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Since a good takeoff
depends on the proper takeoff attitude, it is
important to know how this attitude appears and
how it is attained. The ideal takeoff attitude
requires only minimum pitch adjustments shortly
after the airplane lifts off to attain the speed
for the best rate of climb (VY).
The pitch attitude necessary for the airplane
to accelerate to VY speed should be demonstrated
by the instructor and memorized by the student.
Flight instructors should be aware that initially,
the student pilot may have a tendency to hold
excessive back-elevator pressure just after lift-off,
resulting in an abrupt pitch-up.
Each type of airplane has a best pitch attitude
for normal lift-off; however, varying conditions
may make a difference in the required takeoff
technique.
When all the flight controls become effective
during the takeoff roll in a nose-wheel type airplane,
the pilot should gradually apply back-elevator
pressure to raise the nose-wheel slightly off
the runway, thus establishing the takeoff or lift-off
attitude.
This is the “rotation” for lift off
and climb. As the airplane lifts off the surface,
the pitch attitude to hold the climb airspeed
should be held with elevator control and trimmed
to maintain that pitch attitude without excessive
control pressures. The wings should be leveled
after lift-off and the rudder used to ensure coordinated
flight.
After rotation, the slightly nose-high pitch attitude
should be held until the airplane lifts off. Rudder
control should be used to maintain the track of
the airplane along the runway centerline until
any required crab angle in level flight is established.
Forcing it into the air by applying excessive
back-elevator pressure would only result in an
excessively high-pitch attitude and may delay
the takeoff. As discussed earlier, excessive and
rapid changes in pitch attitude result in proportionate
changes in the effects of torque, thus making
the airplane more difficult to control.
As the airplane leaves the ground, the pilot must
keep the wings in a level attitude and hold the
proper pitch attitude.
Outside visual scans must be intensified at this
critical point to attain/maintain proper airplane
pitch and bank attitude.
Due to the minimum airspeed, the flight controls
are not as responsive, requiring more control
movement to achieve an expected response.
A novice pilot often has a tendency to fixate
on the airplane’s pitch attitude and/or the
airspeed indicator and neglect bank control of
the airplane. Torque from the engine tends to
impart a rolling force that is most evident as
the landing gear is leaving the surface.
During takeoffs in a strong, gusty wind, it is
advisable that an extra margin of speed be obtained
before the airplane is allowed to leave the ground.
A takeoff at the normal takeoff speed may result
in a lack of positive control, or a stall, when
the airplane encounters a sudden lull in strong,
gusty wind, or other turbulent air currents. In
this case, the pilot should allow the airplane
to stay on the ground longer to attain more speed;
then make a smooth, positive rotation to leave
the ground.
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