JET AIRPLANE TAKEOFF AND CLIMB

All FAA certificated jet airplanes are certificated under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25, which contains the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. The FAA certificated jet airplane is a highly sophisticated machine with proven levels of performance and guaranteed safety margins. The jet airplaneÆs performance and safety margins can only be realized, however, if the airplane is operated in strict compliance with the procedures and limitations contained in the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual for the particular airplane.

The following information is generic in nature and, since most civilian jet airplanes require a minimum flight crew of two pilots, assumes a two pilot crew. If any of the following information conflicts with FAA- approved Airplane Flight Manual procedures for a particular airplane, the Airplane Flight Manual procedures take precedence. Also, if any of the following procedures differ from the FAA-approved procedures developed for use by a specific air operator and/or for use in an FAA-approved training center or pilot school curriculum, the FAA-approved procedures for that operator and/or training center/pilot school take precedence.

V-SPEEDS

• ò VSùStall speed.
• ò V1ùCritical engine failure speed or decision speed. Engine failure below this speed should result in an aborted takeoff; above this speed the takeoff run should be continued.
• ò VRùSpeed at which the rotation of the airplane is initiated to takeoff attitude. This speed cannot be less than V1 or less than 1.05 x VMCA (minimum control speed in the air). On a single-engine takeoff, it must also allow for the acceleration to V2 at the 35-foot height at the end of the runway.
• ò VLOùThe speed at which the airplane first becomes airborne. This is an engineering term used when the airplane is certificated and must meet certain requirements. If it is not listed in the Airplane Flight Manual, it is within requirements and does not have to be taken into consideration by the pilot.
• ò V2ùThe takeoff safety speed which must be attained at the 35-foot height at the end of the required runway distance. This is essentially the best single-engine angle of climb speed for the airplane and should be held until clearing obstacles after takeoff, or at least 400 feet above the ground.