Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area II, Task F

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Baseline Tasks:
    0:15
    Part 3, Ground Tasks:
    0:15
    Part 4, Anomalies & Malfunctions:
    0:15
    Part 5, Before Takeoff Check Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention-Getter:

    • Research a 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:

    • Before takeoff flows/checks ensure the aircraft and pilot has successfully completed all pre-takeoff checks and are ready for takeoff

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Baseline Tasks:
    • Teach the purpose of each item on the aircraft-specific before-takeoff checklist. (CA.II.F.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain why each item is checked and how an incorrect setting or abnormal indication can affect takeoff safety. (CA.II.F.K1a)
    • Demonstrate how to detect malfunctions and unacceptable indications during the run-up and before-takeoff check. (CA.II.F.K1b)
    • Use checklist results, engine indications, system status, configuration, and manufacturer guidance to determine whether the airplane remains in safe operating condition. (CA.II.F.K1c)
    • Review aircraft system and operating limitations that apply during the run-up and before-takeoff check.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain aircraft takeoff performance for the actual or assigned conditions.
    • Relate the before-takeoff check to discrepancies identified during the aircraft preflight.
  • Part 3, Ground Tasks:
    • Divide attention between checklist execution, engine and system indications, airplane position, wind, traffic, and the external environment; stop the airplane when the check cannot be completed safely while moving. (CA.II.F.R1)
    • When ATC changes the departure runway, re-evaluate takeoff performance, wind, taxi route, runway length and condition, obstacle clearance, configuration, and departure briefing before accepting the change. Use deliberate verification to counter confirmation or expectation bias. (CA.II.F.R2)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain wake turbulence, including that vortices are strongest when the generating aircraft is heavy, clean, and slow; select spacing and a takeoff path that avoid the preceding aircraft's vortices. (CA.II.F.R3)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain taxi procedures and select a run-up position that accounts for wind, other aircraft, vessels, buildings, persons, and propeller blast.
  • Part 4, Anomalies & Malfunctions:
    • Evaluate the consequences of a powerplant failure or other malfunction during takeoff using airplane characteristics, runway and takeoff-path length, surface conditions, wind and density altitude, obstructions, and available stopping or landing areas. Establish an aircraft-specific takeoff briefing and reject/continue decision criteria. (CA.II.F.R4)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain applicable emergency procedures and immediate-action items without allowing memorized actions to replace the approved checklist.
  • Part 5, Before Takeoff Check Guided Scenario(s):
    • Require the learner to review and apply takeoff-performance data for the assigned runway, loading, and environmental conditions. (CA.II.F.S1)
    • Have the learner complete all appropriate before-takeoff checklist items using the aircraft's approved procedures. (CA.II.F.S2)
    • Require proper airplane positioning considering wind direction and nearby aircraft, vessels, buildings, persons, and property. (CA.II.F.S3)
    • Assess the learner's division of attention inside and outside the flight deck throughout the check. (CA.II.F.S4)
    • Require verification that engine parameters and airplane configuration are suitable before takeoff. (CA.II.F.S5)
    • Introduce an abnormal engine indication or unexpected runway change and require the learner to identify the issue, reassess the takeoff, and make a defensible continue, delay, or discontinue decision.
  • Part 6, 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.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Take checklist and review each item, why they are performed, and how to detect malfunctions
  • Discuss impacts of taking off with a bad mag (following an improper check or undetected malfunction)
  • Discuss impacts of transponder being in the improper mode
  • Discuss clearing the area for takeoff and potential recognition time of someone on final if low-visibility
    • None
  • Aids: None
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 1 ACS Element
  • CA.II.F.K1:
    Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:
    • CA.II.F.K1a:
      Reasons for checking each item.
    • CA.II.F.K1b:
      Detecting malfunctions.
    • CA.II.F.K1c:
      Ensuring the aircraft is in safe operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer.
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
  • CA.II.F.R1:
    Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks.
  • CA.II.F.R2:
    Unexpected runway changes by air traffic control (ATC).
  • CA.II.F.R3:
    Wake turbulence.
  • CA.II.F.R4:
    Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.
Skills 5 ACS Elements
  • CA.II.F.S1:
    Review takeoff performance.
  • CA.II.F.S2:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CA.II.F.S3:
    Position the airplane appropriately considering wind direction and the presence of any aircraft, vessels, or buildings as applicable.
  • CA.II.F.S4:
    Divide attention inside and outside the flight deck.
  • CA.II.F.S5:
    Verify that engine parameters and airplane configuration are suitable.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Before Takeoff Check combines performance planning, directional control, and precise aircraft configuration during a phase of flight with little time or altitude to correct errors.
    • Wind, runway condition, density altitude, weight, obstacles, and aircraft limitations must be evaluated before committing to the takeoff.
    • Briefing abort points, continuously evaluating acceleration and aircraft response, and acting decisively when performance is not as expected transform calculations into meaningful risk management.
    • Continued practice with Before Takeoff Check prepares commercial pilots for more demanding runway, weather, and aircraft-performance scenarios later in training.

  • 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