Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area VIII, Task G

The Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-15.

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • 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 antitorque system failure 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 and risk management associated with an antitorque system failure.

Help Us Grow

Enjoy CFI Notebook? A one-time donation helps us create more high-quality lessons, quizzes, scenarios, graphics, and interactive tools.

One-Time Donation
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Materials

  • 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, NOTAMs, and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
    • Helicopter, cockpit procedures trainer, or approved training device, as appropriate.
  • Reference Materials:

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • 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 VIII, Task G, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with an antitorque system failure.
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.G.K1: Elements related to antitorque system failure by describing:
      • PH.VIII.G.K1a: a. Indications of an antitorque system failure(s)
      • PH.VIII.G.K1b: b. Differences between complete loss of antitorque and mechanical flight control failures
      • PH.VIII.G.K1c: c. RFM procedures for antitorque system(s) failure
    • Explain and discuss PH.VIII.G.K2: Wind conditions that favor a landing with an antitorque failure.
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.G.R1: Preflight inspection of the antitorque system.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.G.R2: Antitorque failure(s) for the aircraft supplied for the practical test.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VIII.G.R3: Use of antitorque failure procedures.
    • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
  • Part 4, Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VIII.G.S1: [Intentionally left blank].
    • 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.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with antitorque system failure.
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Preflight inspection of the antitorque system., and explain how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to [Intentionally left blank]., 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.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • 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.
  • Ask pertinent questions, perform a self-assessment, and make appropriate go/no-go or continue/discontinue decisions.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Airman Certification Standards

  • Task G: Antitorque System Failure.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with an antitorque system failure.
  • Note: Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.G.K1:
    Elements related to antitorque system failure by describing:
    • PH.VIII.G.K1a:
      a. Indications of an antitorque system failure(s)
    • PH.VIII.G.K1b:
      b. Differences between complete loss of antitorque and mechanical flight control failures
    • PH.VIII.G.K1c:
      c. RFM procedures for antitorque system(s) failure
  • PH.VIII.G.K2:
    Wind conditions that favor a landing with an antitorque failure.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.G.R1:
    Preflight inspection of the antitorque system.
  • PH.VIII.G.R2:
    Antitorque failure(s) for the aircraft supplied for the practical test.
  • PH.VIII.G.R3:
    Use of antitorque failure procedures.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • PH.VIII.G.S1:
    [Intentionally left blank].
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Antitorque System Failure Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent antitorque system failure 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.