Todays Flying Tip - The Take Off Brief

A Take Off Brief (TOB) before you throttle up is the smart way to go. The take off is one of the most critical elements of multi-engine operations. Landing too, but particular focus is paid on take off to ensure a critical single engine operating speed is achieved quickly or an alternative plan of action is taken. The entire take off is briefed in the cockpit after run up and before taking the active runway. That way, decisions are pre-made regarding go/no-go and what emergency actions to take. What a great idea and I have now made it a part of my single engine operations. The brief works like this, after run up and all final checks are made, brief “out loud” your take off plan. Include things like control inputs for cross wind correction, rotation speed, plan of action if a critical speed for flight is not achieved by a certain point during the take off roll, climb out speed, gage readings expected, and a plan if the engine fails. A sample brief may go something like this “We will, position the aircraft for take off, verify runway heading and DG/Compass heading, flaps 0 degrees, depart west bound on 27 advancing the throttle smoothly, before rotation verify air speed, manifold pressure and rpm (2400) are in the green, and rotate at 50 KIAS. After rotation, accelerate to 80 KIAS and climb. Retract gear with positive rate of climb. Adjust throttle and rpm at 700 feet AGL. If rotation speed is not achieved by mid-field or any abnormality exists we will abort the take off with smooth braking on the runway. If the engine is lost in flight below 50 feet, maintain airspeed and land on runway. Engine lost below 1000’; maintain airspeed, right turn to highway 41 or any other clearing. Above 1000’ maintain airspeed, need 600 ft per mile from airport plus pattern.” Everything is pre-planned, so if a problem is encountered, your reactions will be more instinctive and critical seconds are not lost. See ya at the airport and brief those take offs.

Latest Club News

Aircraft Rates Now Incorporate a Fuel Surcharge to Minimize Cost
New Rates Effective August 15th, 2010

Cessna 172M, $70 + $11 Fuel Surcharge = $81 Tach
Cessna 182RG, $118 + $19 Fuel Surcharge = $137 Tach
North Side Fuel Rate as of August 15th $5.35/gal

Other Club News - Walter J has a new report of places to fly and have a great lunch!
Walter J Reporting...(more...)

Other Club News - 658LM is Back and Looks GREAT!
Check Out the Pics...(more...)

Welcome to the LMEA Flying Club

For more than forty years, the LMEA Flying Club has made flying less expensive, more convenient, less hassle, and more fun for generations of Lockheed Martin employees, their immediate family, retirees, and full-time vendor personnel at the Georgia facility (eligibility requirements). Our airplanes are conveniently located ten miles northwest of Lockheed Martin at Cobb County- McCollum Airport. Check out the many benefits your membership provides.

A fleet of well-maintained airplanes for traveling or training

The LMEA Flying Club has Three aircraft: a Cessna 172 (150 hp, fixed gear and prop) dedicated for training and local flying, a Cessna 172 (150 hp, fixed gear and prop)and a Cessna 182 (235 hp retractable gear, constant speed prop) available for local, cross-country or multi-day trips. All three airplanes contain full IFR instrumentation, intercoms and Garmin moving-map GPS and are maintained with our uncompromising standards of safety.

Fly for an hour, a day or even a week

Once you've earned your Private Pilot license, the LMEA Flying Club knows you don't want to simply fly around the Atlanta area - you want to travel the country. That's why our airplanes are available for overnight, weekend and week-long trips (see rules), allowing you to visit out-of-state family members, or explore distant vacation spots - without the hassles of driving or airline schedules. With our computerized scheduling system, you can check airplane and instructor availability, and schedule your future flights on the web or by telephone - 24 hours a day.

Fly for less

The LMEA Flying Club has always been committed to keeping our rental rates low (see rental rates). Since we are a non-profit organization, our rates only reflect the true cost of flying and maintaining our fleet. Our hourly rate is based on tach time, not Hobbs time as at most FBOs. This means students practicing touch-and-gos or members holding short of the runway for extended periods will pay less. As a result of these savings, we have the lowest rates on comparable aircraft found anywhere in metro-Atlanta. Additionally we offer convenient monthly billing - no need to bring your checkbook when you rent. If you buy fuel at another airport, just send the receipt with your monthly statement, we'll credit your account.

Want to become a pilot or upgrade your current ratings?

The LMEA Flying Club is the place to start. Our combination of low rates, convenient airplane and instructor scheduling, well-maintained airplanes and monthly billing make the LMEA Flying Club your best choice to help you become a pilot and enjoy the pleasures of flying. See How to Join for details.