Constant Airspeed Descents
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed descents solely by reference to instruments
  • References:FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Attention:

  • Research a case study
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Constant Airspeed Descents:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Private Pilot - Constant Airspeed Descents Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed descents solely by reference to instruments
  • References:FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Constant Airspeed Descents Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.VIII.C.K1:

    Flight instruments as related to:
    • PA.VIII.C.K1a:
      Instrument limitations and potential errors
    • PA.VIII.C.K1b:
      Indication of the aircraft attitude
    • PA.VIII.C.K1c:
      Function and operation
    • PA.VIII.C.K1d:
      Proper instrument cross-check techniques

Constant Airspeed Descents Risk Management:

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

  • PA.VIII.C.R1:

    Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings

  • PA.VIII.C.R2:

    When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation

  • PA.VIII.C.R3:

    >Collision hazards

  • PA.VIII.C.R4:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation

  • PA.VIII.C.R5:

    Fixation and omission

  • PA.VIII.C.R6:

    Instrument Interpretation

  • PA.VIII.C.R7:

    Control application solely by reference to instruments

  • PA.VIII.C.R8:

    Trimming the aircraft

Constant Airspeed Descents Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.VIII.C.S1:

    Transition to the descent pitch attitude and power setting on an assigned heading using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated flight control application

  • PA.VIII.C.S2:

    Descend at a constant airspeed to specific altitudes in straight flight and turns

  • PA.VIII.C.S3:

    Level off at the assigned altitude and maintain altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots

References:

  • Airman Certification Standards
  • 14 CFR parts 39, 43, 91
  • FAA (FAA-H-8083-2) Risk Management Handbook
  • FAA (FAA-H-8083-25) Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  • Aeronautical Information Manual
  • Navigation Charts
  • U.S. Chart Supplements
  • Aeronautical Information Manual
  • Notice to Airman