andy’s light sport pilot syllabus - the andyzone light sport pilot...
TRANSCRIPT
Andy’s Light Sport Pilot/Airplane Syllabus
Sport Pilot FAA Flight Time Requirements: 20 hrs of flight time including 15 from an authorized instructor in a single engine airplane and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation in:
(a) 2 hours of cross-‐country-‐flight training (b) 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (each one involving flight in the traffic
pattern at an airport) (c) one solo cross-‐country of at least 75 nautical miles total distance with a full
stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-‐line distance of 25nm between the takeoff and landing location;
(d) and 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operations specified in 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test.
a. Preflight Preparation (see PTS) b. Preflight Procedures (See PTS) c. Airport operations (communications, patterns, signage, lighting, etc.) d. Takeoffs, landings, and go-‐arounds (normal, short field, soft field) e. Performance maneuvers (Steep turns) f. Ground reference maneuvers (Rectangular course, S-‐turns, turns
around a point) g. Navigation (pilotage, DR, diverts, lost procedures) h. Slow flight (maneuvering) i. Stalls (power-‐on, power-‐off, spin awareness) j. Emergency Operations (engine out, systems malfs, emer equip,
survival gear) k. Post-‐flight procedures (after landing, shutdown, tiedown)
Flight Lesson 1: Introduction 1. Preflighting the airplane
a. Use of checklists b. Importance of establishing a “flow” c. Location of documents and cockpit equipment d. Preflight walk-‐through
2. Start-‐Up a. Proper entry b. The importance of setting up the cockpit c. Engine start-‐up d. Weather check and avionics set-‐up e. Safety checks (brakes and steering)
3. Taxi a. Use of rudder/nosewheel steering b. Proper positioning of controls c. Proper taxi speed d. Discussion of turning radius e. Lookout/staying ahead
4. Before Takeoff a. Use of checklists b. Proper engine run-‐up and checkout c. Aircraft set-‐up d. Avionics set-‐up e. BRS discipline f. Proper lookout/visual check g. Use of radios
5. Takeoff a. Positioning of controls b. Use of controls c. Flying the airplane off
6. Climb a. Maintaining proper attitude/speed b. Maintaining runway alignment c. Flap reconfiguration for climb d. Maintaining lookout/collision avoidance
7. Level-‐Off a. Nose over to level flight b. Flap reconfiguration c. Setting power d. Checking engine e. Lookout/SA (includes airspace awareness) f. Radio management g. Practice area familiarization
8. Basic flight controls and trim a. Pitch for nose/airspeed b. Ailerons for roll
c. Rudder for yaw d. Coordinated turns, slips, and skids
i. Demo (shallow bank) ii. Student flies iii. Demo and discuss steeper turn (role of pitch/lift) iv. Student flies
e. Climbs i. Use of pitch and power ii. Takeoff climb
1. Demo 2. Student flies to a level off 3. Repeat
f. Descents i. Use of pitch and power
1. Student does to an altitude 2. Repeat
9. Rectangular pattern a. Demo (talk about using controls, trim, and effect of wind) b. Student flies
10. Return to home base a. Let student fly b. SA/How to get there/pattern altitude c. Weather check/radio set-‐up
11. Flying the pattern a. What to fly to b. Lookout c. Radio discipline d. Staying ahead of the airplane e. Checklists f. Demo first landing approach (15 deg flaps) with student “on-‐stick” g. On downwind, give to student if appropriate and let him try to land; if
not, demo again with student “on-‐stick” and full stop 12. Rollout
a. Continuing to fly the airplane b. Braking as required c. Clearing the hold-‐short d. Checklists
13. Taxi back a. Allow student to taxi back to hangar
14. Shutdown a. Use of checklists b. BRS Safing c. Avionics concerns d. Recording time
15. Post-‐Shutdown a. Securing the aircraft
16. Debrief a. Critique b. Tell student to study checklists and cockpit fly maneuvers c. Execute Ground Lesson 1
Flight Lesson 2: Fundamentals 1. Preflight
a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary 2. Start-‐Up
a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary 3. Taxi
a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary b. Have student explain runway signs/markings
4. Before Takeoff a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
5. Takeoff a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
6. Climbout a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
7. Level-‐off a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
8. Turns a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
9. Climbs at best rate/angle a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
10. Climbing turns (integration) a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
11. Turns to a heading a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
12. Level Off a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
13. Descents (student does as instructor coaches) a. Descending at a constant rate b. Descents at a constant airspeed c. Descent at a constant airspeed and rate d. Turning descents at a constant airspeed and rate e. The effects of flaps on a descent
14. Level Off from a descent a. Use of power/pitch
15. Slow flight with flaps a. Student does
16. Return to home base a. Student flies/instructor coaches b. Pattern entry c. Airplane set-‐up d. Checklists e. Lookout
17. Pattern a. Downwind speed control b. Thinking ahead c. Set up by abeam
d. Student flies downwind, base, approach e. Good base numbers
18. Approach a. Airspeed b. Flying to the landing spot
i. Use of nose ii. Use of power
c. Staying aligned d. Crosswind management
19. Flare to touchdown a. Look long b. Use peripheral c. Seat of the pants will come d. Flare at about three feet e. Keep the nose coming up; add power if feeling sink f. Keep alignment g. Mains on the ground first h. Let nose come down
20. Rollout a. Maintain alignment b. Stick into crosswind c. Brake as necessary d. You ain’t safe until the rolling is done.
21. If time permits, go around the pattern with the student on the stick (or let them fly, as judgment dictates).
22. Cross Hold-‐Short/Taxi a. After Landing Checklist (do stopped) b. Think ahead c. Communications as required d. Have student explain runway signs.
23. Shutdown a. Student performs/instructor coaches as necessary
24. Post-‐Flight a. Student secures aircraft including flight time recording
25. Debrief a. Critique b. Next lesson will be slow flight and stalls
Flight Lesson 3: Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff
a. Student performs/ instructor critiques 2. Takeoff
a. Student performs/instructor critiques 3. Climb Out
a. Student performs/instructor critiques 4. Level Off
a. Student Performs/instructor critiques 5. Cruise to Practice Area
a. Student Performs/instructor critiques 6. Slow Flight
a. Instructor takes stick/demos clearing turns b. Demo slow flight to edge of stall c. Use of rudder/ailerons at high angles of attack d. Discusses the “drag curve” and use of power e. Demo turns during slow flight f. Demo recovery to cruise g. Student performs/instructor coaches
7. Takeoff Stalls (Power-‐On Stalls) a. Demo set-‐up, entry, and stall b. Use of rudder and ailerons c. Emphasize symptoms, recovery technique (break angle of attack) d. Student performs
8. Level Off a. Instructor demo/set up aircraft if landing configuration and on speed
9. Landing Stalls (Power-‐Off Stalls) a. Demo stall and recovery b. Use of rudder/ball c. Get the flaps off d. Climb 300 feet e. Student performs
10. Spins a. Discussion of what is a spin/how you get in it b. Difference between a spin and a spiral c. Recovery for each
11. Return to Home Base a. Student performs/ instructor critiques
12. Pattern a. Student performs entry, downwind, base and final
13. Landing a. Student performs landing or follows instructor through b. Extras if time permits
14. After Landing a. Student performs/instructor critiques
15. Taxi and Shutdown
a. Student performs/instructor critiques 16. Post –Flight
a. Student secures aircraft and records time 17. Debrief
a. Critique b. Next Lesson will be Steep Turns and Ground Reference Maneuvers
Flight Lesson 4: Steep Turns and Ground Reference Maneuvers 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, and Before Takeoff
a. Student performs/instructor critiques 2. Takeoff, Climb out, and Level Off
a. Student performs/instructor critiques 3. Steep Turns
a. Check aircraft configuration/discuss G-‐limits b. Clearing Turns c. Demo Steep Turn (360 degrees)
i. Note heading/reference point/altitude ii. Rolling into and adding lift/discuss why iii. Add power to maintain airspeed iv. G-‐factor as a function of angle of bank v. Moderate bank angle to control altitude vi. Hold 2 G’s at 60 degrees AOB vii. May hit your own wake (effect of wind and altitude control)
d. Student performs/instructor coaches e. Repeat
4. Discuss/demo accelerated stall 5. Rectangular Pattern
a. Student performs/instructor critiques 6. S-‐turns
a. Instructor Demos i. Discusses effect of wind on ground track ii. Effect of bank angle to counter wind drift iii. Each S is symmetrical
b. Student executes 7. Turns About a Point
a. Instructor Demos i. Purpose-‐to fly a perfect circle over the ground ii. Effect of wind on flying around the point
b. Student performs/instructor coaches 8. Return to Home Base, Pattern Entry
a. Student performs/instructor coaches 9. Final Approach and Landing (15 degrees flaps)
a. Student performs/instructor coaches b. Touch and Go/student flies/instructor coaches c. Student flies entire pattern to a full stop landing/instructor coaches d. Do another if time permits.
10. After Landing, Shutdown, Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/instructor critiques
11. Debrief a. Critique b. Landings, Slips, and Go-‐Arounds are next.
Flight Lesson 5: Landings, Slips, and Go Arounds 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, and Takeoff
a. Student performs/instructor critiques b. Instructor talks student through crosswind turn, transition to
downwind. 2. Normal Landing (15 degrees flaps)
a. Situational Awareness (visual, radio) b. Downwind set-‐up (airspeed, distance, rectangular pattern) c. Landing point picked. d. Set up complete by abeam. e. Speed and altitude control/power setting f. Student flies base, final, approach, and landing. g. Student performs full stop with coaching. Taxi-‐back. h. Reconfigure for takeoff. (Set flaps, trim.)
3. Perform normal landing (15 degree flaps). 4. Go Around
a. After downwind, discuss why a “go-‐around” might be needed. b. Tell student he is going to “go-‐around” on your call. c. At 500 feet AGL, call for go around.
i. Full power. ii. Establish airspeed/climb. iii. Reconfigure flaps as necessary. iv. Execute normal climb-‐out.
5. Repeat the Go Around but much lower, i.e., at 200 feet. 6. Perform normal landing (15 degrees). 7. Perform 30 degree flap landing
a. Demo the differences b. Demo touch-‐and-‐go. c. Give airplane back to student on climb-‐out after flaps zero. d. Student performs
i. Use power for altitude and pitch for airspeed ii. Trim iii. 60 knots max airspeed (target 54) iv. Round-‐out a little quicker and nose higher on touchdown v. If balloon, add power. Big balloon-‐go around.
e. Repeat 30 degree flap landing. f. Perform 30-‐degree flap go-‐around.
i. Student performs. ii. Full power/flaps to 15 immediately iii. Stick back to counter sink
8. Slips a. Instructor demos slip with 15 degrees flaps/performs landing b. Student performs slip with 15 degrees flaps/performs landing c. Repeat d. If student progress is good and time permits, 30-‐degree flap slip to a
landing.
9. Perform a normal landing to a full stop a. Student picks and performs
10. After Taxi, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/instructor critiques
11. Debrief a. Critique/discuss b. Emergency Operations are next
Flight Lesson 6: Emergency Operations/Proficiency Maneuvers 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out, and Level Off
a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques 2. Engine Out Procedures
a. On the way to the practice area, Instructor retards throttle fully. b. Establish best glide c. Pick landing spot d. Troubleshoot e. Communicate f. Evaluate landing/BRS g. Wave off at 500 feet
3. Slow flight a. Clearing Turns b. Straight ahead c. Turns to a heading d. Recovery
4. Takeoff/Power-‐On Stall a. Clear area b. Students sets-‐up and executes c. Recovery (climb 300 feet) d. Level Off
5. Landing/Power-‐Off Stall a. Clear area b. Slow to landing speed/configure airplane c. Descend as if on approach d. Initiate stall e. Recover f. Climb 300 feet g. Level Off
6. Emergency Descent a. Discuss need (fire, weather, traffic avoidance) b. Demo high-‐speed descent c. Demo low-‐speed descent d. Factors to consider
7. Systems Emergencies a. Engine Problems b. Fire c. Electrical Problems (including loss of comm.) d. Our of Control e. Use of communications (radio, squawk)
8. Control of Aircraft Solely by Instruments a. Recognizing the need b. Under the hood:
i. Flying straight and level ii. Executing a level turn iii. Climbing
iv. Descending v. Climbing turns vi. Descending turns
9. Return to Home Base a. Student executes/instructor critiques
10. Pattern a. Student executes/instructor critiques
11. Normal landing/15 deg flaps a. Student executes/instructor critiques
12. Normal landing/30 deg flaps a. Student executes/instructor coaches
13. Engine Out in Pattern a. From abeam, Instructor pulls power b. Student executes approach and landing/Instructor coaches c. Taken to a full stop
14. After Landing, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
15. Debrief a. Critique/Discuss b. Next lesson will be a Review
Flight Lesson 7: Pre-‐Solo Review Note: The instructor will also review emergency procedures as desired.
1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out, Level Off a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques
2. Rectangular Patterns a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques
3. S-‐Turns Across a Road a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques
4. Turns About a Point a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques
5. Climb to 2500 feet while turning to a heading a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques
6. Steep Turns a. Ensure Clearing Turn performed b. Student performs/Instructor critiques (check PTS)
7. Slow Flight and back to Cruise a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
8. Takeoff/Power-‐On Stalls a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
9. Landing/Power-‐On Stalls a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
10. Return to Home Base a. Student performs/Instructor critiques b. Pattern Entry c. Set Up for Normal Landing (15 degree flaps)
11. Normal Landing with 15 deg flaps a. Student Performs/Instructor critiques b. Full Stop landing c. Touch and Go d. One Go Around (Instructor Choice)
12. Normal Landing with 30 degrees flaps a. Student Performs/Instructor critiques b. Full Stop landing c. Touch and Go d. One Go Around (Instructor Choice)
13. Normal Landing with 40 degrees flaps a. Instructor Demos b. Student Performs/Instructor Coaches/Full Stop c. Student Performs/Instructor Coaches/Full Stop d. One Go Around (500 feet/Instructor Choice)
14. Slips to a Landing a. Instructor sets up b. Flaps cannot be touched c. Let student figure it out
15. Normal Landing with Flaps Zero
a. Instructor Demos b. Student Performs/Instructor Coaches
16. Normal Landing with Flaps at Minus 6 a. Instructor Demos b. Student Performs/Instructor Coaches
17. Normal landing a. Student Choice/Instructor Coaches b. Full Stop
18. After Landing, Taxi, Shutdown, Post-‐Flight a. Student Performs/Instructor Critiques
19. Debrief a. Critique/Discuss b. Next Lesson will be a Proficiency Lesson
Flight Lesson 7A: Proficiency Lesson #2 (Solo Prep-‐if necessary) 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out, & Level-‐Off
a. Student performs/Instructor critiques 2. Proficiency Maneuvers
a. Instructor requests student performs any maneuver where he believes the student has exhibited a weakness
b. Instructor coaches and student practices until proficiency achieved. 3. Proficiency Landings
a. Instructor requests student performs landings to demonstrate proficiency
b. Any weaknesses discovered are worked on/Instructor demo’s or coaches as necessary
4. After Landing, Taxi, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
5. Debrief a. Discuss/Critique b. Next lesson is another proficiency (and/or solo).
Flight Lesson 8: Proficiency Lesson #1 (Solo) 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out, Level-‐Off
a. Student performs/Instructor critiques 2. Pattern Work
a. Student performs/Instructor Critiques b. Normal Landings to a Full Stop/15/30/15
3. Release for Solo a. Instructor asks student to let him out/takes handheld b. Student instructed to do three landings to a full stop c. Student solos
4. After Landing, Taxi, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
5. Debrief a. Discuss/Critique b. Cut off shirt c. Endorse logbook/record endorsement
Flight Lesson 9: Stage One Check 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out, & Level-‐Off
a. Student performs/Instructor compares to PTS 2. Pilot Test Standards
a. Instructor requests student run through all maneuvers and compares to PTS.
3. After Landing, Taxi, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/ Instructor compares to PTS
4. Debrief a. Discuss/Critique/comparison results
Flight Lesson 10: Solo Maneuver Practice #1 1. Student is given a list of maneuvers to perform and asked to compare his
performance to PTS. 2. Student and Instructor review before the next lesson. Best performed
immediately post-‐flight. 3. Debrief
a. Let student discuss/critique b. Next lesson is short and soft field landings.
Flight Lesson 11: Short and Soft Field Landings 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out
a. Student performs/Instructor critiques b. Tell student to stay in the pattern
2. Short Field Landing a. Instructor Demo b. The importance of the correct “set-‐up” c. Approach with flaps 40 d. Pitch and Power e. Touchdown and Braking
i. Keep speed under control ii. At touchdown, power will be back at idle iii. Brake with stick back and retract flaps to assist stopping
f. Full stop and taxi back 3. Short Field Takeoff
a. Instructor Demo b. Configure airplane (15 deg flaps, trim slightly aft) c. Position airplane on runway centerline d. Use all the runway e. Set Parking Brake/full throttle/release f. Stick back just a tad more g. At liftoff, climb at 60 knots to 300 feet h. Accelerate to 66 knots and retract flaps i. Climb at Vx until obstacles cleared then go to Vy j. Remain in pattern, give student the airplane
4. Short Field Approach and Landing a. Student performs/Instructor coaches b. Full stop and taxi back c. Student performs short field takeoff
5. Short Field Takeoff and Landing a. Student performs/Instructor coaches b. Landing to full stop c. Student repeats short field takeoff
6. Repeat as necessary a. Discuss crosswind technique if not being used b. Go around on one of these
7. Soft Field Takeoff and Landing a. Instructor Demo/soft field takeoff b. Instructor Demo/soft field landing c. Full stop and give back to Student d. Student performs both in trip around the pattern e. Repeat as necessary f. Pull engine out if student shows good progress
8. After Landing, Taxi, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student performs/Instructor critiques
9. Debrief
a. Discuss/critique b. Next Lesson Solo Maneuvers Review c. Allow student to practice all if safe; otherwise, restrict
Flight Lesson 12: Solo Maneuver Practice #2 1. Student is given a list of maneuvers to perform and asked to compare his
performance to PTS. 2. Student and Instructor review before the next lesson. Best performed
immediately post-‐flight. 3. Debrief
a. Let student discuss/critique. b. Tell student to perform Dual Cross-‐Country Ground Syllabus lesson.
Flight Lesson 13: Dual Cross-‐Country This is the only lesson where a ground lesson (Dual Cross-‐Country Preparation) is mandatory. If the student is not ready, perform a proficiency lesson in its place.
1. Preflight (run with student through this) a. Check preflight planning (logs, charts, wx) b. Check wx, TFR’s, etc. Use of computer and FSS. Use of Flight Plan. c. Check weight and balance and fuel planning. d. Check performance planning (runway, climb, density altitude)
2. Start a. Student performs/Instructor coaches b. Check avionics, navigational set-‐up
3. Taxi, Before Takeoff a. Student performs/Instructor coaches b. Set up the right chart c. First heading/checkpoint d. Recording of takeoff time
4. Takeoff. Climb-‐out, Level-‐Off a. Student performs/Instructor coaches
5. Leg 1 (No GPS/Pilotage and DR only) a. Discuss initial set-‐up
i. Setting power/mixture as appropriate ii. Setting course/compass limitations iii. Looking for effects of winds iv. Checking landmarks v. Fuel checks minimum every 30 minutes vi. Use of appropriate charts/not everything on the ground
b. Checkpoints (every 5 to 10 miles) i. Lookout ii. Recording time iii. Evaluating progress/Use of EA6B iv. Perform a fuel check v. Can we continue?
c. First landing i. Approach and weather data ii. Set-‐up for the landing iii. Watching for traffic iv. Proper pattern entry v. Student executes approach and landing
1. Check fuel (visual) 2. Full stop and taxi back 3. Reconfigure for takeoff 4. Record takeoff time
6. Leg 2 (No GPS/Pilotage and DR only) a. Student executes/ Instructor coaches as required b. Student executes second landing to a full stop
7. Leg 3 (GPS allowed, Pilotage, and DR) a. Instructor coaches student through GPS set-‐up b. Student reconfigures aircraft and performs taxi, takeoff, climb-‐out,
and level-‐off c. Student establishes course using chart, compass, with GPS backup d. Discuss Lost Procedures
i. What’s available to establish position? 1. Any other equipment? (handheld?) 2. What do you see on the ground? 3. Where was the wind from?
ii. Who can you call? 1. Use of 121.5 MHZ
a. Pan or Mayday e. Discuss running into unexpected weather
i. Aviate, navigate, communicate ii. Evaluate weather in flight iii. Tools to evaluate
1. Eyeballs 2. Gut 3. XM weather (if available) 4. AWOS/ASOS/METAR’s (radio, iPad, phone) 5. FSS (how to find frequencies) 6. Flight watch 7. ATC
iv. Turn around if in doubt 1. Emergency turn around/control by instruments 2. Have student demonstrate
v. Divert when in doubt 1. How to with charts 2. How to with GPS 3. How to with ATC
vi. Land if you need time to think or assess vii. Ask for help if over your head viii. If you lose it, use the chute!
f. Pattern Entry, Approach, and Landing i. Student executes/Instructor critiques
g. After Landing, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight i. Student executes/Instructor critiques
h. Debrief i. Discuss cross-‐country conduct
1. Pilotage and dead-‐reckoning 2. GPS navigation 3. Navigational log maintenance 4. Overall situational awareness
Flight Lesson 14: Solo Cross-‐Country 1. Preflight Review
a. Instructor reviews student’s cross-‐country planning i. Airport choices ii. Controlled airspace iii. DUATS/Flight Plan iv. Pilotage, D/R, GPS v. Weather review
b. Instructor endorsement of solo cross-‐country
Flight Lesson 15: Maneuvers Review 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐out, Level-‐Off
a. Student performs/Instructor critiques using PTS b. Instructor quizzes student on runway markings/signage
2. Short-‐Field Takeoff a. Student performs/Instructor critiques using PTS
3. Practice Field Maneuvers a. Steep Turns b. Slow Flight c. Take-‐off/Power-‐On Stalls d. Landing/Power-‐Off Stalls e. Spin Awareness/Recovery f. Engine-‐Out Approach and Landing g. Rectangular Pattern h. S-‐turns across a road i. Turns about a Point
4. Return to the Home Field a. Pattern Entry/Wx Check b. Student executes/Instructor critiques
5. Approaches and Landings a. Student executes/Instructor critiques or sets-‐up
i. Soft-‐field landing, taxi-‐back, short-‐field takeoff ii. Normal landing/high set-‐up (can be t&g)
1. Student can pick how to solve iii. Normal landing/high set-‐up (can be t&g)
1. Use slips to a landing if not already done iv. 30 degree flap landing (can be t&g)
1. Student executes/Instructor critiques v. 40 degree flap landing (full stop, taxi back)
1. Instructor demonstrates 2. Student executes/Instructor coaches
6. After Landing, Shutdown, and Post-‐Flight a. Student executes/Instructor critiques
7. Debrief a. Student/Instructor debrief b. Next lesson is a Solo Practice
i. Recommend maneuvers that need work
Flight Lesson 16: Student Solo Practice 1. Student performs solo practice of maneuvers recommended and
chosen. 2. Student debriefs self; writes down notes to present to instructor 3. Clandestine observation possible
Flight Lesson 17: Maneuvers Review #2/PTS Prep 1. Preflight, Start, Taxi, Before Takeoff, Takeoff, Climb-‐Out, Level-‐Off
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 2. Short Field Takeoff/Obstacle Clearance Climb
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 3. Slow Flight
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 4. Takeoff/Power On Stalls
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 5. Landing/Power-‐Off Stalls
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 6. Spin awareness
a. Instructor demos/quizzes student 7. Steep Turns (45o)
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 8. S Turns Across a Road
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 9. Turns about a Point
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 10. Rectangular Patterns
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques 11. Return to Homebase
a. Traffic Pattern Entry i. Student executes; Instructor critiques
12. Pattern Work a. Soft field landing/taxi back/soft field takeoff b. Flaps zero landing (touch and go)
i. Instructor coaches student through c. Flaps minus six landing
i. Instructor coaches student through d. Engine out landing e. Go around/rejected landing f. Slips to a landing g. Student choice landings ( 3 to 4)
i. Hold to PTS standards 13. Taxi/Shutdown/Post-‐Flight
a. Student executes; Instructor critiques
Flight Lesson 18: Solo PTS Prep 1. Student practices maneuvers as instructed and desired
Flight Lesson 19: Check Ride Prep 1. Instructor conducts mock check ride using LS PTS. 2. Instructor has student demo control by instruments 3. Instructor recommends student for check ride or review.
Ground Syllabus
Ground Lesson 1: Airplane Fundamentals 1. Parts of an aircraft 2. Axes of rotation 3. Flight controls (ailerons/spoilers, flaps, elevators/stabilator, rudder) 4. Forces acting on an airplane in flight 5. Ground effect 6. How airplanes turn, climb, descend 7. Torque/left-‐turning tendency (p-‐factor) 8. Stability (dynamic, static) 9. Loads and load factors 10. Angle of attack/stalls/spins
Ground Lesson 2: Airplane Instruments 1. Pitot-‐static system
a. Pitot tube b. Static Port
2. Altimeter a. Pressure altitude b. Setting the Kolsman window/altitude
3. Airspeed Indicator 4. Vertical Speed Indicator 5. Gyroscopic instruments
a. Directional gyro b. Turn and slip indicator c. Attitude indicator
6. Turn coordinator 7. Magnetic compass
a. Compass errors 8. Aircraft specific instruments/indicators
Ground Lesson 3: Airplane Engines and Systems 1. Airplane engines
a. Fuel system i. Carbureted
1. Non-‐mixture equipped engines 2. Mixture equipped engines
ii. Fuel injected b. Magnetos versus dual ignition c. Cooling
i. Air cooled ii. Liquid cooled
1. Radiator location iii. Hybrid (both)
d. Lubrication i. Oil Pressure ii. Oil Temperature iii. Oil cooler
2. Fuel System a. Fuel types and signatures b. Left, right, both c. Gravity vs mechanical feed d. Gascolator/filters
3. Propellers a. Fixed pitch b. Ground or flight adjustable c. Constant speed propeller
4. Full Authority Digital Engine System (FADEC) 5. Electrical System
a. Battery b. Generator vs alternator
6. Flap Systems a. Mechanical b. Electrical
7. Landing Gear Systems a. Fixed gear b. Retractable Gear
i. Mechanical ii. Electrical iii. Hydraulic
8. Environmental Systems a. Cabin heat b. Vents c. Air conditioning
9. Deice and Anti Ice Systems a. Fluid deicing
b. Boots c. Prop deicing
10. Speedbrakes 11. Malfunctions
a. Starting i. Mixture control ii. Fires on start iii. Insufficient RPM
b. Engine Operation i. Oil Related ii. Coolant related iii. Ignition related
c. Electrical system i. Battery management ii. Alternator/generator failure iii. Fires iv. Communications backup
d. Flap Systems i. Total failure ii. (CT only) flap controller failure
e. Landing Gear Systems i. Tire failures ii. Brake failures iii. Retraction failure iv. Extension failure
f. Environmental Systems i. Carbon monoxide poisoning ii. Dealing with fires
1. Venting 2. Use of fire extinguisher
Ground Lesson 4: Airplane Performance and Weight and Balance 1. Performance
a. Environmental Effects i. Standard Atmosphere
1. Pressure altitude 2. Standard temperature lapse rate
ii. Density Altitude b. Takeoff performance
i. Setting of mixture (if equipped) ii. Effect of density altitude iii. Effect of humidity iv. Effect of wind direction (headwind/tailwind) v. Effect of runway gradient vi. Effect of runway surface
c. Climb performance i. Effect of thrust ii. Effect of weight iii. Effect of density altitude iv. Best rate versus best angle airspeeds v. Effect of flaps (CT only)
d. Cruise performance i. Effect of mixture
1. Best range 2. Best endurance
ii. Setting the throttle 1. Effects on range vs. endurance
iii. Setting the prop (constant speed or in flight adjustable) iv. Effect of head, tail, and crosswinds v. Effect of flaps (CT only)
e. Glide performance i. Best glide
f. Landing performance i. Effects of density altitude ii. Effects of head and tail wind iii. Effects of flaps iv. Effects of center of gravity
2. Weight and balance a. Gross weight b. Empty weight c. Useful Load
i. Unusable fuel d. Center of gravity e. CG envelope
i. Calculating weight and moment ii. Finding within c.g. envelope
iii. Movement of c.g during flight iv. CG tables v. CG charts
Ground Lesson 5: Airports 1. Types of airports
a. Controlled (Class B,C,D) i. Federal ii. Non-‐Federal
b. Uncontrolled (CTAF, Unicom) 2. Airport Information
a. ATIS b. AWOS/ASOS c. CTAF and Unicom d. AFD e. Sectional use f. Unofficial sources
i. AOPA Directory ii. Airnav iii. GPS databases
3. Wind and Landing Direction Indicators a. Windsocks b. Ground markers c. Segmented circles d. Secondary indicators
i. Flags ii. Smoke iii. Weather vanes iv. Trees and brush
4. Airport Traffic Patterns a. Single-‐runway
i. Crosswind ii. Downwind iii. Base Leg iv. Final
b. Multiple runway operations i. Runway designators (L,C,R) ii. Opposing patterns
5. Landing Aids a. Vertical Approach Slope Indicator (VASI)
i. Single bar (green, yellow, red) ii. Two bar (red, white) iii. Four bar (red, white)
6. Wake Turbulence a. Effects of weight b. Effects of wind c. Avoidance
i. Takeoff ii. Landing
7. Collision Avoidance 8. Ground Control
a. How to find i. Documentation ii. Asking (Tower will usually instruct)
b. When to contact i. After landing ii. Before takeoff
c. Use of taxi charts i. Taxiway nomenclature ii. Hot spots iii. Safe-‐Taxi (G496 only)
d. Ensuring safety i. Ask if you don’t understand ii. If confused or unsure, request “progressive taxi” iii. Don’t enter a runway unless you have an explicit clearance to
“taxi across” iv. ALWAYS check a runway or taxiway you are entering for
traffic. 9. Clearance Delivery
a. Purpose 10. Light Sport Restrictions
a. Class C and D endorsements b. Class B restrictions
Ground Lesson 6: Airspace 1. Types of airspace
a. Uncontrolled (E and G) i. Dimensions ii. Sectional markings iii. Appropriate FAR’s
b. Controlled (B, C, and D) i. Class D
1. Dimensions 2. Requirements for operation within/equipment
required/FAR’s 3. Endorsements and training required 4. Sectional markings
ii. Class C 1. Description 2. Dimensions 3. Requirements for operation within/equipment
requirements/FAR’s 4. Endorsements and training required 5. Sectional markings
iii. Class B 1. Description 2. Dimensions 3. Requirements for operation within/equipment
requirements/FAR’s 4. Light Sport restrictions and endorsements 5. Sectional markings
iv. Special Use Airspace 1. Prohibited Areas 2. Restricted Areas 3. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s) 4. Military Operations Areas (MOA’s) 5. Alert Areas 6. Warning Areas
2. Radio Communications a. General conduct with ATC
i. First contact 1. Listen for a second 2. State who you are calling 3. State who you are 4. Wait for an answer 5. Think before keying the mike
ii. When they respond 1. Give position 2. State request
b. Uncontrolled airports/airspace i. Advisory calls
1. State airport/entity 2. State who you are 3. State position and intention 4. Repeat airport/entity info
ii. Proper use of frequencies iii. Don’t chat; sound professional
c. Class D airspace i. Listen to ATIS/AWOS/ASOS or tower frequency when about 20 nm out
ii. Contact tower inside 10nm but before 5 nm iii. State identification and intention iv. Wait for response
1. If no joy, wait a few seconds and try again. 2. Acknowledge response
a. “Roger” means “I understand” b. “Wilco” means “I will comply”.
3. If confused, ask for repeat. a. Use plain language to discuss
d. Class C airspace i. Contact approach before 20 nm range
1. If controller acknowledges call with your callsign, you can proceed inbound.
2. If controller says “aircraft calling standby” or otherwise does not acknowledge YOU, do not go into Class C until you are talking to him and he has acknowledged your callsign.
ii. Controller will issue transponder code 1. Set code in transponder 2. Acknowledge assignment by repeating code verbally to
controller. iii. Continue through or to destination.
e. Class B airspace i. Contact approach before entering airspace
1. Approach must clear you into the Class B 2. If instructed to remain clear, do so. 3. Use Terminal Area charts and GPS to track position 4. If assigned squawk:
a. Set transponder code b. Repeat code to controller
5. Can fly under or around without talking to ATC f. Emergencies
i. Use of 121.5 MHz ii. Mayday vs Pan iii. Sectional and GPS assistance
3. Transponder Operations a. Transponder modes
i. STBY ii. VFR iii. ON iv. ALT v. IDENT
b. Setting “squawk” codes c. Emergency codes
i. 7700 (emergency) ii. 7600 (loss of comm.)
4. FAR’s a. Where to find each type of airspace (references)
GROUND LESSON 7: Aviation Weather 1. The Earth’s Atmosphere 2. Temperature 3. Atmospheric Pressure 4. Wind 5. Moisture, Cloud Formation, and Precipitation 6. Stable and Unstable Air 7. Clouds 8. Air masses and Fronts 9. Turbulence 10. Thunderstroms 11. Icing 12. Fog
GROUND LESSON 8: Weather Services 1. Obtaining Services
a. Online i. DUATS ii. ADDS iii. AOPA/EAA iv. Proprietary
1. PilotCast 2. Foreflight 3. Others
v. Weather Underground vi. Use of Zone Forecasts
b. Flight Service Station i. 1-‐800-‐WX-‐BRIEF (992-‐7433)
2. Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) a. Standard language or abbreviated
i. NOAA Key b. Issue times c. AWOS/ASOS systems
i. Radio access ii. Phone access
3. Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) a. Issue times b. Duration c. How to read
4. Aviation Area Forecast (FA) a. Issue times b. Duration c. What it covers
5. In-‐Flight Aviation Advisories a. AIRMET b. SIGMET c. FSS usage d. Flightwatch e. ATC (Center/Approach) f. Onboard systems
i. XM radio systems (GPS associated) ii. Phone or iPad systems
6. Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast 7. Surface Analysis Chart 8. Short-‐Range Surface Prognostic Chart (PROG) 9. Low-‐level Significant Weather Chart (SIGWX)
GROUND LESSON 9: Charts and Airspace 1. How the Earth is mapped
a. What is latitude b. What is longitude
2. Types of Aeronautical Charts a. WAC b. Sectionals c. Terminal Area Charts
3. WAC a. Issuance b. Depiction c. Usage
4. Sectionals a. Issuance b. Depiction (including scaling)
i. Airspace ii. Terrain features iii. Roads, highways, cities iv. Other features
c. Usage i. Use of pilotage ii. Use for dead reckoning
d. Symbology 5. Terminal Area Charts
a. Applicability b. Issuance c. Depiction d. Usage
i. Primary information ii. Secondary information (VFR routes, etc.)
GROUND LESSON 10: Aeromedical factors and Aeronautical Decision Making 1. Fitness for flight
a. Physical condition b. Mental condition c. Emotional condition
2. Hypoxia a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
3. Dehydration a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Detection d. Solutions
5. Motion Sickness a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
6. Sinus and Ear Blockage a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
7. Vision 8. Illusions in Flight
a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
9. Spatial Disorientation a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
10. Alcohol/Drug Usage a. Rules concerning b. Don’t be in denial
11. Decompression Sickness after Scuba Diving a. Definition and causes b. Symptoms c. Solutions
12. Aeronautical Decision Making a. Fitness for flight
i. Pilot
ii. Airplane iii. Passengers
b. Weather Related Decision Making i. Forecasted conditions
1. Quality of information 2. Timeliness of information 3. Ability to update/evaluate
ii. Pilot 1. Training 2. Experience 3. Pressure points
a. Timeline for flight b. Passenger experience/temperament c. EGO
iii. Aircraft 1. Equipment
c. Do I always have an “out”? i. Name it ii. Evaluate need for it iii. Evaluate risk of using it
13. Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) a. Evaluate tools needed
i. Do I have them all? ii. Do I know they are working? iii. Are they were I can get them?
b. Evaluate “Assists” i. What can I use to help me if I get into trouble?
1. Equipment a. Autopilot b. Radios/avionics c. Handheld gear
2. Passenger a. What can I ask the passenger to do?
i. Discuss experience/capabilities ii. Discuss passenger willingness to help
b. Have I briefed them on it before we have left the ground?
c. Always listen. i. Even an inexperienced aviator can feed you good information. ii. If in doubt, seek an “out” that leads to a safe determination.
GROUND LESSON 11-‐13: FAR REVIEWS 1. GROUND LESSON 11: FAR PARTS 1 – 71
a. Part 1-‐Definitions and Abbreviations b. Part 21-‐ Certification Procedures for Products and Parts c. Part 39 – Airworthiness Directives d. Part 43-‐ Maintenance, etc. e. Part 61-‐ Certification of Pilots and Flight Instructors
2. GROUND LESSON 12: PART 91.3-‐91.131 3. GROUND LESSON 13: PART 91.151-‐417 and NTSB 830
GROUND LESSON 14: NAVIGATION AND X-‐C PREFLIGHT PREP 1. Reference Documentation
a. Official i. Airman’s Information Manual (AIM) ii. Airport/Facility Directory (AFD) iii. NOTAM’s
1. FSS 2. Online
a. Pilot Web iv. Advisory Circulars (AC’s) v. Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge vi. Airplane Flying Handbook vii. DUATS viii. Pilot’s Operating Handbook
1. Performance 2. Weight and Balance 3. Fuel and Oil
b. Unofficial i. AirNav (online) ii. Skyvector (online) iii. AOPA
1. Internet Flight Planner 2. AOPA Directory
iv. Other Internet sources 2. Planning Your Flight
a. Getting Your Charts i. Which ones do you need? ii. Are they current?
b. Plotting Your Courses i. Using a Plotter
1. Ensuring the proper scale 2. True versus Magnetic 3. Mechanics of Using
ii. Picking Your Checkpoints 1. For VFR, a good checkpoint is no further than 20nm
away 2. Needs to be something easily seen and distinguished 3. Everything on the chart is on the ground; but not
everything on the ground is on the chart iii. Plot your course
1. Correct for magnetic 2. Log distances 3. Roughly calculate fuel and bounce against leg length
c. Make out your Nav Log 1. Can make initial log “no wind”
2. Research airport data a. Elevation b. Controlled or uncontrolled c. Pattern elevation d. Pattern directions e. Radio frequencies used f. Runway directions and lengths g. Is taxi chart available?
i. IFR Approach plates ii. FAA (online) iii. AirNav (online)
h. Write down the essential stuff i. Elev, pattern and runway info, frequencies are helpful
ii. Use your own judgment d. Check out the weather
i. Get official weather forecasts 1. FSS (phone)
a. Forecasts b. Winds
2. DUATS (online) a. Forecasts b. winds
ii. Supplement with unofficial but valid data 1. ADDS 2. AOPA 3. NOAA weather (Zone or Local forecasts) 4. TV website radar data (check for TRW activity and
movement) iii. Using wind data, update NAV LOGs.
3. Using a Flight Computer (EA-‐6B) a. Nautical to statue miles b. Speed, distance, time conversions c. Fuel computations d. Calculating true airspeed e. Calculating density altitude f. Temperature Conversions g. Off-‐Course Corrections h. Calculate wind data
i. Make-‐up of the wind side ii. Determining magnetic heading and Groundspeed iii. Determining wind direction and speed
4. In-‐Flight Chores a. Record take-‐off time b. Log your progress c. Evaluate actual against planning
d. Weather checks in flight e. Keep your lookout going f. If in doubt, land.
5. Lost Procedures a. Stay calm b. What do you recognize? c. Check the chart for that point. Use an autopilot if you have one to give
you time to use the chart. d. Use all cockpit resources to establish your position
i. GPS (aircraft or cell phone) ii. VOR cross-‐radial (using handheld if necessary) iii. Road maps, etc.
e. Do you see an airport? Water tower? i. Fly low enough to see if the water tower has a name on it ii. If you see an airport, land and establish position iii. Smaller airports are better but do what you have to iv. Better to bust rules with FAA than run out of gas
f. If no joy, call ATC i. Tower, center, or approach frequency if you know it ii. 121.5 always works iii. PAN or MAYDAY
g. If fuel is about to run out (both tanks near E), perform precautionary landing
i. Get on the ground while you still have power ii. Call 911 after landing
h. If all else fails, call your instructor. i. Call me anyway just to let me know you’re okay and if you need anything.
GROUND LESSON 15: Sport Pilot PTS Review 1. Review with the student various subjects that an examiner might ping on
during the Sport Pilot PTS. Ask the student if there are any areas he/she feels needs review.
2. If student passes PTS, ask for feedback on any areas of the exam where the examiner poked.
3. If student fails PTS, review failure and begin planning for remedial instruction. Repeat any lesson as necessary.
Syllabus Notes: