IV. AREA OF OPERATION:
 
TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS Index
A. TASK: NORMAL AND CROSSWIND TAKEOFF AND CLIMB
NOTE: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements shall be evaluated through oral testing.
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a normal and crosswind takeoff and climb.
2. Positions the flight controls for the existing wind conditions; sets the flaps as recommended.
3. Clears the area; taxies into the takeoff position and aligns the airplane on the runway centerline.
4. Advances the throttle smoothly to takeoff power.
5. Rotates at the recommended airspeed, lifts off, and accelerates to VY.
6. Establishes the pitch attitude for VY and maintains VY, +10/-5 knots, during the climb.
7. Retracts the landing gear, if retractable, and flaps after a positive rate of climb is established.
8. Maintains takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude.
9. Maintains directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the takeoff and climb.
10. Complies with noise abatement procedures.
11. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
B. TASK: NORMAL AND CROSSWIND APPROACH AND LANDING
NOTE: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements shall be evaluated through oral testing.
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a normal and crosswind approach and landing.
2. Considers the wind conditions, landing surface and obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
3. Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjusts pitch attitude and power as required.
4. Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed, or in its absence, not more than 1.3 Vso, +10/-5 knots, with gust factor applied.
5. Makes smooth, timely, and correct control application during the roundout and touchdown.
6. Touches down smoothly at the approximate stalling speed, at or within 400 feet (120 meters) beyond a specified point, with no drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.
7. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.
8. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
C. TASK: SOFT-FIELD TAKEOFF AND CLIMB
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a soft-field takeoff and climb.
2. Positions the flight controls for the existing wind conditions and so as to maximize lift as quickly as possible; sets the flaps as recommended.
3. Clears the area; taxies onto the takeoff surface at a speed consistent with safety and aligns the airplane without stopping while advancing the throttle smoothly to takeoff power.
4. Establishes and maintains the pitch attitude that will transfer the weight of the airplane from the wheels to the wings as rapidly as possible.
5. Lifts off and remains in ground effect while accelerating to VY.
6. Establishes the pitch attitude for VY and maintains VY, +10/-5 knots, during the climb.
7. Retracts the landing gear, if retractable, and flaps after a positive rate of climb is established.
8. Maintains takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude.
9. Maintains directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the takeoff and climb.
10. Complies with noise abatement procedures.
11. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
D. TASK: SOFT-FIELD APPROACH AND LANDING
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a soft-field approach and landing.
2. Considers the wind conditions, landing surface and obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
3. Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjusts pitch attitude and power as required.
4. Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed, or in its absence not more than 1.3 Vso, +10/-5 knots, with gust factor applied.
5. Makes smooth, timely, and correct control application during the roundout and touchdown.
6. Touches down smoothly with no drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.
7. Maintains the correct position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi on the soft surface.
8. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.
9. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
E. TASK: SHORT-FIELD TAKEOFF AND CLIMB
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a short-field takeoff and climb.
2. Positions the flight controls for the existing wind conditions; sets the flaps as recommended.
3. Clears the area; taxies into the takeoff position so as to allow maximum utilization of available takeoff area and aligns the airplane on the runway centerline.
4. Advances the throttle smoothly to takeoff power.
5. Rotates at the recommended airspeed, lifts off and accelerates to the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed or Vx.
6. Establishes the pitch attitude for the recommended obstacle clearance airspeed, or Vx, and maintains that airspeed,
+10/-5 knots, until the obstacle is cleared, or until the airplane is 50 feet (20 meters) above the surface.
7. After clearing the obstacle, accelerates to VY, establishes the pitch attitude for VY, and maintains VY, +10/-5 knots, during the climb.
8. Retracts the landing gear, if retractable, and flaps after a positive rate of climb is established.
9. Maintains takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude.
10. Maintains directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the takeoff and climb.
11. Complies with noise abatement procedures.
12. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
F. TASK: SHORT-FIELD APPROACH AND LANDING
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a short-field approach and landing.
2. Considers the wind conditions, landing surface and obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
3. Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, and adjusts pitch attitude and power as required.
4. Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed, or in its absence not more than 1.3 Vso, +10/-5 knots, with gust factor applied.
5. Makes smooth, timely, and correct control application during the roundout and touchdown.
6. Touches down smoothly at the approximate stalling speed, at or within 200 feet (60 meters) beyond a specified point, with no side drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.
7. Applies brakes, as necessary, to stop in the shortest distance consistent with safety.
8. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.
9. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
G. TASK: FORWARD SLIP TO A LANDING
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a forward slip to a landing.
2. Considers the wind conditions, landing surface and obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point.
3. Establishes the slipping attitude at the point from which a landing can be made using the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed; adjusts pitch attitude and power as required.
4. Maintains a ground track aligned with the runway centerline and an airspeed which results in minimum float during the roundout.
5. Makes smooth, timely, and correct control application during the recovery from the slip, the roundout, and the touchdown.
6. Touches down smoothly at the approximate stalling speed, at or within 400 feet (120 meters) beyond a specified point, with no side drift, and with the airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.
7. Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing.
8. Completes the appropriate checklist.
 
H. TASK: GO-AROUND
REFERENCES: AC 61-21; Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a go-around.
2. Makes a timely decision to discontinue the approach to landing.
3. Applies takeoff power immediately and transitions to the climb pitch attitude for VY,+10/-5 knots.
4. Retracts the flaps to the approach setting, if applicable.
5. Retracts the landing gear, if retractable, after a positive rate of climb is established.
6. Maintains takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude, then sets power and transitions to the airspeed appropriate for the traffic pattern.
7. Maintains directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the climb.
8. Complies with noise abatement procedures, as appropriate.
9. Flies the appropriate traffic pattern.
10. Completes the appropriate checklist.

Private Pilot - Airplane