Takeoff is a critical phase of flight that requires careful planning and prompt decision-making. Pilots must be prepared to reject a takeoff when unsafe conditions arise, respond appropriately to an engine failure after lift-off, and follow airport noise abatement procedures. Understanding these procedures helps support safe and considerate aircraft operations.
Rejected Takeoff and Engine Failure
Emergency or abnormal situations may occur during takeoff and require the pilot to reject the takeoff while the airplane is still on the runway. Reasons for a rejected takeoff may include a malfunctioning powerplant, inadequate acceleration, a runway incursion, or an air traffic conflict.
Before takeoff, the pilot should identify a point along the runway by which the airplane should be airborne. If the airplane reaches that point and is not airborne, immediate action should be taken to discontinue the takeoff.
When properly planned and executed, the airplane can be stopped on the remaining runway without extraordinary measures. Excessive braking may result in loss of directional control, airplane damage, or personal injury. The POH/AFM ground-roll distances for takeoff and landing, when added together, provide a useful estimate of the total runway required to accelerate and then stop.
If a takeoff is rejected, power should be reduced to idle and maximum braking applied while maintaining directional control. If the engine must be shut down because of a fire, the mixture control should be moved to the idle-cutoff position and the magnetos turned off. In all cases, the manufacturer’s emergency procedure should be followed.
Engine Failure After Lift-Off
Power loss or engine failure after lift-off is an urgent situation. In most cases, the pilot has only a few seconds to decide on a course of action and execute it.
If an engine failure occurs during the initial climb-out, the pilot’s first responsibility is to maintain aircraft control. At a climb pitch attitude without power, the airplane may be at or near the stalling angle of attack (AOA). The pilot may also still be applying right rudder.
The pilot should immediately lower the nose to prevent a stall while adjusting the rudder to maintain coordinated flight. A controlled glide should then be established toward a suitable landing area, preferably straight ahead.
Attempting to turn back to the takeoff runway should not be attempted unless the pilot has previously trained for an emergency turn-back and sufficient altitude is available.
Noise Abatement
Aircraft noise is a major concern at many airports. Local communities have often pressured airports to develop operational procedures that help limit aircraft noise over nearby areas. As a result, many airports have established noise abatement procedures that include standardized profiles and operating techniques to reduce noise.
Airports with noise abatement procedures provide relevant information to pilots, operators, air carriers, air traffic facilities, and other applicable groups. This information is made available through various sources, including Chart Supplements, local and regional publications, printed handouts, operator bulletin boards, safety briefings, and local air traffic facilities.
At airports with noise abatement procedures, reminder signs may be installed at taxiway holding positions for applicable runways. These signs remind pilots to use and comply with the noise abatement procedures during departure.
Pilots unfamiliar with local procedures should ask the tower or appropriate air traffic facility for the recommended procedures. In all cases, pilots should be considerate of the surrounding community when operating to and from an airport. This includes operating as quietly and safely as possible.