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  • SKIPPING › GLASSY WATER TAKEOFFS

    GLASSY WATER TAKEOFFS Glassy water makes takeoff more difficult in two ways. The smoothness of the surface has the effect of increasing drag, making acceleration and lift-off more difficult. This can feel as if there is suction between ... water and the floats. A little surface roughness actually helps break the contact between the floats and the water by introducing turbulence and air bubbles between water and the float bottoms. The intermittent contact between floats and water…

  • Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs › Crosswind Takeoff › Takeoff Roll

    Crosswind Takeoff While it is usually preferable to take off directly into the wind whenever possible or practical, there are many instances when circumstances or judgment indicate otherwise. Therefore, the pilot must be familiar with the principles and techniques involved ... crosswind takeoffs, as well as those for normal takeoffs. A crosswind affects the airplane during takeoff much as it does during taxiing. With this in mind, the pilot should be aware that the technique used for crosswind correction during takeoffs…

  • Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs › Soft/Rough-Field Takeoff and Climb › Initial Climb

    Initial Climb After a positive rate of climb is established, and the airplane has accelerated to VY, the pilot should retract the landing gear and flaps, if equipped. If departing from an airstrip with wet snow or slush ... takeoff surface, the gear should not be retracted immediately so that any wet snow or slush can be air-dried. In the event an obstacle needs to be cleared after a soft-field takeoff, the pilot should perform the climb…

  • Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Climbs and Climbing Turns

    Normal climb speed is generally higher than the airplane’s best rate of climb. The additional airspeed provides for better engine cooling, greater control authority, and better visibility over the nose of the airplane. Normal climb is sometimes referred ... cruise climb. ⦁ Best rate of climb (VY)—produces the most altitude gained over a given amount of time. This airspeed is typically used when initially departing a runway without obstructions until it is safe to transition to a normal…

  • Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs › Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb

    should reduce AOA to attain normal airspeed before attempting to fly out of the ground effect areas. Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb When performing takeoffs and climbs from fields where the takeoff area is short or the available ... takeoff area is restricted by obstructions, the pilot should operate the airplane at the maximum limit of its takeoff performance capabilities. To depart from such an area safely, the pilot needs to exercise positive and precise control of airplane attitude…