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feet above field elevation and then nose over to a cruise climb attitude (5 degrees works extremely well in the piston versions at this point, 7.5 is the best attitude for the turbines).
There are a few more stray items to discuss concerning the takeoff roll, items that can lead to a dangerous situation. To me, the wind condition where I am the most nervous is a LEFT crosswind. In any takeoff, the nose of the airplane will want to turn left, and a lot of right pedal is required. But, with a left crosswind, there’s more air striking the large vertical surface area aft of
the CG (the empennage and rudder) than forward of the CG (nose section of the airplane). So, the airplane will naturally want to weathervane into the wind during the takeoff roll. So, if a left crosswind exists, be sure to consider the extra rudder pedal input that
may be required.
No Stupid Pilot Tricks
This doesn’t need to be said, but
I’m going to say it anyway. It should
be obvious, but it seems like someone will perform a “stupid pilot trick” every year with the MOR lever. If the power doesn’t work properly, turn around and go back to the hangar. Never attempt a takeoff with the MOR lever!
The takeoff is a critical phase of flight, and there are lots of variables
to ensure that the flight is started
well. Be sure to be intentional and habitual with each and every takeoff you perform. Rolling down the runway unsure of yourself, or of the airplane, is a bad idea. I often tell training clients that if you don’t have the time to
take your time in this phase of flight, you didn’t plan out your day well enough. Being in a rush to get off the ground is understandable, but having
the self-control to fight that urge is incredibly important.
How your flight starts has a great effect on your mindset throughout the flight. It’s much easier to calmly make good decisions when your flight started in an unhurried manner.
Joe Casey is an ATP, DPE, CFI (A/H), MEI, CFIG, CFIH, as well as a U.S. Army UH-60 standardization instructor/examiner. An MMOPA Board member and chair of the Safety Committee, he has been a PA46 instructor for 14-plus years and has accumulated 11,800- plus hours of flight time, 5,000 of which has been in the PA46. Con- tact Joe at: joe@ flycasey.com, or by phone at 903.721.9549.
Pilots N Paws® is an online meeting place for pilots and other volunteers
who help to transport rescue animals by air. The mission of the site is to provide a user- friendly communication venue between those that rescue, shelter, and foster animals; and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of these animals.
Joining is easy and takes just a minute of your time.
www.pilotsnpaws.org
38 MMOPA MAGAZINE JULY / AUGUST 2021