PA.IV.A — Normal Takeoff and Climb

What does ACS code PA.IV.A cover?

ACS Code PA.IV.A covers "Normal Takeoff and Climb" under Area of Operation IV (Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds) 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 IV — Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
• Task: Task A — Normal Takeoff and Climb
• 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.IV.A.K1: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
• PA.IV.A.K2: Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
• PA.IV.A.K3: Appropriate airplane configuration.

Risk Management Elements

• PA.IV.A.R1: Selection of runway or takeoff path based on aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
• PA.IV.A.R2: Effects of:
• PA.IV.A.R2a: a. Crosswind
• PA.IV.A.R2b: b. Windshear
• PA.IV.A.R2c: c. Tailwind
• PA.IV.A.R2d: d. Wake turbulence
• PA.IV.A.R2e: e. Takeoff surface/condition
• PA.IV.A.R3: Abnormal operations, including planning for:
• PA.IV.A.R3a: a. Rejected takeoff
• PA.IV.A.R3b: b. Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
• PA.IV.A.R4: Collision hazards.
• PA.IV.A.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
• PA.IV.A.R6: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PA.IV.A.R7: Runway incursion.

How do I study PA.IV.A?

1. Read each element for PA.IV.A 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.IV.A, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: PA.III.B — Traffic Patterns
• Next task: PA.IV.B — Normal Approach and Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.B — Normal Approach and Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.C — Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
• Same area: PA.IV.D — Soft-Field Approach and Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.E — Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
• Same area: PA.IV.F — Short-Field Approach and Landing
• Same area: PA.IV.G — Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb