Preflight Assessment Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparing for safe flight
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-6, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AC 00-6

Attention:

  • Research a case study
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

  • Aeronautical Decision-Making is the systematic approach to consistently determine the best decision in response to a given set of circumstances
  • Safe flying requires the effective integration of three separate sets of skills:
    • Most noticeable are the basic stick-and-rudder skills needed to control the airplane
    • Next are skills related to the proficient operation of aircraft systems
    • Last but not least, are Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) skills
  • ADM is an ever evolving systematic approach to the mental process (risk and stress management) used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances
  • An understanding of the decision-making process provides a pilot with a foundation for developing ADM skills
    • It is what a pilot intends to do based on the latest information he or she has
    • Approaches such as the 5P, 3P, and DECIDE models create a structure to the dynamic process of decision-making
  • While these models guide pilots help prevent facing the consequences of improper decision-making, decision-making in a dynamic environment provides unique challenges each flight
  • To maintain readiness for dynamic situations, pilots must continuously practice maintaining situational awareness to their surroundings
  • Two defining elements of ADM are hazard and risk
  • While the FAA strives to eliminate errors through technology, training, systems, and improved flight safety programs, one fact remains: humans make errors
  • There is an element of risk in every flight, and therefore, pilots must apply the principles of risk management throughout the ADM process

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Preflight Assessment:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

  • Complete assigned reading (see content above)
  • Ask pertinent questions

Private Pilot - Preflight Assessment Airman Certification Standards:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparing for safe flight
  • FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AC 00-6

Preflight Assessment Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.II.A.K1:

    Pilot self-assessment

  • PA.II.A.K2:

    Determining that the airplane to be used is appropriate and airworthy

  • PA.II.A.K3:

    Airplane preflight inspection including:
    • PA.II.A.K3a:
      Which items must must be inspected
    • PA.II.A.K3b:
      The reasons for checking each item
    • PA.II.A.K3c:
      How to detect possible defects
    • PA.II.A.K3d:
      The associated regulations

  • PA.II.A.K4:

    Environmental factors including weather, terrain, route selection, and obstructions

Preflight Assessment Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • PA.II.A.R1:

    Pilot

  • PA.II.A.R2:

    Aircraft

  • PA.II.A.R3:

    Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles)

  • PA.II.A.R4:

    External pressures

  • PA.II.A.R5:

    Aviation security concerns

Preflight Assessment Skills:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.II.A.S1:

    Inspect the airplane with reference to an appropriate checklist

  • PA.II.A.S2:

    Verify the airplane is in condition for safe flight and conforms to its type design

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

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