Private Pilot (Airplane)
Taxiing and Sailing Lesson Plan

Introduction:

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
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

Motivator:

  • Having just started the aircraft and completed the required checklists, the pilot is ready to put the aircraft in motion
  • Taxiing is that movement of an aircraft while on the ground, under its own power
  • Taxiing is accomplished primarily through the use of the rudder and brakes however, pilots are also required to mitigate the impacts of wind
  • Since movement on an airport's surface involves coordination, clearances requirements/coordination are required to operate
  • With the basics in mind, pilots execute Taxi Procedures as they move about an airport's surface area
  • While the movement of the aircraft is our primary concern, there remain some checklist items we must accomplish to prepare/close-out an operation
  • Finally, while taxiing seems straight forward, it can also be an art, with best practices that can help pilots
  • Once your engine has started you must be aware of what you're doing and keep a visual scan, your "flight" has begun
    • It may be required initially to tow the aircraft before engines are started to be safe

Overview:

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

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard, Aircraft Checklist

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Before Takeoff Check Guided Scenario(s):

  • Take checklist and review each item, why they are performed, and how to detect malfunctions
  • Discuss impacts of taking off with a bad mag (following an improper check or undetected malfunction)
  • Discuss impacts of transponder being in the improper mode
  • Discuss clearing the area for takeoff and potential recognition time of someone on final if low-visibility
    • None
  • Aids: None

Before Takeoff Check Case Studies:

  • Before Takeoff Check Studies:

    • NTSB Identification: WPR23LA236:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to activate the pitot heat in a timely manner during flight into icing conditions, which resulted in a temporary failure of the flight instruments and a subsequent loss of control

Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Airman Certification Standards:

.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.II.F.K1:

    Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:
    • PA.II.F.K1a:
      Reasons for checking each item.
    • PA.II.F.K1b:
      Detecting malfunctions.
    • PA.II.F.K1c:
      Ensuring the airplane is in safe operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Risk Management:

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

  • PA.II.F.R1:

    Division of attention while conducting pre-flight checks.

  • PA.II.F.R2:

    Unexpected runway changes by air traffic control (ATC).

  • PA.II.F.R3:

    Wake turbulence.

  • PA.II.F.R4:

    Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

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

Conclusion: