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

On a short, soft field with an obstacle, you must perform

Choices

  • no special technique.

    Definitely a special technique required.

  • the SHORT-FIELD-OVER-OBSTACLE technique combined with SOFT-FIELD elements: full back elevator from start.correct

    soft-field), full power held against brakes (short-field), rotate as early as possible (soft-field), accelerate in ground effect to Vx (short-field obstacle clearance), climb Vx to clear obstacle, then transition to Vy. Combined short/soft technique: back elevator throughout to keep weight off nosewheel (soft), brakes-held full power (short), early rotation at low IAS (soft), then level off in ground effect to accelerate to Vx (rather than Vy because of obstacle). Climb out at Vx until clear of obstacle, then Vy. POH governs specifics; many trainers don't have explicit combined procedure but pilot must integrate the two.

  • use a tailwind for takeoff.

    Tailwind on a short field is suicidal.

  • skip the runup.

    Runup is mandatory regardless of field.

Why

soft-field), full power held against brakes (short-field), rotate as early as possible (soft-field), accelerate in ground effect to Vx (short-field obstacle clearance), climb Vx to clear obstacle, then transition to Vy. Combined short/soft technique: back elevator throughout to keep weight off nosewheel (soft), brakes-held full power (short), early rotation at low IAS (soft), then level off in ground effect to accelerate to Vx (rather than Vy because of obstacle). Climb out at Vx until clear of obstacle, then Vy. POH governs specifics; many trainers don't have explicit combined procedure but pilot must integrate the two.

FAA source: AFH Ch 5; AFH Chapter 5 — Takeoffs and Departure Climbsbrowse the reference library →

Covered in Supplemental · IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Aroundsstudy 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.

On a short, soft field with an obstacle, you must perform · PPL Free Ground School