Straight and Level Flight
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine 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, 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
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 - Straight and Level Flight Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine 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, FAA-H-8083-25

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

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

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