Private Pilot (Airplane)
National Airspace System Lesson Plan

The private pilot (airplane) pilot qualifications lesson plan covers knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a private pilot.


Attention

Attention
  • Research a mishap case study:
  • Discuss airspace in training or typical operating area
  • Relate similar personal experiences
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

Motivator

Motivator
  • National airspace system encompasses all of the airspace within the United States

Overview

Overview


Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
National Airspace System:
0:40
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:10
Total Ground Time:
1:00

Required Materials

Required Materials
  • Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard, Sectional Chart, Chart Supplement U.S.

Instructor Actions

Instructor Actions
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Airspace Overview:
  • Part 3, Class Alpha Airspace:
    • Introduce Class Alpha airspace information
      • Introduce Class Alpha airspace air traffic services
      • Introduce Class Alpha airspace dimensions
      • Introduce Class Alpha airspace depiction (include symbology/airport data information)
      • Introduce Class Alpha airspace operating rules & pilot/equipment requirements (requirements, limitations and phraseology)
      • Introduce Class Alpha ATC authorizations and deviations
  • Part 4, Class Bravo Airspace
    • Introduce Class Bravo airspace information
      • Introduce Class Bravo airspace air traffic services
      • Introduce Class Bravo airspace dimensions
      • Introduce Class Bravo airspace depiction (include symbology/airport data information)
      • Introduce Class Bravo airspace operating rules & pilot/equipment requirements (requirements, limitations and phraseology)
      • Introduce Class Bravo ATC authorizations and deviations
  • Part 5, Class Charlie Airspace:
    • Introduce Class Charlie airspace information
      • Introduce Class Charlie airspace air traffic services
      • Introduce Class Charlie airspace dimensions
      • Introduce Class Charlie airspace depiction (include symbology/airport data information)
      • Introduce Class Charlie airspace operating rules & pilot/equipment requirements (requirements, limitations and phraseology)
      • Introduce Class Charlie ATC authorizations and deviations
      • Introduce secondary/satellite airports
  • Part 6, Class Delta Airspace:
    • Introduce Class Delta airspace information
      • Introduce Class Delta airspace air traffic services
      • Introduce Class Delta airspace dimensions
      • Introduce Class Delta airspace depiction (include symbology/airport data information)
      • Introduce Class Delta airspace operating rules & pilot/equipment requirements (requirements, limitations and phraseology)
      • Introduce Class Delta ATC authorizations and deviations
      • Introduce weather observations and reporting
  • Part 7, Class Echo Airspace:
    • Introduce Class Echo airspace information
      • Introduce Class Echo airspace air traffic services
      • Introduce Class Echo airspace dimensions
      • Introduce Class Echo airspace depiction (include symbology/airport data information)
      • Introduce Class Echo airspace operating rules & pilot/equipment requirements (requirements, limitations and phraseology)
      • Introduce Class Echo functions
      • Introduce weather observations and reporting
  • Part 8, Class Golf Airspace:
    • Introduce Class Golf airspace information
      • Introduce Class Golf airspace air traffic services
      • Introduce Class Golf airspace dimensions
      • Introduce Class Golf airspace depiction (include symbology/airport data information)
      • Introduce Class Golf airspace operating rules & pilot/equipment requirements (requirements, limitations and phraseology)
      • Introduce Class Golf airspace considerations
      • Introduce weather observations and reporting
    • Introduce Special use airspace requirements, limitations, and chart symbology
      • Introduce prohibited airspace
      • Introduce restricted airspace
      • Introduce national security areas
      • Introduce military operating areas
      • Introduce alert areas
      • Introduce controlled firing areas
      • Introduce warning areas
  • Part 10, Other Airspace:
    • Introduce Other airspace requirements, limitations, and chart symbology
      • Introduce wildlife & recreational areas
      • Introduce terminal radar service areas
      • Introduce airport advisory areas & services
      • Introduce military training routes
      • Introduce parachute jump aircraft areas
      • Introduce temporary flight restrictions (identifying and operating within)
      • Introduce published VFR routes
      • Introduce air defense identification zones
      • Introduce Special Air Traffic Rules (SATRs) and Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRAs)
      • Introduce weather reconnaissance areas
      • Introduce aircraft hazard areas
  • Part 11, Special Procedures:
  • Part 12, Review Equipment:
    • Briefly introduce the purpose and function of a transponder (discussed fully in operation of systems lesson plan).
    • Briefly introduce the purpose and function of a Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment (discussed fully in operation of systems lesson plan).
    • Briefly introduce Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) airspace (discussed fully in radio communications, navigation systems/Facilities, and radar services lesson plans)
  • Part 13, conduct guided scenario
  • Part 14, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and student's jacket, as required.

Student Actions

Student Actions

National Airspace System Guided Scenario

National Airspace System Guided Scenario
  • Chose a random series of courses across a sectional, crossing different types and classes of airspace
  • Assume a pilot is flying each leg
    • Discuss entry requirements
    • Discuss equipment requirements
    • Discuss radio procedures, as appropriate
    • Discuss VFR weather minimums to operate
    • Ask the student how to communicate with FSS while enroute
    • Point out symbols across the route and have the student interpret
    • Discuss how to find special use airspace, especially temporary flight restrictions, and then demonstrate finding examples.
  • Related scenarios:

Private Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:

Private Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Risk Management:

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

  • PA.I.E.R1:

    Various classes and types of airspace.

Private Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:

  • PA.I.E.S1:

    Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.

  • PA.I.E.S2:

    Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.

  • PA.I.E.S3:

    Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.

Re-Motivation

Re-Motivation

Closure

Closure
  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson

Reference Materials

Reference Materials

Conclusion

Conclusion