Crosswind Takeoffs; Enroute Climb; Cruise - Cessna SKYHAWK 1976 Pilot Operating Handbook

CESSNA
SECTION 4
MODEL 172M
NORMAL PROCEDURES
CROSSWIND TAKEOffS
Takeoffs into strong crosswinds normally are performed with the min­
imum flap setting necessary for the field length to minimize the drift an ­
gle immediately after takeoff. The airplane is accelerated to a speed
slightly higher than normal, then pulled off abruptly to prevent possible
settling back to the runway while drifting. When clear of the ground,
make a coordinated turn into the wind to correct for drift.
ENROUTE CLIMB
Normal climbs are performed with flaps up and full throttle and at
speeds 5 to 10 knots higher than best rate-of-climb speeds for the best
combination of performance, visibility and engine cooling. The mixture
should be full rich below 3000 feet and may be leaned above 3000 feet for
smoother operation or to obtain maximum RPM. If an obstruction dictates
the use of a steep climb angle, the best angle-of-climb speed should be
used with flaps up and maximum power.
NOTE
Climbs at speeds lower than the best rate-of-climb speed
should
be
of short duration to improve engine cooling.
CRUISE
Normal cruising is performed between 55% and 75% power. The engine
RPM and corresponding fuel consumption for various altitudes can be deter ­
mined by using your Cessna Power Computer or the data in Section 5.
NOTE
Cruising should be done at 65% to 75% power until a total
of 50 hours has accumulated or oil consumption has sta­
bilized. This is to ensure proper seating of the rings and
is applicable to new engines, and engines in service fol­
lowing cylinder replacement or top overhaul of one or
more cylinders.
The Cruise Performance Table, Figure 4-3, illustrates the true air ­
speed and nautical miles per gallon during cruise for various altitudes and
percent power. This table should be used as a guide, along with the avail ­
4-15