Private Pilot (Airplane)
Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Introduction:

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:

  • PIC is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft
  • Pilots must be prepared to act in the event of an abnormal condition (abnormalities not time threatening) or an emergency (immediate action required)
  • In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot-in-command and remote pilot-in-command may deviate from FAR 91 or FAR 107 respectively, to the extend required to meet the emergency
    • If the PIC choses to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
      • Note this is not a blanket clearance to perform unnecessary deviations!
    • Unless deviation is necessary under the emergency authority of 91.3, pilots of IFR flights experiencing two-way radio communication failure are expected to adhere to the procedures prescribed under "IFR operations, two-way radio communications failure"
  • Troubleshooting is important but don't fix an airplane airborne when you can safely land first
  • Be directive, if you want something, tell them, don't let ATC drive you
  • Declare emergencies with general terms, use "electrical" or "engine" for example
  • The PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
  • Discrete emergency frequencies may be assigned by ATC
    • By default use CTAF or guard (121.5/243.0)
    • You must hear different radio communications
  • Emergency hand signals are listed in 6-5-3
  • First 3 seconds, ask yourself, where am I? What do I have? Is the light valid?
  • With every emergency there will be primary and secondary signals
    • It is important to realize that secondary indications may, or may not be present

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:
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:

Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Guided Scenario(s):

Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Case Studies:

  • Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Case Studies:

    • NTSB Identification: WPR23LA116:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: A landing gear collapse due to an inadequately maintained landing gear extension and retraction system
    • NTSB Identification: CEN22LA330:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: Engine failure due to oil starvation resulting from an oil leak at the improperly installed aftermarket oil filter adapter

Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards:


Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:

  • PA.IX.C.K1:

    Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
    • PA.IX.C.K1a:
      [Archived].
    • PA.IX.C.K1b:
      [Archived].
    • PA.IX.C.K1c:
      [Archived].
    • PA.IX.C.K1d:
      [Archived].

  • PA.IX.C.K2:

    System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:

  • PA.IX.C.K3:

    Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.

  • PA.IX.C.K4:

    Any other system specific to the airplane (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing).

  • PA.IX.C.K5:

    Inadvertent door or window opening.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.IX.C.R1:

    Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.

  • PA.IX.C.R2:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

  • PA.IX.C.R3:

    Undesired aircraft state.

  • PA.IX.C.R4:

    Startle response.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

  • PA.IX.C.S1:

    Describe appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5 above.

  • PA.IX.C.S2:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

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: