Straight-and-Level
Basic Attitude Instrument Flight
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during during straight-and-level flight solely by reference to instruments
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-6, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15

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:

  • Straight and level flight is flight in which a constant heading and altitude are maintained
  • Used during cross-countries when flying from point A to point B
  • Accomplished by making immediate and measured corrections for deviations
  • Fundamental flight maneuver which all other flight maneuvers are in essence a deviation from
  • When done correctly the airspeed will remain constant, the attitude indicator will be level, the altimeter will not move, the turn coordinator will read wings level with the ball in the center, the heading indicator will not move and the vertical speed indicator will indicate no climb
  • All forces are equal during unaccelerated flight

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Cockpit instrumentation review:
0:10
Straight-and-level flight:
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:

  • Complete assigned reading (see content above)
  • Ask pertinent questions
  • Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate

Straight-and-Level Flight Airman Certification Standards:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flying during straight-and-level flight solely by reference to instruments
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15

Straight and Level Flight Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.VIII.A.K1:

    Flight instruments as related to:
    • PA.VIII.A.K1a:
      Sensitivity, limitations, and potential errors in unusual attitudes
    • PA.VIII.A.K1b:
      Correlation (pitch instruments/bank instruments)
    • PA.VIII.A.K1c:
      Function and operation
    • PA.VIII.A.K1d:
      Proper instrument cross-check techniques

Straight and Level Flight Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • PA.VIII.A.R1:

    Instrument flying hazards to include failure to maintain VFR, spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings

  • PA.VIII.A.R2:

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

  • PA.VIII.A.R3:

    Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires

  • PA.VIII.A.R4:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

Straight and Level Flight Skills:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.VIII.A.S1:

    Maintain straight-and-level flight using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated control application

  • PA.VIII.A.S2:

    Maintain altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

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