CROSSWIND TAKE-OFF

Description

Takeoff roll, lift-off and initial climb with some wind acting perpendicular to the runway.

Objective

To teach techniques necessary for a takeoff when the wind is not aligned with the runway.

Elements

·         Clear the area

·         Choose forced landing area

·         Configure aircraft: flaps up, cowl flaps open, propeller to full

·         Select outside references: vanishing point on runway

·         Taxi onto runway centerline, using wind correction during taxi

·         Position full ailerons into the direction of the wind (turn into for headwinds, dive away from tailwinds)

·         Smoothly apply full power

·         Anticipate need for right rudder pressure and to maintain centerline

·         Check engine instruments (in green)

·         As controls become effective, gradually reduce aileron / rudder pressures

·         At V_R (C172RG: 55 KIAS), gradually apply back pressure to lift nose wheel

·         Pitch for normal climb attitude, climb at V_Y (C172RG: 84 KIAS)

·         Gear up upon positive rate of climb, safe airspeed, no useable runway

·         Crab into wind as necessary to maintain extended runway centerline

·         Maintain ball centered

·         Look for traffic

 

Discuss maximum demonstrated crosswind component. Discuss taxi wind correction (turn into for headwinds, dive away from tailwinds).

Common Errors

·         Failure to adequately clear the area prior to taxiing onto the active runway

·         Using less than full aileron pressure into the wind initially on the takeoff roll

·         Mechanical use of aileron control rather than sensing the need for varying aileron control input through feel for the airplane

·         Premature lift-off resulting in side-skipping

·         Excessive aileron input in the latter stage of the takeoff roll resulting in a steep bank into the wind at lift-off

·         Inadequate drift correction after lift-off

References

FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 5-5