Private Pilot (Helicopter) Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems Lesson Plan

• Schedule

  Topic:

  Time:

  Attention/Motivator:

  0:05

  Part 1, Lesson Introduction:

  0:05

  Part 2, Knowledge Elements:

  0:20

  Part 3, Risk Management:

  0:15

  Part 4, Skill Development:

  0:30

  Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):

  0:20

  Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:

  0:05

  Remotivation/Closure:

  0:05

  Total Ground Time:

  0:00

  
  

• Attention Getter:

  • Present a helicopter scenario in which the outcome depends on sound communications, light signals, and runway lighting systems knowledge, risk management, and technique.
  • Ask the student to identify the earliest decision or control input that determines a safe outcome.

• Motivator:

  • To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal and emergency radio communications, air traffic control (ATC) light signals, and runway lighting systems.

• Required Materials:

  • Writing instrument and instructional surface.
  • FAA-S-ACS-15, Private Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating Airman Certification Standards.
  • Student training record and applicable lesson records.

• Optional Materials:

  • Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Rotorcraft Flight Manual (POH/RFM).
  • Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
  • Current charts, Chart Supplement, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
  • Helicopter, cockpit procedures trainer, or approved training device, as appropriate.

• Reference Materials:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
  • Helicopter Flying Handbook.
  • Risk Management Handbook.
  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
  • Task references: 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) part 91; Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM); FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25

• Before the lesson, review the reference materials, helicopter limitations, and local operating considerations.
• Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Present the attention getter and motivator.
  • Review Area of Operation III, Task B, and the Airman Certification Standards.
  • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal and emergency radio communications, air traffic control (ATC) light signals, and runway lighting systems.
• Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of how to obtain appropriate radio frequencies. (PH.III.B.K1)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of proper radio communication procedures and air traffic control (ATC) phraseology. (PH.III.B.K2)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of ATC light signal recognition. (PH.III.B.K3)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of appropriate use of transponder(s). (PH.III.B.K4)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of lost communication procedures. (PH.III.B.K5)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of equipment issues that could cause loss of communication. (PH.III.B.K6)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of radar assistance. (PH.III.B.K7)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of national Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident/incident reporting. (PH.III.B.K8)
  • Explain and assess the student's understanding of runway Status Lighting Systems. (PH.III.B.K9)
• Part 3, Risk Management:
  • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with communication. (PH.III.B.R1)
  • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with deciding if and when to declare an emergency. (PH.III.B.R2)
  • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with use of non-standard phraseology. (PH.III.B.R3)
  • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
• Part 4, Skill Development:
  • Demonstrate, then coach the student to select and activate appropriate frequencies. (PH.III.B.S1)
  • Demonstrate, then coach the student to transmit using standard phraseology and procedures as specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Pilot/Controller Glossary. (PH.III.B.S2)
  • Demonstrate, then coach the student to acknowledge radio communications and comply with ATC instructions or as directed by the evaluator. (PH.III.B.S3)
  • Apply the helicopter POH/RFM, checklist, limitations, and FAA safety-of-flight guidance throughout the demonstration and practice.
• Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):
  • Lead the guided scenario.
  • Evaluate the student's decisions and performance against every applicable ACS element.
• Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
  • Review the lesson objective, identified risks, performance strengths, and items requiring additional practice.
  • Present the re-motivation and closure.
• Update instructor records and the student's training record, as required.

• During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with communications, light signals, and runway lighting systems.
• Ask the student to identify hazards, including Communication, and explain how each risk will be controlled.
• Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to Select and activate appropriate frequencies, as appropriate to the task and training environment.
• Introduce a realistic change in wind, power available, landing area, traffic, system status, or external pressure and require the student to reassess the plan.
• Conclude with a self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.

Abbreviations used below: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

• Complete assigned readings and review the model-specific POH/RFM and checklist.
• Explain the applicable knowledge elements in scenario context rather than by rote recall.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with the task.
• Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill within ACS standards and helicopter limitations.
• Complete or review AOPA's Runway Safety Online Course.
• Ask pertinent questions, perform a self-assessment, and make appropriate go/no-go or continue/discontinue decisions.

• Re-Motivation:

  • Consistent communications, light signals, and runway lighting systems performance protects the helicopter's limited margins and supports sound pilot-in-command decisions.

• Closure:

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