Commercial Pilot (Airplane)
Performance & Limitations Lesson Plan

The objective of the performance and limitations lesson plan is to determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with operating an airplane safely within the parameters of its performance capabilities and limitations.


Attention

Attention
  • 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

Motivator

Motivator

Overview

Overview


Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Performance and Limitations:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials

Required Materials
  • Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard, POH

Instructor Actions

Instructor Actions

Student Actions

Student Actions

Performance & Limitations Guided Scenario(s)

Performance & Limitations Guided Scenario(s)
  • What happens to the AOA if while in straight-and-level flight, a pilot pushes forward on the control stick, pulls backward?
  • What happens to the AoA if while in straight-and-level flight, a pilot pushes forward on the throttle? pulls backward?
  • What factors can the pilot control to change the amount of lift an aircraft has? Weight? Thrust? Drag?
  • The pilot is ready to taxi, applying power to start moving
    • What must the pilot do with the power after the aircraft starts moving?
    • What principle requires the pilot to change the power setting?
  • After completing a weight and balance, the pilot realizes the aircraft is within tolerance, but the center of gravity tends aft
    • How should the pilot expect stall speed to change? What if the center of gravity tends forward?
    • Why does a heavy aircraft requires more takeoff distance? Can a pilot do anything to shorten this disance? If so, what? and at what cost?
  • The pilot mounts a weather radar pod on the wing, what type of drag can be expected?
    • The interaction between the pod and the natural form of the wing is considered what kind of drag?
    • The wing it is mounted has several imperfections, rivets, etc. what kind of drag is characterized by these features?
    • What sort of performance changes would be expected by such a modification?
  • As an aircraft is accelerating down the runway, it is actually increasing it's drag, how is this possible?
  • While in the traffic pattern, the pilot finds themselves "behind the power curve." what does this mean?
  • While landing, the pilot experiences what feels like a cushion of air beneath the wings. What is this phenomena?
    • When could the pilot expect to feel this cushion?
    • What is causing this anomaly?

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Performance and Limitations Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Performance and Limitations Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Performance and Limitations Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Performance and Limitations Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Performance and Limitations Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

  • CA.I.F.S1:

    Compute the weight and balance, correct out-of-CG loading errors and determine if the weight and balance remains within limits during all phases of flight.

  • CA.I.F.S2:

    Use the appropriate airplane performance charts, tables, and data.

Re-Motivation

Re-Motivation

Closure

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

Reference Materials

Reference Materials