Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan
The Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lost procedures and can take appropriate steps to achieve a satisfactory outcome if lost.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan Introduction
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Lost Procedures:0:10Part 3, Lost Procedures Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Lost Procedures Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- 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.
- Research a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
- Lost aircraft procedures can be simplified down to five simple steps called "The 5 C's."
- Note, this page does not pertain to remotely-piloted aircraft system lost communications.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) or an internet-enabled device to access FARs.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Instructor endorsement log.
- Pilot Logbook.
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Reference Materials:
- Aeronautical Decision-Making Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 61.
- Advisory Circular 68-1.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- If not previously discussed, provide expectations on time to train, ground instruction vs. flight instruction, and instructor/student availability.
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Explain that lost procedures require immediate prioritization, situational awareness, and structured problem solving.
- Set expectations for maintaining aircraft control while resolving uncertainty.
- Part 2, Lost Procedures:
- Baseline the discussion by reviewing navigation fundamentals (pilotage, dead reckoning, and situational awareness).
- Introduce the “5 C’s” (Climb, Communicate, Confess, Comply, Conserve) and explain the purpose of each step.
- Discuss methods to determine position, including visual checkpoints, navigation systems, and available onboard resources.
- Discuss available assistance if lost, including ATC radar services, flight service, and emergency frequencies.
- Emphasize maintaining aircraft control while troubleshooting, including appropriate altitude and heading selection.
- Discuss risks associated with distractions, task prioritization, and loss of situational awareness.
- Discuss collision hazards when maneuvering while uncertain of position.
- Review when to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
- Emphasize ACS skill flow: determine position, maintain control, identify landmarks, use available resources, and select an appropriate course of action.
- Question the student on decision-making triggers (e.g., “When are you officially lost?”).
- Part 3, Lost Procedures Risk Management:
- Part 4, Lost Procedures Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Present a realistic en route situation where the student cannot identify a checkpoint.
- Require the student to verbalize priorities (aviate, navigate, communicate).
- Have the student apply the 5 C’s and explain each step as they progress.
- Require the student to determine position using available methods and resources.
- Challenge the student to decide when to request assistance or declare an emergency.
- Require the student to select a safe course of action (continue, divert, or land).
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Debrief the student's understanding of knowledge, risk management, and skill elements associated with lost procedures.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)
- While flying to a new destinationa cross unfamiliar terrain and airspace, the pilot searches for their checkpoint, but cannot find it
- What are some reasons the pilot may be in the correct place, but unable to tell?
- What are some reasons the pilot is in fact not in the correct place, therefore lost?
- Should the pilot immediately stop flying their plan? Why?
- Should the pilot turnaround? Why?
- Should the pilot continue? Why?
- The pilot continues and see's their next checkpoint, however, after a few more checkpoints they realize they are again lost
- Since the checkpoint they had chosen was a large lake, they believe they did something wrong
- What should the pilot do?
- What options for assistance exist?
- What are the five C's?
- How does each "C" assist the pilot in locating their procedure to get back on course or safely divert for landing?
- Related scenarios:
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete initial BasicMed requirements.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lost procedures and can take appropriate steps to achieve a satisfactory outcome if lost
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); VFR Navigation Charts
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:-
PA.VI.D.K1:
Methods to determine position. -
PA.VI.D.K2:
Assistance available if lost (e.g., radar services, communication procedures).
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:-
PA.VI.D.R1:
Collision hazards. -
PA.VI.D.R2:
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. -
PA.VI.D.R3:
Recording times over waypoints. -
PA.VI.D.R4:
When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
PA.VI.D.S1:
Use an appropriate method to determine position. -
PA.VI.D.S2:
Maintain an appropriate heading and climb as necessary. -
PA.VI.D.S3:
Identify prominent landmarks. -
PA.VI.D.S5:
Select an appropriate course of action.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- With a foundation on the requirements to meet certification standards, students can envision a path to certification completion.
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Closure:
- Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
- Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page.