Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 70; Flight Crew Total 3400; Flight Crew Type 260
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
We were departing IFR from an uncontrolled airport and had just received our IFR release from Center. We switched to CTAF and we heard a Cessna Skycatcher report left downwind for Runway 35. We took the active runway and after beginning the takeoff roll (and possibly airborne); we heard the Skycatcher announce he was executing a go-around. I asked on the radio where he was; and I asked if he could offset to the left. We were already airborne by the time I figured out what was going on; and purposely had the student flying the plane keep it low; while I looked for the other aircraft. I then saw the Skycatcher directly above me; and I offset slightly to the right to establish lateral as well as vertical separation. We were both able to clear the conflict area without further difficulty. Cause of conflict: My failure to orient the aircraft in a manner as to see aircraft on base and or final approach; prior to taking the active runway for takeoff. We were so wrapped up in getting airborne before our clearance void time; and I was more involved with correcting my students' radio phraseology; and not paying attention to aircraft around me. I heard the Skycatcher make a downwind call; but I don't know if he made a base leg or final approach radio call. I think the problem could have been avoided by simply positioning the airplane at a 45 degree angle to the final approach path; so I could see approaching aircraft. Simple as that. I do it religiously at my home base. Not sure why I overlooked it this time.
C172 instructor pilot reports taking the active runway with a student flying at an uncontrolled airport; without adequately checking for traffic on final. The Skycatcher on final is forced to go-around resulting in a NMAC.