Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Pre-takeoff Considerations 1. Gross Weight and Center of Gravity Gross weight is the empty weight plus useful load. You must check the POH to see if empty weight includes oil but it always includes unusable fuel. Useful load includes useable fuel, (oil?), passengers, and luggage. Gross weight directly affects stall, takeoff speed, and maneuvering speeds. An improperly loaded aircraft will have undesirable flight qualities. If you have doubts or don't know, refer to the POH. The Va, maneuvering speed decreases as aircraft weight decreases. 2. Density Altitude Density altitude combines the effect of pressure altitude and temperature. This affects engine power, propeller thrust, and the speed/distance required to create takeoff list. 3. Wind A headwind will reduce takeoff roll. A tailwind will increase takeoff roll. Regardless of the wind you always fly indicated POH airspeeds. A 90-degree crosswind does not affect takeoff roll distance. Liftoff during takeoffs in gusty wind conditions should be done at Vso + 5. 5. "What if... Planning See Takeoff Emergency Pre-takeoff Radio frequencies are changed and monitored before call up. The transponder is activated, gauges and instruments are scanned. Outside the aircraft is cleared. The EMERGENCY checklist is positioned. Practice the radio procedure for completeness, brevity, and smoothness in its entirety until it comes out in the correct order without pauses of punctuation. Then the frequency is checked and the call made. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM