Private Pilot (Airplane)
Straight and Level Flight Lesson Plan

Introduction:

Attention:

  • Research a mishap 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
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

Motivator:

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:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Straight and Level Flight Airman Certification Standards:


Private Pilot (Airplane) Straight and Level Flight Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
  • PA.VIII.A.K1:

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Straight and Level Flight Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
  • PA.VIII.A.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.A.R2:

    When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situationn.
  • PA.VIII.A.R3:

    Collision hazards.
  • PA.VIII.A.R4:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • PA.VIII.A.R5:

    Fixation and omission.
  • PA.VIII.A.R6:

    Instrument Interpretation.
  • PA.VIII.A.R7:

    Control application solely by reference to instruments.
  • PA.VIII.A.R8:

    Trimming the aircraft.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Straight and Level Flight Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill 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

Conclusion: