Private Pilot Airplane Lesson Plans

Introduction:

Private Pilot Airplane Practical Test Prerequisites:1

  • An applicant for the Private Pilot-Airplane Practical Test is required by 14 CFR part 61 to:
    1. Be at least 17 years of age;
    2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
      • If there is a doubt, use AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards;
    3. Have passed the appropriate private pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which he or she takes the practical test;
    4. Have satisfactorily accomplished the required training and obtained the aeronautical experience prescribed;
    5. Possess at least a current third class medical certification or when a military pilot of the U.S. Armed Forces can show and present evidence of an up-to-date medical examination authorizing pilot status issued by the U.S. Armed Forces;
    6. Have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has received and logged training time within two (2) calendar months preceding the date of application in preparation for the practical test, and is prepared for the practical test;
    7. Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of 14 CFR part 61.105 paragraph (b) that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
    8. Also have an endorsement certifying that the applicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test (not required for power aircraft to non-power aircraft or power aircraft to power aircraft for additional category or class rating)

Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test:

  • The private pilot-airplane applicant is required by 14 CFR section 61.45 to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft must:
    1. Be of U.S., foreign, or military registry of the same category, class, and type, if applicable, for the certificate and/or rating for which the applicant is applying;
    2. Have fully functioning dual controls, except as provided for in 14 CFR section 61.45(c) and (e); and
    3. Be capable of performing all Areas of Operation appropriate to the rating sought and have no operating limitations, which prohibit its use in any of the Areas of Operation, required for the practical test

Flight Instructor Responsibility:

  • An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training the private pilot applicant to acceptable standards in ALL subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the Tasks within each Area of Operation in the appropriate private pilot practical test standard, even if the applicant is adding a category or class rating
  • Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing safe, proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level of knowledge, skill, and the ability to impart that knowledge and skill to students
  • Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is responsible for emphasizing the performance of effective visual scanning, collision avoidance procedures, the manufacturer's recommended procedures for the airplane flown, and other areas deemed appropriate to the practical test

Possible Test Outcomes:

  • There are three possible outcomes of the practical test:
    1. Temporary Airman Certificate (satisfactory);
    2. Notice of Disapproval (unsatisfactory), or;
    3. Letter of Discontinuance
  • If the evaluator determines that a Task is incomplete, or the outcome is uncertain, the evaluator must require the applicant to repeat that Task, or portions of that Task
    • This provision does not mean that instruction, practice, or the repetition of an unsatisfactory Task is permitted during the practical test

  • Satisfactory Performance:

    • Refer to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43, for satisfactory performance requirements for Private Pilot Airplane
    • Satisfactory performance will result in the issuance of a temporary certificate

  • Unsatisfactory Performance:

    • If, in the judgment of the evaluator, the applicant does not meet the standards for any Task, the applicant fails the Task and associated Area of Operation and the evaluator issues a Notice of Disapproval of Application
      • The evaluator lists the Area(s) of Operation in which the applicant did not meet the standard, any Area(s) of Operation not tested, and the number of practical test failures
      • The evaluator should also list the Tasks failed or Tasks not tested within any unsatisfactory or partially completed Area(s) of Operation
      • 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43(c)-(f) provides additional unsatisfactory performance requirements and parameters
    • Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification include:
      • Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective intervention by the evaluator to maintain safe flight
      • Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers
      • Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the skill elements of the Task
      • Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded
      • Failure to exercise risk management
    • The evaluator or the applicant may end the test if the applicant fails a Task
      • The evaluator may continue the test only with the consent of the applicant. The applicant receives credit only for those Areas of Operation and the associated Tasks performed satisfactorily

  • Letter of Discontinuance:

    • Refer to 14 CFR part 61, section 61.43(e)(2) for conditions to issue a letter of discontinuance for Private Pilot Airplane
    • If discontinuing a practical test for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance (e.g., equipment failure, weather, illness), the evaluator must return all test paperwork to the applicant
      • The evaluator must prepare, sign, and issue a Letter of Discontinuance that lists those Areas of Operation the applicant successfully completed and the time period remaining to complete the test to receive credit for previously completed Areas of Operation
      • The evaluator should advise the applicant to present the Letter of Discontinuance to the evaluator when the practical test resumes to receive credit for the items successfully completed
      • The Letter of Discontinuance becomes part of the applicant's certification file
    • Refer to 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.39(f) and 61.43(f) after issuance of a Letter of Discontinuance or Notice of Disapproval of Application

Private Pilot Airplane Airman Certification Standards/Lesson Plans:

  1. Preflight Preparation:

  2. Preflight Procedures:

  3. Airport and Seaplane Base Operations:

  4. Takeoffs, Landing and Go-Arounds:

  5. Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers:

  7. Slow Flight and Stalls:

  8. Basic Instrument Maneuvers:

  9. Emergency Operations:

  10. Multiengine Operations:

  11. Night Operations:

  12. Postflight Procedures:

Conclusion:

  • To learn more about earning your airplane single engine land private pilot test, visit the checkride page

References: