Commercial Pilot (Airplane)
Emergency Descent Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

  • Research a case study
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

  • Helps recognize the indications of an imminent or full stall during power-on situations with the landing gear down and to make prompt, positive, and effective recoveries with a minimum loss of altitude
  • Emergency Descent simulate a stall from normal takeoff and departure

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Emergency Descent:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with Emergency Descent
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: AC 61-67; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
  • CA.IX.A.K1:

    Situations that would require an emergency descent (e.g., depressurization, smoke, or engine fire).
  • CA.IX.A.K2:

    Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
  • CA.IX.A.K3:

    Airspeed, including airspeed limitations.
  • CA.IX.A.K4:

    Aircraft performance and limitations.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
  • CA.IX.A.R1:

    Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.
  • CA.IX.A.R2:

    Collision hazards.
  • CA.IX.A.R3:

    Configuring the airplane.
  • CA.IX.A.R4:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:
  • CA.IX.A.S1:

    Clear the area.
  • CA.IX.A.S2:

    Establish and maintain the appropriate airspeed and configuration appropriate to the scenario specified by the evaluator and as covered in Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for the emergency descent.
  • CA.IX.A.S3:

    Maintain orientation, divide attention appropriately, and plan and execute a smooth recovery.
  • CA.IX.A.S4:

    Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.
  • >

    CA.IX.A.S5:

    Maintain appropriate airspeed +0/-10 knots, and level off at a specified altitude ±100 feet.
  • CA.IX.A.S6:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CA.IX.A.S7:

    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson

Conclusion: