Preventing Takeoff Emergencies

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 03:51 PM ET

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On The Cover: This takeoff shot of a Piper Arrow II is tailor-made to help us illustrate our cover story this month. "Preventing Takeoff Emergencies" by Ryan Motte, on page 12. It should come as no surprise that a thorough preflight inspection and analysis of conditions can help prevent these accidents. Image by D. Miller.

Key Takeaways:

Takeoffs are a high-risk phase of flight, ranking second in incidents but having a higher fatality rate than landings, often due to engine failures or failed rejected takeoffs.
Thorough pre-flight planning is critical, including precise calculation of takeoff performance data, consideration of density altitude, and establishing clear abort decision points like the 50/70 Rule.
Pilots must combat complacency by conducting pre-takeoff briefings (Threats, Plan, Considerations) and executing static takeoffs to verify engine performance and instrumentation.
Regular practice of engine-out procedures and abort scenarios at safe altitudes is essential to develop muscle memory and informed decision-making for low-altitude emergencies.

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One of my fondest memories in aviation was the first flight I took in a Skyhawk. Even though my parents kept a kindergarten assignment where I said my goal in life was to be a pilot (after my career as an astronaut and a monster truck driver), I did not pursue aviation until after my first year of college. My neighbor was a pilot and it seemed like a neat idea, so I called the local airport. The next day I was ready to go, in the left seat of a Cessna 172 on a beautiful summer day.

One thing that surprised me at the time was how much I was allowed to do right off the bat. I was allowed to crank the starter, taxi out, even take off! Taking off is truly one of the joys of flying, and I think I was set down this path as soon as those wheels left the ground. In hindsight, the Certified Flight Instructor was assuredly right there on the controls with me through the whole thing. Still, how quickly was it before you were taking off without instructor assistance? For those instructors out there, when did you feel comfortable letting go of the reins with a new student during takeoff?