Private Pilot (Airplane)
Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan
The Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Introduction
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Attention Getter:
- Research a mishap case study:
- 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.
- Research a mishap case study:
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Motivator
- Before takeoff flows/checks ensure the aircraft and pilot has successfully completed all pre-takeoff checks and are ready for takeoff.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Aircraft cockpit or poster.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- POH/AFM.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Part 2, Baseline Tasks:
- Introduce checklist usage.
- Introduce aircraft system limitations.
- Introduce aircraft takeoff performance.
- Review aircraft preflight, as it pertains to before takeoff checks.
- Part 3, Ground Tasks:
- Introduce division of attention while conducting pre-flight checks.
- Introduce confirmation/expectation bias.
- Introduce wake turbulence.
- Review taxi procedures.
- Part 4, Anomalies & Malfunctions:
- Introduce emergency procedures.
- Part 5, Engine Start-up Guided Scenario(s).
- Part 6, 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 the student's jacket, as required.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23 (Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an 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.
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Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks 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 skills to:-
PA.II.F.S1:
Review takeoff performance. -
PA.II.F.S2:
Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
PA.II.F.S3:
Position the airplane appropriately considering wind direction and the presence of any aircraft, vessels, or buildings as applicable. -
PA.II.F.S4:
Divide attention inside and outside the flight deck. -
PA.II.F.S5:
Verify that engine parameters and airplane configuration are suitable.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
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Closure
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.