Private Pilot (Helicopter) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

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

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

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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 systems and equipment malfunctions 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 causes, indications, and pilot actions for system malfunctions.

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Private Pilot (Helicopter) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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 D, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with causes, indications, and pilot actions for system malfunctions.
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and assess the student's understanding of causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s). (PH.VIII.D.K1)
    • Explain and assess the student's understanding of System and equipment malfunctions specific to the helicopter, including: (PH.VIII.D.K2)
      • Electrical malfunction (PH.VIII.D.K2a)
      • Flight instrument malfunctions (PH.VIII.D.K2b)
      • Pitot-static system malfunction (PH.VIII.D.K2c)
      • Electronic flight deck display malfunction (PH.VIII.D.K2d)
      • Landing gear malfunctions (PH.VIII.D.K2e)
      • Inoperative flight control/trim (PH.VIII.D.K2f)
      • Hydraulic failure, if applicable (PH.VIII.D.K2g)
    • Explain and assess the student's understanding of various frequency vibrations and the possible components that may be affected. (PH.VIII.D.K3)
    • Explain and assess the student's understanding of causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft. (PH.VIII.D.K4)
    • Explain and assess the student's understanding of any other system malfunction specific to the helicopter flown. (PH.VIII.D.K5)
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with startle response. (PH.VIII.D.R1)
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction. (PH.VIII.D.R2)
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. (PH.VIII.D.R3)
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with undesired aircraft state. (PH.VIII.D.R4)
    • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
  • Part 4, Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5. (PH.VIII.D.S1)
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to complete the appropriate checklist(s). (PH.VIII.D.S2)
    • 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) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with systems and equipment malfunctions.
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Startle response, and explain how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5, 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) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards

  • Task D: Systems and Equipment Malfunctions.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with causes, indications, and pilot actions for system malfunctions.
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.D.K1:
    Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
  • PH.VIII.D.K2:
    System and equipment malfunctions specific to the helicopter, including:
    • PH.VIII.D.K2a:
      Electrical malfunction
    • PH.VIII.D.K2b:
      Flight instrument malfunctions
    • PH.VIII.D.K2c:
      Pitot-static system malfunction
    • PH.VIII.D.K2d:
      Electronic flight deck display malfunction
    • PH.VIII.D.K2e:
      Landing gear malfunctions
    • PH.VIII.D.K2f:
      Inoperative flight control/trim
    • PH.VIII.D.K2g:
      Hydraulic failure, if applicable
  • PH.VIII.D.K3:
    Various frequency vibrations and the possible components that may be affected.
  • PH.VIII.D.K4:
    Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
  • PH.VIII.D.K5:
    Any other system malfunction specific to the helicopter flown.
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.D.R1:
    Startle response.
  • PH.VIII.D.R2:
    Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.
  • PH.VIII.D.R3:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • PH.VIII.D.R4:
    Undesired aircraft state.
Skills 2 ACS Elements
  • PH.VIII.D.S1:
    Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5.
  • PH.VIII.D.S2:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent systems and equipment malfunctions 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.