D. References: ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 8), Pilot Operating Handbook (Section 4), FARAIM (Section 91.175).

Conclusion: The takeoff and landing maneuvers are critical skills that every pilot must master. By practicing these maneuvers, we can ensure that we can safely take off and land in any situation. Remember to always refer to the ACS, Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot Operating Handbook, Aeronautical Information Manual, and FARAIM for guidance and regulations.