Task III.E
Rough Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES)
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rough water takeoff and climb.
Note: If a rough water condition does not exist, the applicant must be evaluated by simulating the Task. See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Quick Review
Conversational Q&A — quiz yourself before the oral. Seaplane-class (ASES, AMES) Task; simulated if a rough water condition doesn't exist on test day.
The objective matches a rough- or soft-field takeoff in a landplane (FAA-H-8083-23 ch. 4):
- Transfer the weight to the wings as soon as possible
- Get airborne at minimum airspeed
- Accelerate in ground effect to a safe climb speed
- Climb out
The ACS grades that same profile: establish the proper attitude and airspeed, then lift off at minimum airspeed and accelerate to the appropriate climb airspeed/V-speed ±5 knots before leaving ground effect (AA.III.E.S11). One mercy of physics: wind strong enough to roughen the water also produces aerodynamic lift earlier, so the run is usually short.
From FAA-H-8083-23 ch. 4:
- Open the throttle to takeoff power just as the floats begin rising on a wave — this keeps the float bows from digging in and helps keep spray away from the propeller (AA.III.E.S8)
- Hold a little more back elevator pressure than on smooth water, raising the nose to keep the bows clear
- Once on the step, the seaplane can bounce crest to crest, nose rising with each bounce so each successive wave hits harder — counter with smooth elevator pressure toward a fairly constant pitch attitude that lets the seaplane skim across the wave tops as speed builds
- Maintain control pressure to keep the bows from being pushed under and to keep the airplane from being thrown into the air at a high pitch angle and low airspeed (stall prevention, AA.III.E.R4)
Two go/no-go rules from FAA-H-8083-23 ch. 4:
- Wavelength versus float length: if the wavelength is less than half the float length, at least two waves support the seaplane at all times; if the wavelength is longer than the floats, only one wave supports it — creating dangerous pitching motions, and takeoff should not be attempted
- Wave height: as a general rule, if waves measure more than half the height of the floats from keel to deck (trough to crest), takeoffs should not be attempted except by expert seaplane pilots
The overall decision weighs seaplane size, wing loading, power loading, and — most importantly — pilot ability.
The waves respond to the relative velocity between water and wind. A 10-knot current flowing against a 15-knot wind gives a relative velocity of 25 knots — waves as high as a 25-knot wind would raise on still water (FAA-H-8083-23 ch. 4). Read the water, not just the windsock, when deciding whether the surface is takeoff-able and which direction to run.
Retract the flaps only after a positive rate of climb is established and a safe altitude has been achieved (AA.III.E.S12), then maintain takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude before setting climb power (S13). This follows liftoff at minimum airspeed and acceleration in ground effect to climb speed ±5 knots (S11) — the rough-water profile deliberately keeps energy and lift margin in hand longer than a normal takeoff. Directional control and wind-drift correction are graded throughout (S9), along with planing attitude and correction for porpoising and skipping (S10).
- Takeoff path selection against aircraft limitations, available distance, surface conditions, and wind — including the wavelength and wave-height rules above
- Abnormal operations planning: the rejected takeoff (where on the run you can still close the throttle and stop in the water remaining) and a potential engine failure in the takeoff/climb phase — briefed before power comes in, exactly as Task III.I demands on a runway
- Gear position in an amphibian — wheels up for water, verified as part of the takeoff configuration (S4)
Official ACS elementsreference
Knowledge4 elements
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
AA.III.E.K1Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.AA.III.E.K2Appropriate power settings and V-speeds for takeoff and climb.AA.III.E.K3Appropriate airplane configuration.AA.III.E.K4Appropriate use of rough water takeoff and climb technique.
Risk Management8 elements
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
AA.III.E.R1Selection of the takeoff path based on aircraft limitations, available distance, surface conditions, and wind.AA.III.E.R2Abnormal operations, including planning for:AA.III.E.R2aRejected takeoffAA.III.E.R2bPotential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flightAA.III.E.R3Collision hazards.AA.III.E.R4Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).AA.III.E.R5Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.AA.III.E.R6Gear position in an amphibious airplane.
Skills14 elements
The applicant exhibits the skill to:
AA.III.E.S1Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to takeoff in a timely manner.AA.III.E.S2Make radio calls as appropriate.AA.III.E.S3Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.AA.III.E.S4Verify the airplane is configured for takeoff.AA.III.E.S5Clear the area; select appropriate takeoff path considering surface conditions and collision hazards.AA.III.E.S6Retract the water rudders, as appropriate.AA.III.E.S7Set and confirm takeoff power.AA.III.E.S8Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s).AA.III.E.S9Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb.AA.III.E.S10Establish and maintain an appropriate planing attitude, directional control, and correct for porpoising, skipping, and increase in water drag.AA.III.E.S11Establish proper attitude and airspeed, lift off at minimum airspeed and accelerate to appropriate climb airspeed/V-speed, ±5 knots before leaving ground effect.AA.III.E.S12Retract the flaps after a positive rate of climb is established and a safe altitude has been achieved.AA.III.E.S13Maintain takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude then set climb power.AA.III.E.S14Follow noise abatement procedures, as practicable.