← All explained questions · Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds

When taking off on a SHORT FIELD with an obstacle at the end of the runway, the proper technique is

Choices

use full power and Vy speed.
Vy isn't the right airspeed for obstacle clearance.
✓ configure per POH (typically partial flaps).correct
apply BRAKES + FULL POWER while held (releases at full RPM), accelerate, rotate at the published Short-Field rotation speed (typically Vx + 5), climb at Vx until obstacle cleared, then transition to Vy. Short-field takeoff: max use of available runway. Brake hold + full power = engine accelerates to full RPM before brake release (uses zero runway during spool-up). POH-specified flap setting (often 10°). Rotate at short-field rotation speed. Climb at Vx UNTIL obstacle cleared (or to 50 ft as POH specifies), then Vy. Goal: max climb angle.
use minimum power to save engine.
Reduced power lengthens roll, defeats short-field purpose.
lift off as soon as the airplane wants to fly.
Soft-field technique, not short-field.

Why

apply BRAKES + FULL POWER while held (releases at full RPM), accelerate, rotate at the published Short-Field rotation speed (typically Vx + 5), climb at Vx until obstacle cleared, then transition to Vy. Short-field takeoff: max use of available runway. Brake hold + full power = engine accelerates to full RPM before brake release (uses zero runway during spool-up). POH-specified flap setting (often 10°). Rotate at short-field rotation speed. Climb at Vx UNTIL obstacle cleared (or to 50 ft as POH specifies), then Vy. Goal: max climb angle.

FAA source: FAA-H-8083-3C, Ch. 6, Takeoffs - Short-Field Takeoff with Obstaclebrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.