Private Pilot (Airplane) - Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan
The Private Pilot (Airplane) - Normal Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with traffic patterns.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan Introduction
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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.
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Motivator:
- Traffic Pattern procedures develop the ability to stay safely and efficiently arrive at an uncontrolled airport, or after arrival, utilize the traffic pattern
- The traffic pattern is comprised of several components which standardized flow of aircraft, at a specific altitude within the terminal area
- This standard flow allows for predictability in an otherwise extremely dangerous environment
- The traffic pattern is the ultimate goal which began with the rectangular course with many hazards
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 93.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan Materials
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Introduce normal approach and landing.
- Part 2, Factors Impacting Traffic Pattern Operations Performance:
- Introduce wind shear impacts to traffic pattern operations.
- Introduce wake turbulence considerations during traffic pattern operations.
- Part 3, Traffic Pattern Operations:
- Review rectangular course.
- Review airport markings and signs.
- Review aircraft lighting.
- Introduce terminal broadcast services and systems.
- Introduce traffic pattern operations
- Introduce right-of-way rules.
- Part 4, Guided Scenario:
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Pattern Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with traffic patterns
- References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:-
PA.III.B.K1:
Towered and non-towered airport operations. -
PA.III.B.K2:
Traffic pattern selection for the current conditions. -
PA.III.B.K3:
Right-of-way rules. -
PA.III.B.K4:
Use of automated weather and airport information.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:-
PA.III.B.R1:
Collision hazards. -
PA.III.B.R2:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
PA.III.B.R3:
Windshear and wake turbulence.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
PA.III.B.S1:
Identify and interpret airport/seaplane base runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting. -
PA.III.B.S2:
Comply with recommended traffic pattern procedures. -
PA.III.B.S3:
Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track. -
PA.III.B.S4:
Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use. -
PA.III.B.S5:
Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots. -
PA.III.B.S6:
Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) Traffic Patterns Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
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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.