Emergency Descent
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with an emergency descent
  • Note: See Appendix 6: Safety of Flight
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-6, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM

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

Motivator:

  • An emergency descent is a maneuver for descending as rapidly as possible to a lower altitude or to the ground for an emergency landing
  • The objective is to descend the airplane as soon and as rapidly as possible while not exceeding any structural limitations of the airplane

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Emergency Descent:
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

Private Pilot - Emergency Descent Airman Certification Standards:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with an emergency descent
  • Note: See Appendix 6: Safety of Flight
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM

Emergency Descent Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

Emergency Descent Risk Management:

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

  • PA.IX.A.R1:

    Failure to consider altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance

  • PA.IX.A.R2:

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

  • PA.IX.A.R3:

    Improper airplane configuration

  • PA.IX.A.R4:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

Emergency Descent Skills:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.IX.A.S1:

    Clear the area

  • PA.IX.A.S2:

    Select an entry altitude that will allow the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet AGL (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES)

  • PA.IX.A.S3:

    Configure the airplane in the approach or landing configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver

  • PA.IX.A.S4:

    Establish a stabilized descent

  • PA.IX.A.S5:

    Transition smoothly from the approach or landing attitude to a pitch attitude that will induce a stall

  • PA.IX.A.S6:

    Maintain a specified heading ±10°° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±10° if in turning flight, while inducing the stall

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