Private Pilot (Helicopter) Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area VI, Task A
The Private Pilot (Helicopter) Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-15.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Knowledge Elements:0:20Part 3, Risk Management:0:15Part 4, Skill Development:0:30Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Present a helicopter scenario in which the outcome depends on sound rapid deceleration/quick stop knowledge, risk management, and technique.
- Ask the student to identify the earliest decision or control input that determines a safe outcome.
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Motivator:
- To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rapid deceleration/quick stop and conditions that may require a rapid deceleration/quick stop.
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:
- FAA Airman Certification Standards.
- Helicopter Flying Handbook.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Task references: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
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 VI, Task A, and the Airman Certification Standards.
- State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rapid deceleration/quick stop and conditions that may require a rapid deceleration/quick stop.
- Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
- Explain and discuss PH.VI.A.K1: Purpose of the maneuver.
- Explain and discuss PH.VI.A.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions on a rapid deceleration/quick stop.
- Explain and discuss PH.VI.A.K3: Wind correction techniques during rapid deceleration/quick stop.
- Part 3, Risk Management:
- Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VI.A.R1: Recognition of the need for a rapid deceleration/quick stop.
- Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VI.A.R2: Powerplant and rotor management.
- Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VI.A.R3: Vortex ring state (VRS).
- Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VI.A.R4: Collision hazards.
- Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.VI.A.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
- Part 4, Skill Development:
- Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VI.A.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VI.A.S2: Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits.
- Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VI.A.S3: Coordinate all controls throughout the execution of the maneuver to terminate in a hover at an appropriate hover height.
- Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VI.A.S4: Maintain an altitude that permits safe clearance between the tail boom and the surface.
- Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.VI.A.S5: Maintain heading throughout the maneuver, ±10°.
- 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.
Guided Scenario(s)
- During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with rapid deceleration/quick stop.
- Ask the student to identify hazards, including Recognition of the need for a rapid deceleration/quick stop., and explain how each risk will be controlled.
- Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to Complete the appropriate checklist(s)., 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.
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.
Airman Certification Standards
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop Airman Certification Standards
- Task A: Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop.
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rapid deceleration/quick stop and conditions that may require a rapid deceleration/quick stop.
- References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
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PH.VI.A.K1: Purpose of the maneuver. -
PH.VI.A.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions on a rapid deceleration/quick stop. -
PH.VI.A.K3: Wind correction techniques during rapid deceleration/quick stop.
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
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PH.VI.A.R1: Recognition of the need for a rapid deceleration/quick stop. -
PH.VI.A.R2: Powerplant and rotor management. -
PH.VI.A.R3: Vortex ring state (VRS). -
PH.VI.A.R4: Collision hazards. -
PH.VI.A.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 5 ACS Elements
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PH.VI.A.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
PH.VI.A.S2: Maintain powerplant and main rotor (Nr) speed within normal limits. -
PH.VI.A.S3: Coordinate all controls throughout the execution of the maneuver to terminate in a hover at an appropriate hover height. -
PH.VI.A.S4: Maintain an altitude that permits safe clearance between the tail boom and the surface. -
PH.VI.A.S5: Maintain heading throughout the maneuver, ±10°.
Conclusion
Re-Motivation:
- Consistent rapid deceleration/quick stop 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.