Well-Executed Takeoffs Require Planning

“Nice landing.” We sometimes hear that from passengers or fellow pilots after we greased it in with a gusty cross-wind, or pasted the mains on the numbers and made the first turnoff.

However, when is the last time someone complimented you on your takeoff? Probably never. Like Rodney Dangerfield, takeoffs “get no respect.”

This is unfortunate, because a well-executed takeoff requires good planning and technique to gracefully transition an aircraft from a gangly ground machine to a graceful air vehicle.

When comparing the effect the wind has on takeoff vs. landing, one must consider that when in the traffic pattern we were already subject to the wind conditions and are prepared to make the necessary control inputs for a smooth landing.

When taking off, on the other hand, we are aware of the wind direction, speed and gust factor from the AWOS, but won’t have real-time knowledge until we advance the throttle and are rolling down the runway.

For example, the environment surrounding two different airports can present two very different challenges with the same reported wind conditions.

Airlake and Faribault have the same runway alignment, but on days with the same reported winds from the south, the takeoff (and landing) experience on 12 at FBL will be significantly more challenging than at LVN.

How does one prepare for such a difference? There are two ways; anecdotal information through being in the right place at the right time during hangar-flying discussions, or assessing geography and surrounding environment prior to takeoff.

Environmental factors aside, what is the proper technique for a smooth transition to the sky? The best place to start is the aircraft POH. Reviewing the numbers, configuration and recommended technique is a proper place to start. This is especially important if flying a light twin or high-performance single. Make sure the aircraft is on the runway center-line prior to advancing the throttle.

For a proper crosswind technique, rotate the yoke or stick so the upwind aileron is deflected “up,” which will help keep the wind from sending the aircraft down-wind during the transition from ground to air.

As soon as liftoff occurs, the proper technique is to convert to a coordinated turn into the wind creating a necessary crab to maintain a ground track over the center-line and beyond.

A common practice is to level wings and maintain ground track with rudder, creating an uncoordinated flight condition, which is inefficient and bad practice.

So, the next time you line-up and power-up, give your take-off technique a little extra attention. Who knows, your passengers or fellow pilots might just give you a thumbs up and utter those rarely-spoken words …”Nice takeoff.”