Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area I, Task G

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe operation of systems on the airplane provided for the flight test.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Flight Control Systems:
    0:15
    Part 3, Powerplant Systems:
    0:15
    Part 4, Propeller Systems:
    0:15
    Part 5, Environmental Systems:
    0:15
    Part 6, Fuel Systems:
    0:15
    Part 7, Oil/Lubrication Systems:
    0:15
    Part 8, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems:
    0:10
    Part 9, Electrical Systems:
    0:15
    Part 10, Aircraft Landing Gear Systems
    0:15
    Part 10, Supplemental Oxygen Systems:
    0:10
    Part 11, Deicing and Anti-icing Systems:
    0:10
    Part 12, Pitot-Static and Vacuum/Pressure Systems:
    0:15
    Part 13, Pitot-Static and Vacuum/Pressure Avionics:
    0:15
    Part 14, Operation of Aircraft Systems Risk Management:
    0:15
    Part 15, Operation of Aircraft Systems Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 16, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research a 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.

  • Motivator:

    • All aircraft have the requirement for essential interconnected and integrated systems, the performance of which is critical to safe operations.
    • Several basic aircraft systems are universal, but even the most simple aircraft will contain complex systems.
    • These systems are reliant on some power source, meaning they rely upon a powerplant not just to move the airplane, but run the systems.
    • Finally, there are a variety of support systems which for comfort, regulatory, or human physiological reasons, exist to support flight operations, especially those considered high-performance.
    • Understanding the aircraft systems is critical to its safe operation and proper maintenance.

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson introduction:
    • Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
    • Review the airman certification standards.
    • Have the student explain the installed airplane systems and their interdependencies, then apply the AFM/POH descriptions, limitations, and procedures to a flight situation using the training airplane. Distinguish systems installed on this airplane from equipment discussed only for familiarization. (PA.I.G.K1)
  • Part 2, flight control systems:
    • Introduce Review Aircraft Components and Structure.
    • Review how airfoil design influences lift, including chord, relative wind, and AOA.
    • Introduce primary flight controls, including the controls that manipulate them. (PA.I.G.K1a)
      • Have the student list and locate each primary flight control on the training airplane, explain how cockpit inputs actuate it, and describe its aerodynamic effect, resulting aircraft movement, and associated axis. Include adverse yaw and coordinated control.
    • Introduce secondary flight controls, including the controls that manipulate them. (PA.I.G.K1b)
      • Have the student list and locate the installed secondary flight controls, explain their actuation, and describe how each affects lift, drag, control forces, and airplane response.
      • Include flap-design differences, leading-edge devices, spoilers, and trim, as applicable.
    • Introduce other aerodynamic surfaces (dorsal fins and ventral fins).
    • Introduce and discuss specific aerodynamic surfaces and controls on the aircraft used for training.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce indications of and procedures to handle flight control malfunctions and anomalies.
    • For a seaplane, have the student identify water rudders and their controls/linkages, demonstrate or explain extension and retraction, and explain the need for water flow for steering. Discuss when to retract them, including takeoff, landing, and shallow or obstructed water. Require inspection for damage or binding and an appropriate response before operation (if applicable). (PA.I.G.K1k)
  • Part 3, powerplant systems:
    • Introduce powerplant and propeller systems. (PA.I.G.K1c)
    • Introduce reciprocating engines and the four-stroke cycle.
    • Introduce the induction system.
    • Introduce the ignition system.
    • Introduce turbo-charging systems.
    • Introduce powerplant instrumentation.
    • Introduce and discuss specific powerplant system functions and instrumentation on the aircraft used for training.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce indications of and procedures to handle powerplant malfunctions and anomalies.
    • Introduce and briefly discuss turbine engines.
    • Walk around an engine under maintenance, if available.
    • Have the student explain reciprocating-engine construction and the four-stroke cycle; identify the ignition components and their operation; explain induction airflow and restrictions; and compare turbocharger and supercharger purpose, drive methods, operation, and limitations (if applicable).
    • Using a diagram, have the student identify turbine-engine types and sections, locate the diffuser and turbine, identify axial-flow compression, and explain the low- and high-pressure turbine/compressor relationships. Compare torque-producing and thrust-producing engines, piston/turbine performance, and turbine starting and operating considerations (if applicable).
    • Have the student identify engine instruments and interpret normal and abnormal indications; explain cooling methods and limits and the effect of density altitude on normally aspirated engine power; identify foreign-object-debris hazards and inspection/prevention measures; and select the approved response to a powerplant malfunction while maintaining control and landing options.
  • Part 4, propeller systems:
    • Introduce propeller mechanics, referencing how propellers relate to airfoil design.
    • Introduce fixed-pitch propeller systems.
    • Introduce variable-pitch propeller systems, if appropriate.
    • Introduce variable-pitch propeller procedures, if appropriate.
    • Introduce propeller instrumentation.
    • Introduce and discuss specific propeller system functions and instrumentation on the aircraft used for training.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce indications and procedures to handle propeller malfunctions and anomalies.
    • Have the student explain how rotating propeller blades produce thrust, blade twist and blade-angle effects, and the differences among fixed-pitch, ground-adjustable, controllable-pitch, and constant-speed designs. Explain governor operation and its governing limits (if applicable).
    • Have the student identify propeller-system indications, interpret them against the aircraft limits, and select approved takeoff, climb, and cruise settings. Explain the purpose, limitations, and approved use of feathering on equipped airplanes (if applicable).
    • Have the student identify propeller inspection discrepancies and maintenance/overhaul considerations, distinguish pilot inspection from authorized maintenance, and explain aircraft-specific responses to governing failures, damage, and severe vibration.
  • Part 5, environmental systems:
    • Introduce environmental systems. (PA.I.G.K1i)
    • Introduce heating systems.
    • Introduce cooling systems.
    • Introduce pressurization systems function and instrumentation.
    • Introduce and discuss specific environmental control system functions and instrumentation on the aircraft used for training.
    • Introduce indications and procedures to handle environmental control system anomalies.
    • Have the student compare cabin heat sources, identify carbon-monoxide hazards, and explain the installed ventilation, defrost/defog, and cooling controls and limitations.
    • Have the student explain cabin-pressure control, outflow and relief-valve functions, cabin altitude/rate/differential indications, controls, and limitations (if applicable).
    • Present a heater-contamination indication or pressurization failure. Have the student identify the hazard and explain the appropriate checklist, ventilation or oxygen actions, and safe descent or landing response (pressurization if applicable).
  • Part 6, fuel systems:
    • Introduce fuel, oil, and hydraulic systems. (PA.I.G.K1e)
    • Introduce the types of aviation fuel systems.
    • Introduce aviation fuel system design.
    • Introduce aviation fuel grades.
    • Introduce refueling procedures.
    • Introduce fueling contamination.
    • Introduce fueling system icing.
    • Introduce indications and procedures to handle fuel system malfunctions and anomalies.
    • Introduce and discuss specific fuel system functions and instrumentation on the aircraft used for training.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Demonstrate aircraft refueling procedures (can be done separately after a live flight).
    • Have the student trace fuel from storage through vents, selectors, pumps, and delivery to the engine; verify approved grade and usable quantity; demonstrate contamination checks; and distinguish fuel starvation, exhaustion, and other delivery failures. Have the student select the applicable checklist response.
  • Part 7, oil/lubrication systems:
    • Introduce and generally discuss the types of oil/lubrication systems.
    • Introduce and generally discuss the oil/lubrication system components.
    • Introduce and generally discuss the oil/lubrication system indicators.
    • Introduce and discuss the specific oil/lubrication system functions and instrumentation on the aircraft used for training.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce indications and procedures to handle oil/lubrication system malfunctions and anomalies.
    • Have the student explain oil functions, wet- and dry-sump circulation, and aircraft-specific servicing requirements. Have the student interpret oil-pressure and oil-temperature trends together and select an appropriate response to abnormal indications.
  • Part 8, hydraulic and pneumatic systems:
    • Introduce hydraulic/pneumatic system designs.
    • Introduce hydraulic/pneumatic system components.
    • Introduce hydraulic/pneumatic system servicing and maintenance.
    • Introduce hydraulic/pneumatic system malfunction and anomaly indications and procedures.
    • Have the student identify the hydraulic reservoir, pumps, valves, filters, and actuators and explain their functions. Discuss approved fluid, operating limits, leak indications, pressure loss, and effects on dependent equipment; have the student identify the applicable response.
  • Part 9, Introduce electrical systems, covering the design and limitations relevant to the training aircraft used.
    • Introduce electrical systems. (PA.I.G.K1f)
    • Introduce and generally discuss the types of electrical systems (alternating and direct current).
    • Introduce and generally discuss the electrical system components and their function (alternators/generators, batteries, switches, fuses/circuit breakers, voltage regulators, ammeter/loadmeters, static wicks/dischargers, bus bars, and associated wiring.
    • Introduce and generally discuss what equipment utilizes the electrical system (avionics, interior and exterior lights, instruments, etc.).
    • Introduce and generally discuss the electrical system indicators.
    • Introduce and discuss the specific electrical system equipment, functions, and instrumentation on the aircraft used for training (vice what is vacuum driven, etc.).
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce indications and procedures to handle electrical system malfunctions and anomalies (potential impacts, where to find appropriate procedures).
      • Note: discussed fully in systems and equipment malfunctions lesson plan.
    • After material is introduced, review the electrical system components, their purpose, and relevant performance numbers and limitations.
    • Have the student trace electrical power from the battery and alternator or generator through the regulator, buses, switches, and protected circuits. Explain what each control isolates and the purpose and limitations of circuit protection.
    • Have the student interpret ammeter/loadmeter, voltage, charging, and warning indications; identify all electrically dependent equipment and shared power sources; and explain the actual backup capability and its limits.
    • Present a charging-system failure or electrical smoke/circuit-fault indication. Have the student select the aircraft checklist, prioritize essential loads, explain load shedding and landing decisions, and avoid unauthorized repeated circuit-breaker resets.
    • Have the student identify beacon and strobe anticollision systems and position lights, and infer another aircraft's relative orientation from its lights. Apply current position-light timing requirements, including the Alaska provision when relevant; distinguish anticollision-light requirements and safety exceptions from the engine-running beacon recommendation; and explain when ground strobe use creates a hazard.
  • Part 10, aircraft landing gear systems:
    • Introduce landing gear systems. (PA.I.G.K1d)
    • Introduce the types of landing gear.
    • Introduce landing gear design.
    • Introduce landing gear components.
    • Introduce brake design.
    • Introduce brake components.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce servicing and maintenance.
    • Introduce landing gear system malfunction and anomaly indications and procedures.
    • Have the student compare tricycle, tailwheel, fixed, and retractable gear; identify steering, brake, and shock-absorption components on the training airplane; and explain how they function during ground operations.
    • Have the student explain gear operation, down-and-locked indications, and extension/retraction speed limits, then positively verify the correct land or water landing configuration on an amphibian (if applicable). Use the aircraft checklist rather than gear-handle position alone.
    • Have the student inspect tires, struts, brakes, and gear mechanisms, identify unacceptable discrepancies, and explain the checklist response to an unsafe indication or emergency-extension requirement (if applicable).
  • Part 11, oxygen systems:
    • Introduce oxygen systems. (PA.I.G.K1l)
    • Introduce supplemental oxygen regulations, including SCUBA diving regulations.
    • Introduce supplemental oxygen system designs.
    • Introduce supplemental oxygen system delivery systems.
    • Introduce oxygen sensing systems.
    • Introduce preflight checks.
    • Introduce supplemental oxygen system servicing and maintenance.
    • Introduce supplemental oxygen system malfunction and anomaly indications and procedures.
    • Have the student identify oxygen supply, regulator, tubing, and delivery components; compare delivery types; and verify compatible masks/cannulas, fit, and altitude or operating limits (if applicable).
    • Have the student apply current supplemental-oxygen requirements to cabin pressure altitude and exposure time, distinguishing required crew use from oxygen provision to occupants. For installed or portable equipment, verify supply, flow, duration, and correct occupant use (if applicable).
    • Have the student explain oxygen fire precautions and authorized servicing practices, recognize inadequate delivery, and select prompt corrective action and descent as appropriate. A supply-pressure indication alone is not proof of delivery to the user.
  • Part 12, deicing and anti-icing systems:
    • Introduce deicing and anti-icing systems. (PA.I.G.K1j)
    • Introduce the difference between de-icing and anti-icing.
    • Introduce frezing level and icing conditions.
      • Introduce products/calculations used to determine freezing level.
    • Introduce anti-icing systems.
    • Introduce de-icing systems.
    • Have the student distinguish anti-icing from deicing, identify the installed protected areas, and verify the airplane's actual icing approval and limitations from approved documentation.
    • Have the student compare pneumatic, thermal, and fluid-based surface protection and explain the installed propeller, windshield, and probe protection systems (if applicable).
    • Have the student explain system checks, activation timing, electrical/fluid resource limits, and ground-use restrictions. Present ineffective protection or accumulating ice and require a prompt, aircraft-appropriate exit plan while maintaining control.
  • Part 13, Pitot-static systems, vacuum/pressure systems, and associated flight instruments:
    • Introduce pitot-static systems, vacuum/pressure systems, and associated flight instruments. (PA.I.G.K1h)
    • Introduce the Pitot-static system.
    • Introduce the vacuum/pressure system.
    • Introduce Pitot-static instruments (airspeed indicator, altitude, altimeter):
      • Introduce Pitot-static instrument designs.
      • Introduce Pitot-static instrument function/operation.
      • Introduce Pitot-static instrument indications.
      • Introduce Pitot-static instrument system malfunction and anomaly indications and procedures.
    • Introduce vacuum/pressure system instruments (attitude indicator, turn coordination, heading indicator):
      • Introduce vacuum/pressure instrument designs.
      • Introduce vacuum/pressure instrument function/operation.
      • Introduce vacuum/pressure instrument indications.
      • Introduce vacuum/pressure instrument system malfunction and anomaly indications and procedures.
    • Introduce the airspeed indicator.
      • Introduce the types of airspeeds and their relationship to temperature and density altitude.
    • Introduce the altimeter.
      • Introduce the types of altitudes and their relationship to temperature and density altitude.
    • Introduce the vertical speed indicator.
    • Have the student identify pitot/static inputs and their dependent instruments, explain blocked-inlet, blocked-drain, blocked-static, and alternate-static indications and limitations, and select the appropriate current altimeter setting below 18,000 feet MSL.
    • Have the student identify vacuum, pressure, electrical, and electronic instrument power and sensing sources; explain heading-indicator information; verify compass and inclinometer responses during a safe taxi check; and distinguish slip from skid.
    • Have the student complete instrument preflight checks, explain operating limits, cross-check indications for a vacuum or other source failure, and identify genuinely independent backup information. Require the student to explain the appropriate response rather than trust duplicated displays of the same failed source.
  • Part 14, Pitot-Static and Vacuum/Pressure Avionics:
    • Introduce avionics. (PA.I.G.K1g)
    • Introduce the heading indicator.
    • Introduce the turn coordinator.
    • Introduce the attitude indicator.
    • Introduce the magnetic compass.
    • Introduce automatic-dependent surveillance-broadcast.
    • Introduce communications avionics.
    • Introduce distance measuring equipment.
    • Introduce emergency locator transmitter.
    • Introduce enhanced flight vision system.
    • Introduce flight management and autopilot systems.
    • Introduce global positioning system.
    • Introduce transponder.
    • Introduce VHF Omni Directional Range (VOR) and Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) systems.
    • Have the student identify communication, navigation, surveillance, and emergency avionics on the airplane; demonstrate correct tuning, source selection, identification, and database checks; and explain what each selected source supplies.
    • Have the student verify selected, armed, and active guidance modes against annunciations and airplane response. Explain installed automation limitations and demonstrate a safe transition to a known mode or manual control when guidance is unexpected.
    • Present an invalid-navigation flag or equipment failure and have the student identify reliable alternatives. Have the student explain the coverage, latency, and other limitations of traffic and weather displays and why they do not replace appropriate outside scanning or weather margins.
  • Part 15, Operation of Aircraft Systems Risk Management:
    • Present abnormal indications from the training airplane's systems. Have the student explain what they mean, locate the applicable normal/abnormal/emergency procedure, and apply it to the situation while identifying affected systems and safe continuation or landing options. (PA.I.G.K2)
    • Have the student identify and assess the risk of missed, delayed, or misleading malfunction indications. Require a justified detection plan using system indications, cross-checks, warning cues, and aircraft-specific checks. (PA.I.G.R1)
    • Have the student assess the consequences of a selected system failure and justify risk controls, including aircraft control, checklist use, workload management, communication, backup capability, and a suitable landing decision. Reassess the plan as conditions change. (PA.I.G.R2)
    • Have the student identify automation risks such as mode confusion, incorrect source selection, overreliance, and distraction. Require a justified monitoring plan with annunciation/flight-path checks, clear task priorities, and a safe disengagement or manual-reversion option. (PA.I.G.R3)
  • Part 16, Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead a operation of aircraft systems guided scenario.
    • Have the student appropriately operate at least three systems listed in K1a through K1l on the training airplane or an appropriate trainer, using the applicable procedures and limitations. Observe performance and require the student to recognize and correct deviations to the applicable ACS standard. Do not create actual failures or unsafe conditions for demonstration. (PA.I.G.S1)
    • Have the student select and complete the appropriate checklist(s) for the exercise, confirm each required action and resulting indication, and recognize and correct missed or incorrect steps. Assess actual checklist performance separately from quiz answers. (PA.I.G.S2)
  • Part 17, 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.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • While flying, the pilot realizes their airspeed is reading much differently than the GPS speed
    • How can this be?
    • What if the pilot had recently changed altitude?
Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
Skills 2 ACS Elements
  • PA.I.G.S1:
    Operate at least three of the systems listed in K1a through K1l appropriately.
  • PA.I.G.S2:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Private Pilot (Airplane) Operation of Aircraft Systems Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Operation of Aircraft Systems helps pilots translate aircraft data, limitations, and system knowledge into decisions that preserve safe operating margins.
    • Understanding how configuration, loading, environment, and equipment condition affect performance enables pilots to identify unacceptable combinations before flight.
    • Verifying calculations, monitoring actual performance, and responding early to unexpected indications connect technical knowledge with sound aeronautical decision-making.
    • Further exploration of Operation of Aircraft Systems prepares private pilots to evaluate more complex aircraft and operating conditions with confidence.

  • Closure:

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