Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with steep spirals.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan Introduction
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Steep Spirals:0:10Part 3, Steep Spirals Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Steep Spirals Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research 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.
- Research a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) or an internet-enabled device to access FARs.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Instructor endorsement log.
- Pilot Logbook.
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Reference Materials:
- Aeronautical Decision-Making Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61.
- Advisory Circular 68-1.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals 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.
- Part 2, Steep Spirals:
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- Part 3, Steep Spirals Risk Management:
- Part 4, Steep Spirals Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- 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 lost procedures.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)
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- Related scenarios:
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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete initial BasicMed requirements.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with steep spirals
- Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
- References: 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) Steep Spirals Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:-
CA.V.B.K1:
Relationship to emergency landing procedures. -
CA.V.B.K2:
Maintaining a constant radius about a point. -
CA.V.B.K3:
Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:-
CA.V.B.R1:
Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation. -
CA.V.B.R2:
Collision hazards. -
CA.V.B.R3:
Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.V.B.R4:
Distractions, improper task management, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
CA.V.B.R5:
Uncoordinated flight. -
CA.V.B.R6:
Effects of wind. -
CA.V.B.R7:
Airframe or airspeed limitations.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
CA.V.B.S1:
Clear the area. -
CA.V.B.S2:
Select an altitude sufficient to continue through a series of at least three, 360° turns. -
CA.V.B.S3:
Establish and maintain a steep spiral, not to exceed 60° angle of bank, to maintain a constant radius about a suitable ground reference point. -
CA.V.B.S4:
Apply wind-drift correction to track a constant radius circle around selected reference point with bank not to exceed 60° a steepest point in turn. -
CA.V.B.S5:
Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight. -
CA.V.B.S6:
Maintain the specified airspeed, ±10 knots and roll out toward an object or specified heading, ±10°, and complete the maneuver no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Steep Spirals Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- With a foundation on the requirements to meet certification standards, students can envision a path to certification completion.
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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.