# AI.VII.I — Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES) — Flight Instructor Airplane ACS

> AI.VII.I from FAA-S-ACS-25, including the official objective, references, notes, and 29 exact knowledge, risk-management, and skill descriptions.

Canonical HTML: [https://www.check-ride.ai/acs/airplane/flight-instructor/ai-vii-i](https://www.check-ride.ai/acs/airplane/flight-instructor/ai-vii-i)

Site reference: [https://www.check-ride.ai/llms.txt](https://www.check-ride.ai/llms.txt)

## Official Task context

- FAA document: Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards
- Identifier: FAA-S-ACS-25
- Published source date: November 2023
- Aircraft category: Airplane
- Certificate or rating: Flight Instructor
- Area of Operation: Area of Operation VII. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
- Task: Task I. Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES)
- Task code prefix: AI.VII.I
- Official references: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
- FAA source library: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs

## Official Task objective

To determine the applicant understands glassy-water takeoff and climb, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

## Knowledge elements

- **AI.VII.I.K1** — Purpose of and procedures for glassy water takeoff and climb.
- **AI.VII.I.K2** — Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on takeoff and climb performance.
- **AI.VII.I.K3** — Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
- **AI.VII.I.K4** — Appropriate airplane configuration.
- **AI.VII.I.K5** — Appropriate use of glassy water takeoff and climb technique.
- **AI.VII.I.K6** — Common errors related to this Task.

## Risk management elements

- **AI.VII.I.R1** — Selection of takeoff path based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance.
- **AI.VII.I.R2** — Water surface/condition.
- **AI.VII.I.R3** — Abnormal operations, including planning for:
- **AI.VII.I.R3a** — a. Rejected takeoff
- **AI.VII.I.R3b** — b. Potential engine failure in takeoff/climb phase of flight
- **AI.VII.I.R4** — Collision hazards.
- **AI.VII.I.R5** — Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- **AI.VII.I.R6** — Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- **AI.VII.I.R7** — Gear position in an amphibious airplane.

## Skills elements

- **AI.VII.I.S1** — Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- **AI.VII.I.S2** — Make radio calls as appropriate.
- **AI.VII.I.S3** — Position flight controls and configure the aircraft for the existing conditions.
- **AI.VII.I.S4** — Clear the area, select appropriate takeoff path considering surface hazards or vessels and surface conditions.
- **AI.VII.I.S5** — Retract the water rudders, as appropriate.
- **AI.VII.I.S6** — Advance the throttle smoothly to takeoff power and confirm proper engine and flight instrument indications prior to rotation.
- **AI.VII.I.S7** — Establish and maintain an appropriate planing attitude, directional control, and correct for porpoising, skipping, and increase in water drag.
- **AI.VII.I.S8** — Avoid excessive water spray on the propeller(s).
- **AI.VII.I.S9** — Use appropriate techniques to lift seaplane from the water considering surface conditions.
- **AI.VII.I.S10** — Establish proper attitude/airspeed and accelerate to VY ±5 knots during the climb.
- **AI.VII.I.S11** — Configure the airplane after a positive rate of climb has been verified or in accordance with airplane manufacturer’s instructions.
- **AI.VII.I.S12** — Maintain VY ±5 knots to a safe maneuvering altitude.
- **AI.VII.I.S13** — Maintain directional control throughout takeoff and climb.
- **AI.VII.I.S14** — Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

## Difficulty methodology

Difficulty calibration is ongoing for this Task. Observed difficulty is a privacy-thresholded check-ride.ai mock-oral practice proxy, not an FAA practical-test pass or fail rate. Underlying sample sizes and the private reporting threshold are not published.

## Official Task notes

- If a glassy water condition does not exist, the applicant must be evaluated by simulating the Task.

## Use in practice

A mock examiner can ask a pilot to explain the published elements, apply them to the configured aircraft and airport context, identify risks, and defend a decision. Practice prompts are not represented as actual FAA examiner scripts or predictions of the questions a candidate will receive.