Private Pilot (Airplane)
Preflight Assessment 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:

  • 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, aircraft for preflight demo

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Preflight Assessment Guided Scenario:

  • The pilot is flying to a family wedding, but is behind schedule. The pilot is renting their usual aircraft, but notices the airworthiness certificate is missing from the aircraft. However, quickly looking through their phone, the pilot is able to find a photo of the airworthiness certificate that is completely legible. The pilot conducts a thorough preflight and flies to the wedding without incident...
    • Was the aircraft airworthy?
    • Was a photo of the airworthiness certificate sufficient?
    • Should the pilot have done anything differently? What?
  • Related scenarios:
    • None
  • Aids: None

Preflight Assessment Case Studies:

  • Fitness for Flight Case Studies:

    • NTSB Identification: MIA94FA148:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol and drugs, which led to his improper planning/decision, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a maneuver
    • NTSB Identification: CEN12FA571:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The student pilot's impairment from alcohol, marijuana, and hypoxia, which adversely affected his ability to maintain control of the airplane
    • NTSB Identification: CEN21LA089:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The student pilot’s decision to conduct a flight during night instrument meteorological conditions and his loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s use of an amphetamine and his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
    • NTSB Identification: ERA17FA180:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The noninstrument-rated pilot's intentional visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in a loss of airplane control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's overreliance on his limited instrument training
    • NTSB Identification: CEN14FA042:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: A loss of control due to spatial disorientation. Contributing to the accident were the private pilot's impairment due to a sedating antihistamine and both pilots' fatigue

Private Pilot (Airplane) Preflight Assessment Airman Certification Standards:

.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Preflight Assessment Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Private Pilot (Airplane) Preflight Assessment Risk Management:

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

  • 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.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Preflight Assessment Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill 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.

  • PA.II.A.S3:

    Perform self-assessment.

  • PA.II.A.S4:

    Continue to assess the environment for safe flight.

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: