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provides the initial attitude to lift-off. This is often referred to as “rotating.” At this point, the climb speed should be immediately established for the particular condition. For calm winds, this would be the trim position or the manufacturer recommended takeoff safety airspeed. The wings must be kept level by applying side to side pressure as necessary. 

Since some forward pressure was required to rotate, this pressure must be relaxed smoothly so that takeoff attitude is not too high. This requires the control bar being brought back to trim and applying some nose down pressure to avoid popping off as the WSC aircraft leaves the ground. Each make and model is different and the high power WSC aircraft must provide more nose down pressure after rotation to keep the attitude low. A good takeoff is a smooth and gradual liftoff. It is important to hold the correct attitude constant after rotation and liftoff. 

As the aircraft leaves the ground, the pilot must continue to be concerned with maintaining the wings in a level attitude, as well as holding the proper pitch attitude. An outside visual scan to attain/maintain proper pitch and bank attitude must be intensified at this critical point. 

During takeoffs in a strong, gusty wind, it is advisable that an extra margin of speed be obtained before the WSC aircraft is allowed to leave the ground. A takeoff at the normal takeoff speed may result in a lack of positive control, or a stall, when the WSC aircraft encounters a sudden lull in strong, gusty wind, or other turbulent air currents. In this case, the pilot should allow the aircraft to stay on the ground longer by pulling the control bar towards the chest keeping the nose down to attain more speed; then make a smooth, positive rotation to leave the ground. 

##  Initial Climb 

Upon lift-off, the WSC aircraft should be flying at the approximate pitch attitude that allows it to accelerate to at least the manufacturers takeoff safety speed. This is usually close to the best climb rate speed V$_{Y}$ providing the greatest altitude gain in a period of time. Higher speeds should be used if the air is turbulent to assure the WSC does not stall from a strong wind gust. This speed should be maintained during the initial climb out in case of an engine failure. This is especially important with higher power engines and larger wings to avoid a high pitch attitude during this critical phase of the takeoff. With a lower pitch attitude and a faster speed, the WSC aircraft can recover easier from an engine failure on takeoff. This is discussed in greater detail in the emergency procedures chapter of this handbook. For example, from liftoff to 200 feet it is a good practice to keep a low pitch angle to anticipate an engine failure; above 200 feet, V$_{Y}$ can be used as a climb speed. [Figures 7-4 and 7-5] 

After liftoff and throughout the climb, the engine instruments should be checked for proper cooling and oil pressure (if so equipped) since this is the critical time when temperature rises and should stabilize within the manufacturer’s specifi cations. 

The manufacturer’s recommended takeoff power should be maintained until reaching an altitude of at least 500 feet above the surrounding terrain or obstacles. The combination of V$_{Y}$ and takeoff power assures the maximum altitude gained in the time during takeoff. This provides the pilot the greatest altitude from which the aircraft can be safely maneuvered in case of an engine failure or other emergency. 

