PA.II.F — Before Takeoff Check

What does ACS code PA.II.F cover?

ACS Code PA.II.F covers "Before Takeoff Check" under Area of Operation II (Preflight Procedures) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).

Task Specification & Required References

• ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area II — Preflight Procedures
• Task: Task F — Before Takeoff Check
• Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Airman Certification Standards Elements

Knowledge Elements

• PA.II.F.K1: Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:
• PA.II.F.K1a: a. Reasons for checking each item
• PA.II.F.K1b: b. Detecting malfunctions
• PA.II.F.K1c: c. Ensuring the aircraft is in safe operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer

Risk Management Elements

• PA.II.F.R1: Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks.
• PA.II.F.R2: Unexpected runway changes by air traffic control (ATC).
• PA.II.F.R3: Wake turbulence.
• PA.II.F.R4: Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.

How do I study PA.II.F?

1. Read each element for PA.II.F in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged PA.II.F, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

New to ACS codes? How the FAA ACS works and how to read your codes →

Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: PA.II.E — Taxiing and Sailing
• Next task: PA.III.A — Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
• Same area: PA.II.A — Preflight Assessment
• Same area: PA.II.B — Flight Deck Management
• Same area: PA.II.C — Engine Starting
• Same area: PA.II.D — Taxiing
• Same area: PA.II.E — Taxiing and Sailing