Attention:
- Research a mishap case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario
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:
- Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard
Instructor Actions:
Student Actions:
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate
Private Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Airman Certification Standards:
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency descent
- Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM
Private Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:-
PA.IX.A.K1:
Situations that would require an emergency descent (e.g., depressurization, smoke, or engine fire). -
PA.IX.A.K2:
Immediate action items and emergency procedures. -
PA.IX.A.K3:
Airspeed, including airspeed limitations. -
PA.IX.A.K3:
Aircraft performance and limitations.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:-
PA.IX.A.R1:
Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations. -
PA.IX.A.R2:
Collision hazards. -
PA.IX.A.R3:
Configuring the airplane. -
PA.IX.A.R4:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Descent Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
PA.IX.A.S1:
Clear the area. -
PA.IX.A.S2:
Establish and maintain the appropriate airspeed and configuration appropriate to the scenario specified by the evaluator and as covered in Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for the emergency descent. -
PA.IX.A.S3:
Maintain orientation, divide attention appropriately, and plan and execute a smooth recovery. -
PA.IX.A.S4:
Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent. -
PA.IX.A.S5:
Maintain appropriate airspeed +0/-10 knots, and level off at a specified altitude ±100 feet. -
PA.IX.A.S6:
Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
PA.IX.A.S7:
Make radio calls as appropriate. -
PA.IX.A.S8:
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
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:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page.