V.G.

Pretakeoff Check___________________________________________________________
References:
1. AC 60-14 (Aviation Instructor’s Handbook)
2. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
3. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilots Practical Test Standards)
4. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilots Practical Test Standards)
5. POH (Pilots Operating Handbook)

Objective To develop the students understanding of Pre-takeoff Checks.

Elements 1. Positioning the airplane with consideration for other aircraft, surface conditions and
wind.
2. Division of attention inside and outside the cockpit.
3. Importance of following the checklist and responding to each checklist item.
4. Reasons for assuring suitable engine temperatures and pressures for run-up and
takeoff.
5. Method used to determine that airplane is in a safe operating condition
6. Importance of reviewing takeoff performance airspeeds, expected takeoff distances,
and emergency procedures.
7. Methods for assuring that the takeoff area or path is free of hazards.
8. Method used for assuring adequate clearance from other traffic.

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. Airplane Flying Handbook
3. Private/Commercial PTS
4. POH

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student has understanding of Pre-Takeoff Check.
Standards

V.G. Pretakeoff Check

Page 1 of 3
Instructor’s Notes: Pretakeoff Check_______________________________________________
INTRODUCTION:
WHAT? – The before takeoff check is a systematic procedure for making a last-minute check of the engine,
controls, systems, instruments, and radio prior to flight.
WHY? – During the check, any deviation from the normal operating limits listed in the POH means that there is a
possible malfunction requiring further investigation before flying.
Note: The following information covers the run-up, and before takeoff checks performed at Flight Safety.
OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Pre-Takeoff Check, including:
1. Positioning the airplane with consideration for other aircraft, surface conditions and wind.
2. Division of attention inside and outside the cockpit.
3. Importance of following the checklist and responding to each checklist item.
4. Reasons for assuring suitable engine temperatures and pressures for run-up and takeoff.
5. Method used to determine that airplane is in a safe operating condition
6. Importance of reviewing takeoff performance airspeeds, expected takeoff distances, and emergency
procedures.
7. Methods for assuring that the takeoff area or path is free of hazards.
8. Method used for assuring adequate clearance from other traffic.

DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) POSITIONING THE AIRPLANE WITH CONSIDERATION FOR OTHER AIRCRAFT, SURFACE
CONDITIONS AND WIND.
A.) Taxi into run-up area, into a run-up spot.
B.) It is desirable to position aircraft INTO wind
C.) If no run-up spots are marked, position the aircraft into the wind, away from other traffic.
D.) The airplane should be positioned on a firm, smooth, and/or paved surface.
E.) Straighten the airplane’s nosewheel to reduce stress during the magneto check.
2.) DIVISION OF ATTENTION INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE COCKPIT.
A.) Frequently check out the front and side windows during the run-up and pre-takeoff check to ensure that
the aircraft is not moving.
3.) IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING THE CHECKLIST AND RESPONDING TO EACH CHECKLIST
ITEM.
A.) Follow the checklist item by item.
B.) Do not accept any unacceptable levels of airplane performance.
C.) Read each checklist items aloud and touch each indicated control.
D.) Do not just read instrument indications, but interpret them.
4.) REASONS FOR ASSURING SUITABLE ENGINE TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES FOR RUN-
UP AND TAKEOFF.
A.) Frequently scan the engine instruments throughout the pre-takeoff check.
B.) Do not let the engine overheat.
C.) Look for overheat conditions on the cylinder head temperature gauge, or oil temperature gauge.
5.) METHOD USED TO DETERMINE THAT AIRPLANE IS IN A SAFE OPERATING CONDITION.
A.) Stop at each instrument discrepancy and note its effects.
B.) If you have any doubts, do not fly.
6.) IMPORTANCE OF REVIEWING TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE AIRSPEEDS, EXPECTED
TAKEOFF DISTANCES, AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.
A.) Review Vr, Vx, and Vy speeds and other takeoff performance data.
B.) Confirm runway lengths are adequate.
C.) Review emergency procedures, especially:
1. engine failure during ground roll.
2. engine failure just after liftoff, runway remaining.
3. engine failure after liftoff, up to 500 feet.
4. engine failure on climb out, 500-1000 feet.
7.) METHODS FOR ASSURING THAT THE TAKEOFF AREA OR PATH IS FREE OF HAZARDS.
A.) Before taxiing onto the runway, visually check takeoff area for traffic.
B.) If uncontrolled field, turn 360 degrees on taxiway in direction of traffic pattern.
V.G. Pretakeoff Check
Page 2 of 3
8.) METHOD USED FOR ASSURING ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM OTHER TRAFFIC.
A.) Traffic separation is a function not a responsibility of ATC at controlled airports.
B.) Be vigilant and monitor CTAF.

COMMON ERRORS:
1. Failure to use or the improper use of the checklist.
2. Improper positioning of the airplane.
3. Acceptance of marginal engine performance.
4. An improper check of flight controls.
5. Hazards of failure to review takeoff and emergency procedures.
6. Failure to check for hazards and other traffic

CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1. Positioning the airplane with consideration for other aircraft, surface conditions and wind.
2. Division of attention inside and outside the cockpit.
3. Importance of following the checklist and responding to each checklist item.
4. Reasons for assuring suitable engine temperatures and pressures for run-up and takeoff.
5. Method used to determine that airplane is in a safe operating condition
6. Importance of reviewing takeoff performance airspeeds, expected takeoff distances, and emergency
procedures.
7. Methods for assuring that the takeoff area or path is free of hazards.
8. Method used for assuring adequate clearance from other traffic.

PRIVATE PTS
As Stated

COMMERCIAL PTS
As Stated

V.G. Pretakeoff Check

Page 3 of 3