Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

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

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems and Radar Services Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with navigation systems and radar services.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

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

  • Attention Getter:

    • Discuss motivation to become an instrument rated pilot.
    • Relate similar personal experiences to the student to establish rapport.

  • Motivator:

    • Explain how proficiency in navigation systems and radar services supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services 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 navigation systems and radar services support situational awareness but require proper interpretation and management.
    • Set expectations for maintaining aircraft control while managing avionics and external services.
  • Part 2, Navigation Systems and Radar Services:
    • Explain and practice ground-based navigation identification, orientation, and course determination, including equipment, tests, rules, interference, data use, and signal-integrity checks. (PA.VI.B.K1)
    • Explain and practice satellite navigation with the installed equipment, applicable rules, authorized database use, RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring) or other applicable integrity indications, and system limitations. (PA.VI.B.K2)
    • Explain VFR (Visual Flight Rules) radar-service operations, required equipment, available assistance and traffic advisories; practice requesting and using services with correct communications. (PA.VI.B.K3; PA.VI.B.S6)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain transponder Modes A, C, and S and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) operation, capabilities, and applicable requirements. (PA.VI.B.K4)
    • Practice selecting an assigned transponder code with altitude reporting enabled unless ATC (Air Traffic Control) directs otherwise.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of radar traffic clock positions relative to ground track; account for wind-correction heading while maintaining a broad visual scan.
    • Observe electronic navigation use, position determination, course, radial or bearing interception and tracking, station or waypoint passage, and recognition and response to signal loss or interference; correct deviations while maintaining ACS (Airman Certification Standards) altitude and heading tolerances. (PA.VI.B.S1; PA.VI.B.S2; PA.VI.B.S3; PA.VI.B.S4; PA.VI.B.S5; PA.VI.B.S7)
    • Baseline the discussion by reviewing traditional navigation methods (pilotage and dead reckoning) as a foundation.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of ground-based navigation systems (e.g., VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range)), including identification, orientation, course determination, and signal integrity.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of satellite-based navigation systems (e.g., GPS), including database use, RAIM concepts, and equipment limitations.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply transponder operation (Modes A, C, and S) and ADS-B functionality and requirements.
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of radar services available to VFR aircraft, including traffic advisories, flight following, and workload limitations of ATC.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply proper communication procedures when requesting and using radar services.
    • Demonstrate how to determine aircraft position using onboard navigation systems.
    • Demonstrate intercepting and tracking a course, radial, or bearing.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply recognition of waypoint or station passage using navigation indications.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply recognition of signal loss or interference and appropriate corrective actions.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply risks associated with distractions, task prioritization, and loss of situational awareness.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply risks associated with overreliance on automation and failure to monitor system accuracy.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply limitations of navigation systems, including outages, database errors, and equipment failures.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply use of electronic flight bags (EFBs) and associated risks and benefits.
    • Emphasize ACS skill flow: use navigation systems effectively, determine position, track courses, recognize failures, and communicate appropriately.
    • Question the student on when to rely on automation versus reverting to basic navigation techniques.
  • Part 3, Navigation Systems and Radar Services Risk Management:
    • Assess automated-navigation and autoflight mode or entry errors, overreliance, and failure to monitor; verify inputs and modes and revert to simpler control or navigation when necessary. (PA.VI.B.R1)
    • Assess distraction, prioritization, disorientation, and lost-awareness hazards; preserve aircraft control and an effective scan while managing avionics or requesting assistance. (PA.VI.B.R2)
    • Assess navigation-system limitations, signal loss, interference, and misleading information; cross-check independent sources and select a suitable backup, route change, or assistance. (PA.VI.B.R3; PA.VI.B.R4)
    • Assess EFB data, input, power, overheating, and distraction hazards; verify the displayed information and maintain usable independent backups, if an EFB is used. (PA.VI.B.R5)
    • Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of risk of NAVAID degradation (navigation, terrain clearance, etc.), such as military jamming GPS when GPS navigation is in use
  • Part 4, Navigation Systems and Radar Services Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead a guided scenario.
    • Present a realistic en route navigation scenario requiring use of GPS, VOR, and radar services.
    • Require the student to determine position using multiple navigation sources.
    • Have the student intercept and track a course while maintaining altitude and heading tolerances.
    • Require the student to request and use radar services appropriately.
    • Introduce a simulated navigation failure (e.g., GPS outage) and require the student to transition to alternate methods.
    • Challenge the student to identify and mitigate risks associated with automation, distractions, and loss of situational awareness.
  • 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 navigation systems and radar services.
  • Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario

Integrated guided scenario for Private Pilot Airplane Navigation Systems And Radar Services.

Private Pilot Airplane Navigation Systems And Radar Services Guided Flight

Work through one integrated 105-decision guided scenario combining 7 linked lesson topics into a comprehensive training exercise.

105 Decisions7 TopicsIntegrated Guided ScenarioConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with navigation systems and radar services
  • Note: The evaluator should reference the manufacturer's equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc.
  • References: AC 91-78; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
Skills 7 ACS Elements
  • PA.VI.B.S1:
    Use an airborne electronic navigation system.
  • PA.VI.B.S2:
    Determine the airplane's position using the navigation system.
  • PA.VI.B.S3:
    Intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing.
  • PA.VI.B.S4:
    Recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage.
  • PA.VI.B.S5:
    Recognize signal loss or interference and take appropriate action, if applicable.
  • PA.VI.B.S6:
    Use proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services.
  • PA.VI.B.S7:
    Maintain the selected altitude ±200 feet and heading ±15°.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Navigation Systems & Radar Services Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Navigation Systems and Radar Services connects careful preflight planning with the continuous awareness needed to keep the aircraft, route, fuel, weather, and available alternatives aligned.
    • Using multiple navigation references and verifying position, performance, and changing conditions helps pilots detect errors before they narrow available options.
    • Timely communication, workload management, and a willingness to revise the plan turn navigation knowledge into practical aeronautical decision-making.
    • Further practice with Navigation Systems and Radar Services prepares private pilots for longer, less familiar, and more operationally complex flights.

  • 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 preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.