CPL Checkride Guide
Chair flying / Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb

Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb

Depart from a short runway or clear a 50 ft obstacle using maximum performance technique — full runway, brakes-held power check, Vx climb until the obstacle is cleared.

Guided rehearsal is PremiumACS IV.E — Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL)

Setup

  1. Flaps set to 25°
  2. Complete the before-takeoff checklist
  3. Line up using ALL available runway“Runway XX, short-field departure”

Execution

  1. Full stop — hold brakes — full power“Gauges green”
  2. Check engine instruments in the green
  3. Release brakes
  4. Check airspeed and centerline“Airspeed alive”
  5. Rotate at 55 kt“Rotate”
  6. Climb at Vx (66 kt) until 50 ft AGL / obstacle cleared

Climb-out

  1. Retract flaps to 10° at 66 kt
  2. Flaps 0° at 76 kt — climb at Vy (76 kt)

ACS tolerances

  • Obstacle-clearance speed / Vx ±5 kt until clear (or 50 ft AGL)
  • Vy ±5 kt after the obstacle

Common errors

  • Not using all available runway
  • Premature rotation
  • Climbing too fast — sacrificing Vx over the obstacle