Diversion
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with diversion
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts

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:

  • Diversions are deviations from the original plan which are usually due to fuel, weather, aeromedical or systems
  • While no one plans to divert, the first time the situation dictates a diversion, you should have already planned ahead
  • Practice develops skills necessary for plotting a new course and determining a new ETA while en route
  • Diversions occur due to low fuel, bad weather, fatigue, illness, airplane or system malfunction, and others
  • Although the concept is the same, their procedures can be dramatically different when flying Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Diversion:
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 - Diversion Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with diversion
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts

Diversion Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Diversion Risk Management:

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

  • PA.VI.C.R1:

    Collision hazards

  • PA.VI.C.R2:

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

  • PA.VI.C.R3:

    Circumstances that would make diversion prudent

  • PA.VI.C.R4:

    Selecting an appropriate airport or seaplane base

  • PA.VI.C.R5:

    Using available resources (e.g., automation, ATC, and flight deck planning aids)

Diversion Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.VI.C.S1:

    Select a suitable destination and route for diversion

  • PA.VI.C.S2:

    Make a reasonable estimate of heading, groundspeed, arrival time, and fuel required to the “divert to" destination

  • PA.VI.C.S3:

    Maintain the selected altitude ±200 feet and heading ±15°

  • PA.VI.C.S4:

    Update/interpret weather in flight

  • PA.VI.C.S5:

    Use displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, as applicable to maintain situational awareness

  • PA.VI.C.S6:

    Promptly divert toward the destination

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