Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area VI, Task B

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems and Radar Services Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with navigation systems and radar services.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

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

  • Attention Getter:

    • Discuss motivation to become an instrument rated pilot.
    • Relate similar personal experiences to the student to establish rapport.

  • Motivator:

    • Explain how proficiency in navigation systems and radar services supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • If not previously discussed, provide expectations on time to train, ground instruction vs. flight instruction, and instructor/student availability.
    • Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
    • Review the airman certification standards.
    • Explain that navigation systems and radar services support situational awareness but require proper interpretation and management.
    • Set expectations for maintaining aircraft control while managing avionics and external services.
  • Part 2, Navigation Systems and Radar Services:
    • Baseline the discussion by reviewing traditional navigation methods (pilotage and dead reckoning) as a foundation.
    • Introduce ground-based navigation systems (e.g., VOR), including identification, orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, and signal integrity. (CA.VI.B.K1)
    • Introduce satellite-based navigation systems (e.g., GPS), including equipment, regulations, authorized database use, Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM), and system limitations. (CA.VI.B.K2)
    • Discuss transponder operation (Modes A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) functionality and requirements. (CA.VI.B.K4)
    • Introduce radar assistance available to VFR aircraft, including operations, equipment, available services, traffic advisories, flight following, and ATC workload limitations. (CA.VI.B.K3)
    • Discuss proper communication procedures when requesting and using radar services.
    • Demonstrate how to determine aircraft position using onboard navigation systems.
    • Demonstrate intercepting and tracking a course, radial, or bearing.
    • Discuss recognition of waypoint or station passage using navigation indications.
    • Discuss recognition of signal loss or interference and appropriate corrective actions.
    • Emphasize ACS (Airman Certification Standards) skill flow: use navigation systems effectively, determine position, track courses, recognize failures, and communicate appropriately.
    • Question the student on when to rely on automation versus reverting to basic navigation techniques.
  • Part 3, Navigation Systems and Radar Services Risk Management:
    • Manage automated navigation and autoflight systems by selecting appropriate modes, verifying entries, monitoring system performance, and remaining prepared to revert to manual or alternate navigation. (CA.VI.B.R1)
    • Manage distractions, prioritize tasks, and preserve situational awareness while programming, monitoring, or troubleshooting navigation equipment. (CA.VI.B.R2)
    • Identify and mitigate limitations of the navigation system in use, including database currency or errors, equipment limitations, coverage, signal integrity, and inappropriate reliance on automation. (CA.VI.B.R3)
    • Recognize and respond to loss or degradation of a navigation signal, including jamming or interference of space-based signals, while maintaining navigation and terrain clearance. (CA.VI.B.R4)
    • Manage risks associated with electronic flight bag (EFB) use, including power, overheating, mounting, database currency, connectivity, distraction, and the availability of suitable backup information. (CA.VI.B.R5)
  • Part 4, Navigation Systems and Radar Services Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead a guided scenario.
    • Present a realistic en route navigation scenario requiring use of GPS, VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range), and radar services.
    • Require the learner to use an airborne electronic navigation system appropriate to the scenario. (CA.VI.B.S1)
    • Require the learner to determine the airplane’s position using the navigation system and cross-check it with another available source. (CA.VI.B.S2)
    • Have the learner intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing. (CA.VI.B.S3)
    • Require the learner to recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage. (CA.VI.B.S4)
    • Introduce a simulated navigation-signal loss or interference and require the learner to recognize it and take appropriate action. (CA.VI.B.S5)
    • Require the learner to use proper communication procedures when requesting and utilizing radar services. (CA.VI.B.S6)
    • Require the learner to maintain the appropriate altitude within ±100 feet and heading within ±10° while managing the navigation equipment. (CA.VI.B.S7)
    • Challenge the student to identify and mitigate risks associated with automation, distractions, and loss of situational awareness.
  • Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    • 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.
    • Debrief the student's understanding of knowledge, risk management, and skill elements associated with navigation systems and radar services.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with navigation systems and radar services
  • Note: The evaluator should reference the manufacturer's equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc.
  • References: AC 91-78; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
Skills 7 ACS Elements
  • CA.VI.B.S1:
    Use an airborne electronic navigation system.
  • CA.VI.B.S2:
    Determine the airplane's position using the navigation system.
  • CA.VI.B.S3:
    Intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing.
  • CA.VI.B.S4:
    Recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage.
  • CA.VI.B.S5:
    Recognize signal loss or interference and take appropriate action, if applicable.
  • CA.VI.B.S6:
    Use proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services.
  • CA.VI.B.S7:
    Maintain the selected altitude ±100 feet and heading ±10°.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Navigation Systems and Radar Services connects careful preflight planning with the continuous awareness needed to keep the aircraft, route, fuel, weather, and available alternatives aligned.
    • Using multiple navigation references and verifying position, performance, and changing conditions helps pilots detect errors before they narrow available options.
    • Timely communication, workload management, and a willingness to revise the plan turn navigation knowledge into practical aeronautical decision-making.
    • Further practice with Navigation Systems and Radar Services prepares commercial pilots for longer, less familiar, and more operationally complex flights.

  • 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.