VMC Demonstration
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with VMC demonstration
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; 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:

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
VMC Demonstration:
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 - VMC Demonstration Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with VMC demonstration
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM

VMC Demonstration Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.X.B.K1:

    Factors affecting VMC and how VMC differs from stall speed (VS)

  • PA.X.B.K2:

    VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and VSSE (safe single-engine speed)

  • PA.X.B.K3:

    Cause of loss of directional control at airspeeds below VMC

  • PA.X.B.K4:

    Proper procedures for maneuver entry and safe recovery

VMC Demonstration Risk Management:

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

  • PA.X.B.R1:

    Configuring the Airplane

  • PA.X.B.R2:

    Maneuvering with one engine inoperative

  • PA.X.B.R3:

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

VMC Demonstration Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.X.B.S1:

    Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, in the absence of the manufacturer’s recommendations, then at safe single-engine speed (VSSE/VYSE), as appropriate, and:

    • PA.X.B.S1a:

      Landing gear retracted

    • PA.X.B.S1b:

      Flaps set for takeoff

    • PA.X.B.S1c:

      Cowl flaps set for takeoff

    • PA.X.B.S1d:

      Trim set for takeoff

    • PA.X.B.S1e:

      Propellers set for high revolutions per minute (rpm)

    • PA.X.B.S1f:

      Power on critical engine reduced to idle and propeller windmilling

    • PA.X.B.S1g:

      Power on operating engine set to takeoff or maximum available power

  • PA.X.B.S2:

    Establish a single-engine climb attitude with the airspeed at approximately 10 knots above VSSE

  • PA.X.B.S3:

    Establish a bank angle not to exceed 5° toward the operating engine, as required for best performance and controllability

  • PA.X.B.S4:

    Increase the pitch attitude slowly to reduce the airspeed at approximately 1 knot per second while applying increased rudder pressure as needed to maintain directional control

  • PA.X.B.S5:

    Recognize and recover at the first indication of loss of directional control, stall warning, or buffet

  • PA.X.B.S6:

    Recover promptly by simultaneously reducing power sufficiently on the operating engine, decreasing the angle of attack as necessary to regain airspeed and directional control, and without adding power on the simulated failed engine

  • PA.X.B.S7:

    Recover within 20° of entry heading

  • PA.X.B.S8:

    Advance power smoothly on the operating engine and accelerate to VSSE/VYSE, as appropriate, +10/-5 knots during recovery

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