Commercial Pilot (Airplane)
Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

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

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Introduction

  • 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:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    1:25

  • 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


Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Materials



Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Instructor Actions



Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

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

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Student Actions



Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:
  • 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.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:
  • 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.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:
  • 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

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

  • Closure:

    • The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about earning 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