PPL Checkride Guide
Chair flying / Normal Takeoff and Climb

Normal Takeoff and Climb

Depart a normal runway with adequate length: full power, a positive rotation at Vr, and a climb at Vx for obstacles or Vy for best rate.

Setup

  1. Flaps set to 0°
  2. Complete the before-takeoff checklist
  3. Line up on the centerline and smoothly apply full powerRunway XX, departure

Execution

  1. Run the takeoff checksGauges green, airspeed alive, centerline
    Three checks on the roll: engine instruments in the green · airspeed alive and increasing · tracking the centerline with rudder.
  2. Rotate at 60 ktRotate
  3. Climb at Vx (66 kt) for obstacles, or Vy (76 kt)
    Vx is best angle (most altitude per foot of ground) for clearing obstacles; Vy is best rate (most altitude per minute) once clear.

Climb-out

  1. At 1,000 ft AGL, lower the nose to a cruise-climb at 85 kt
  2. Complete the climb checklist

ACS tolerances

  • Rotate at Vr, ±5 kt
  • Climb speed Vy +10/−5 kt
  • Centerline maintained

Common errors

  • Rotating early or abruptly
  • Climbing off-speed — chasing the airspeed with the nose
  • Drifting off centerline in a crosswind

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