Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

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

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:
    0:15
    Part 3, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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:

    • PIC (Pilot in Command) is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft
    • Pilots must be prepared to act in the event of an abnormal condition (abnormalities not time threatening) or an emergency (immediate action required)
    • In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) part 91 to the extent required to meet that emergency.
      • If the PIC choses to deviate from the provisions of an ATC (Air Traffic Control) clearance, the PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
        • Note this is not a blanket clearance to perform unnecessary deviations!
      • Unless deviation is necessary under the emergency authority of 91.3, pilots of IFR flights experiencing two-way radio communication failure are expected to adhere to the procedures prescribed under "IFR operations, two-way radio communications failure"
    • Troubleshooting is important but don't fix an airplane airborne when you can safely land first
    • Be directive, if you want something, tell them, don't let ATC drive you
    • Declare emergencies with general terms, use "electrical" or "engine" for example
    • The PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
    • Discrete emergency frequencies may be assigned by ATC
      • By default use CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency) or guard (121.5/243.0)
      • You must hear different radio communications
    • Emergency hand signals are listed in 6-5-3
    • First 3 seconds, ask yourself, where am I? What do I have? Is the light valid?
    • With every emergency there will be primary and secondary signals
      • It is important to realize that secondary indications may, or may not be present

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain causes of partial or complete power loss related to the aircraft's specific powerplant or powerplants. (CA.IX.C.K1)
    • Teach recognition and response for aircraft-specific system and equipment malfunctions. (CA.IX.C.K2)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain electrical malfunctions, including alternator or generator failure, abnormal voltage or charging, battery depletion or overheating, circuit faults, partial or total power loss, electrical smoke or fire, starter-system faults, essential-load management, and landing planning. (CA.IX.C.K2a)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain vacuum or pressure and associated flight-instrument malfunctions. (CA.IX.C.K2b)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain pitot-static system malfunctions. (CA.IX.C.K2c)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain electronic flight-deck display malfunctions and available reversionary indications. (CA.IX.C.K2d)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain landing-gear or flap malfunctions. (CA.IX.C.K2e)
      • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain recognition and response for inoperative trim. (CA.IX.C.K2f)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain causes and remedies for smoke or fire aboard the aircraft. (CA.IX.C.K3)
    • Address any other system specific to the airplane, such as supplemental oxygen or deicing equipment. (CA.IX.C.K4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the hazards and appropriate response for an inadvertent door or window opening. (CA.IX.C.K5)
  • Part 3, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:
    • Use the appropriate checklist while maintaining aircraft control and evaluating whether immediate action is required. (CA.IX.C.R1)
    • Manage distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation. (CA.IX.C.R2)
    • Recognize and recover from an undesired aircraft state caused or compounded by the malfunction. (CA.IX.C.R3)
    • Anticipate and manage startle response so diagnosis and corrective action remain deliberate. (CA.IX.C.R4)
  • Part 4, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Guided Scenario(s):
    • Present simulated emergencies from at least three applicable K1–K5 elements or sub-elements and require the learner to describe the appropriate action for each. (CA.IX.C.S1)
    • Require the learner to complete the appropriate checklists. (CA.IX.C.S2)
  • Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Present a realistic systems and equipment malfunctions scenario and have the learner identify hazards, make appropriate decisions, and explain the proposed course of action.
  • Preflight Assessment.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
  • CA.IX.C.K1:
    Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
    • CA.IX.C.K1a:
      [Archived].
    • CA.IX.C.K1b:
      [Archived].
    • CA.IX.C.K1c:
      [Archived].
    • CA.IX.C.K1d:
      [Archived].
  • CA.IX.C.K2:
    System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:
  • CA.IX.C.K3:
    Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
  • CA.IX.C.K4:
    Any other system specific to the airplane (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing).
  • CA.IX.C.K5:
    Inadvertent door or window opening.
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
Skills 2 ACS Elements
  • CA.IX.C.S1:
    Describe appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5 above.
  • CA.IX.C.S2:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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 Systems and Equipment Malfunctions prepares commercial pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.

  • Closure:

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