Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task G

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency approach and landing procedures.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Emergency Approach and Landing:
    0:10
    Part 3, Emergency Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, Emergency Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
    • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
    • Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
    • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.

  • Motivator:

    • An emergency approach and landing tests a pilot's ability to turn an unexpected loss of power into a controlled, survivable landing.
    • Training strengthens power-off planning, wind-drift control, orientation, energy management, and division of attention when time and options are limited.
    • Successful judgment accounts for airspeed, altitude, obstructions, wind, landing direction, surface and gradient, glide performance, and required landing distance.
    • When conducted for training expect the instructor to callout (over the ICS) "Simulate Emergency Landing"

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Materials

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduction:
  • Part 2, Emergency Approach and Landing:
    • Demonstrate where to find the emergency locator transmitter in the aircraft and its operation, if able.
    • Teach glide performance and energy management. (CA.IX.B.K2)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain best-glide speed and its relationship to glide distance. (CA.IX.B.K2a)
      • Distinguish best-glide speed from minimum-sink speed. (CA.IX.B.K2b)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how wind affects glide distance. (CA.IX.B.K2c)
    • Teach the immediate-action items and emergency procedures applicable to an engine failure. (CA.IX.B.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how atmospheric conditions affect the emergency approach and landing. (CA.IX.B.K3)
    • Teach the elements of a stabilized approach and their relationship to energy management. (CA.IX.B.K4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the operation and limitations of emergency locator transmitters and other emergency-locating devices. (CA.IX.B.K5)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the ATC services available to an aircraft in distress and how to request them. (CA.IX.B.K6)
  • Part 3, Emergency Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    • Require the learner to evaluate altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, glide distance, and available landing distance when selecting a landing area. (CA.IX.B.R1)
    • Require the learner to recognize when the planned flightpath must be changed and explain the consequences of delaying that decision. (CA.IX.B.R2)
    • Identify collision hazards throughout the emergency approach and select appropriate avoidance measures. (CA.IX.B.R3)
    • Evaluate configuration choices and their effects on glide performance, controllability, and landing preparation. (CA.IX.B.R4)
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply the risks of low-altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, and controlled flight into terrain. (CA.IX.B.R5)
    • Manage distraction, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation during the emergency. (CA.IX.B.R6)
  • Part 4, Emergency Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    • Use the interactive scenario or an applicable case study to relate how initial conditions developed into an incident, accident, or mishap.
    • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario to evaluate application of ACS (Airman Certification Standards) knowledge, risk management, and skills.
    • Require the learner to establish and maintain the recommended best-glide airspeed, ±10 knots. (CA.IX.B.S1)
    • Require the learner to configure the airplane in accordance with the Pilot's Operating Handbook/Airplane Flight Manual and existing conditions. (CA.IX.B.S2)
    • Require the learner to select a suitable landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance. (CA.IX.B.S3)
    • Require the learner to plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions. (CA.IX.B.S4)
    • Require the learner to prepare for landing as specified by the evaluator. (CA.IX.B.S5)
    • Require the learner to complete the appropriate checklists. (CA.IX.B.S6)
  • Part 5, Conclusion:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the conclusion and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
  • CA.IX.B.K1:
    Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
  • CA.IX.B.K2:
    Airspeed, including:
    • CA.IX.B.K2a:
      Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance.
    • CA.IX.B.K2b:
      Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed.
    • CA.IX.B.K2c:
      Effects of wind on glide distance.
  • CA.IX.B.K3:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions on emergency approach and landing.
  • CA.IX.B.K4:
    A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
  • CA.IX.B.K5:
    Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and other emergency locating devices.
  • CA.IX.B.K6:
    Air traffic control (ATC) services to aircraft in distress.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
Skills 6 ACS Elements
  • CA.IX.B.S2:
    Configure the airplane in accordance with the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)\Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and existing conditions.
  • CA.IX.B.S3:
    Select a suitable landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance.
  • CA.IX.B.S4:
    Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.
  • CA.IX.B.S5:
    Prepare for landing as specified by the evaluator.
  • CA.IX.B.S6:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Emergency Approach and Landing Simulated develops the calm, disciplined response needed when time, altitude, aircraft capability, or available options are limited.
    • Early recognition, aircraft control, checklist use, clear priorities, and continuous evaluation of recovery or landing options help prevent an abnormal event from becoming unmanageable.
    • Scenario practice strengthens situational awareness and aeronautical decision-making so pilots can adapt procedures to the aircraft, environment, and urgency of the event.
    • Continued practice with Emergency Approach and Landing Simulated prepares commercial pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.

  • Closure:

    • Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
    • Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.
    • The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.