We Help You Pass
Our free online study guide really works. You can study for your FAA private pilot ground school exam right now. For more info about the 4VFR.COM project, click here. You can find a daily update log here.
Live ATC Audio Streams
Tune into live air traffic control frequencies from North America. This feature requires Real player. Start listening to ATC now!
Reference Library
Our glossary lists and databases have grown quickly. I am working to create an on-line reference library to tie together all the loose ends. You can check out what is currently available in the library
FAA Practice Exam - New!
Introducing our newly enhanced practice exam. Now with figures!. Take a test a day for a week, and I guarantee you will do better on your exam. Get Started Now!
Show your support for 4VFR.COM - Link us. Bookmark us. Tell your mother about us. Press CTRL-D to bookmark this site now!. Check out one of our proposed T-Shirt Designs.
Feature Article: Takeoff Notes
While easy to accomplish, the takeoff is a relatively high
risk flight operation because of the few options if things go
wrong. The best option available for takeoff is "not to".
Risk management gives you the option of not to or to delay the
takeoff. Don't let yourself be hurried by ATC or other factors
(cost) if a delay or cancellation will reduce your risk.
During your preflight you have determined that the aircraft
is safe to takeoff. During the pre-takeoff you have reconfirmed
this safety by again checking doors etc. Once you have applied
power and begun accelerating you are again limiting your options.
Pilot actions taken before takeoff prevent most takeoff accidents.
Don't go until you are ready. Use your pretakeoff checklist.
Trim set should be part of the pre-takeoff checklist. If and when
something goes wrong on takeoff don't do it to yourself. Plan
for the aircraft control operation required by the existing wind,
density altitude, runway conditions and the unexpected. What if
your door suddenly opens? What is your aborted takeoff distance?
What is your minimum altitude before you attempt a 240 degree
return to the runway? Have things ready, know your options, clear
the close-in-base and final approaches. You cannot rely on the
controller's 'clearance' since every aircraft operation is your
responsibility. When you have done all of the above, GO.
Don't let a controller or other plane hurry you into a takeoff.
A hurried departure may not allow you to properly clear the runway
approaches. Remember, ATC only gives clearances. When cleared
for takeoff the student is required to taxi and turn toward the
final course and base leg before entering the runway. A clearance
for takeoff does not relieve the pilot of responsibility for his
own safety. This is the only clearance that through common practice
does not need the "85K" acknowledgment. However, it
is not wrong to do so. Plan your clearing turn to clear the runway
so as to give a large turning arc for smooth alignment and acceleration.
Don't waste runway by too slow application of power. The safest
takeoff requires that maximum use of the runway be made. Anything
other than a smooth rapid application of throttle is relatively
unsafe. Rotation and liftoff should occur at minimum safe operating
speed (bottom of the green arc) and climb trimmed for best rate.
Last Modified March 9, ©2026 TAGE.COM
