Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task A
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency descent.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson:0:05Part 2, Emergency Descent:0:10Part 3, Emergency Descent Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Emergency Descent Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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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.
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Motivator:
- An emergency descent may be required with little warning when smoke, fire, depressurization, or another urgent condition makes remaining at altitude more dangerous than descending rapidly.
- Training develops the judgment and aircraft-control discipline needed to lose altitude quickly while respecting airspeed, structural, terrain, traffic, and recovery limitations.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Takeoff and Climb Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Takeoff and Climb Performance Supplement.
- Wake Turbulence Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Clearing Turns Supplement.
- Crew Resource Management Supplement.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the Commercial Pilot Emergency Descent Airman Certification Standards.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of the emergency-descent objective, applicable scenarios, and maneuver overview.
- Part 2, Emergency Descent:
- Identify situations requiring an emergency descent, including depressurization, smoke, and fire. (CA.IX.A.K1)
- Teach immediate-action items and emergency procedures using the applicable POH/AFM and checklist. (CA.IX.A.K2)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain emergency-descent airspeed selection and applicable airspeed limitations. (CA.IX.A.K3)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how aircraft performance and operating limitations affect descent configuration, rate, and recovery planning. (CA.IX.A.K4)
- Part 3, Emergency Descent Risk Management:
- Evaluate altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, glide distance, and available landing distance when planning the descent and recovery. (CA.IX.A.R1)
- Identify collision hazards and establish clearing and traffic-avoidance measures. (CA.IX.A.R2)
- Evaluate flight-control inputs and airplane configuration to avoid excessive load factors, airspeed exceedance, or loss of control. (CA.IX.A.R3)
- Manage distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation throughout the emergency descent. (CA.IX.A.R4)
- Part 4, Emergency Descent Guided Scenario(s):
- Clear the area. (CA.IX.A.S1)
- Establish and maintain the scenario-appropriate airspeed and configuration specified by the POH/AFM. (CA.IX.A.S2)
- Maintain orientation, divide attention, and execute a smooth recovery. (CA.IX.A.S3)
- Use 30°–45° of bank while maintaining positive load factors. (CA.IX.A.S4)
- Maintain the appropriate airspeed within +0/−10 knots and level off within ±100 feet. (CA.IX.A.S5)
- Complete the appropriate checklists. (CA.IX.A.S6)
- Use single-pilot resource management or crew resource management, as appropriate. (CA.IX.A.S7)
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
- Present the remotivation, conclude, 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 Descent Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether 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.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
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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.
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.A.R1: Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations. -
CA.IX.A.R2: -
CA.IX.A.R3: Configuring the airplane. -
CA.IX.A.R4:
Skills 7 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.A.S1: -
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.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Emergency Descent 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 Descent prepares commercial pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.
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Closure:
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.