Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area VI, Task D

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

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Lost Procedures:
    0:10
    Part 3, Lost Procedures Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, Lost Procedures Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • Select an accident or incident in which delayed recognition of position uncertainty, poor fuel planning, deteriorating weather, or delayed use of ATC (Air Traffic Control) assistance reduced the pilot's available options.
    • 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:

    • 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.

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan

Materials

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 (ACS).
    • 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:
    • Explain and observe position determination using appropriate chart, landmark, dead-reckoning, and navigation-system methods; identify prominent landmarks and correct errors to ACS standards. (PA.VI.D.S1) (PA.VI.D.S3)
    • Explain and practice available radar, ATC, Flight Service, and navigation assistance with appropriate communications; observe resource use and correct procedural errors. (PA.VI.D.K2) (PA.VI.D.S4)
    • Observe safe heading selection and a climb when needed and compatible with weather, terrain, airspace, and aircraft capability; have the student select and execute an appropriate course of action and correct deviations. (PA.VI.D.S2) (PA.VI.D.S5)
    • 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. (PA.VI.D.K1)
    • 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, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation. (PA.VI.D.R2)
    • Explain how recording actual times over waypoints supports early detection of navigation errors, updated fuel estimates, and timely corrective action. (PA.VI.D.R3)
    • Discuss collision hazards when maneuvering while uncertain of position. (PA.VI.D.R1)
    • Review when to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation. (PA.VI.D.R4)
    • Emphasize ACS skill flow: determine position, maintain control, identify landmarks, use available resources, and select an appropriate course of action. (PA.VI.D.S5)
    • Question the student on decision-making triggers (e.g., “When are you officially lost?”).
  • Part 3, Lost Procedures Risk Management:
    • Assess collision hazards while uncertain of position; maintain scanning and safe aircraft control rather than making unplanned turns while looking inside. (PA.VI.D.R1)
    • Assess distraction, poor prioritization, disorientation, and lost-awareness hazards; stabilize the flight and organize position checks and communications. (PA.VI.D.R2)
    • Assess consequences of missed or inaccurate waypoint times; record and cross-check times to bound position uncertainty and update estimates. (PA.VI.D.R3)
    • Assess deteriorating fuel, weather, daylight, and position uncertainty; seek assistance early and declare an emergency when warranted rather than waiting for options to disappear. (PA.VI.D.R4)
  • 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:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • 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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
Skills 5 ACS Elements
Private Pilot (Airplane) Lost Procedures Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Lost Procedures develops the calm, disciplined response needed when time, altitude, aircraft capability, or available options are limited.
    • Early recognition, aircraft control, checklist use, clear priorities, and continuous evaluation of recovery or landing options help prevent an abnormal event from becoming unmanageable.
    • Scenario practice strengthens situational awareness and aeronautical decision-making so pilots can adapt procedures to the aircraft, environment, and urgency of the event.
    • Continued practice with Lost Procedures prepares private pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.

  • 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.