Private Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area I, Task E

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

Private Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System 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 national airspace system 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 National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a private pilot.

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Private Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System 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) National Airspace System 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 I, Task E, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a private pilot.
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and discuss PH.I.E.K1: Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
    • Explain and discuss PH.I.E.K2: Chart symbols.
    • Explain and discuss PH.I.E.K3: Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.
    • Explain and discuss PH.I.E.K4: Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.I.E.R1: Various classes and types of airspace.
    • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
  • Part 4, Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.I.E.S1: Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.I.E.S2: Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.I.E.S3: Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.
    • 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) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with national airspace system.
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Various classes and types of airspace., and explain how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace., 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) National Airspace System 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) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards

  • Area of Operation I: Preflight Preparation.
  • Task E: National Airspace System.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a private pilot.
  • References: 14 CFR parts 71, 91, 93; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; Helicopter Route Charts; VFR Navigation Charts
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • PH.I.E.K1:
    Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
  • PH.I.E.K2:
    Chart symbols.
  • PH.I.E.K3:
    Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.
  • PH.I.E.K4:
    Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • PH.I.E.R1:
    Various classes and types of airspace.
Skills 3 ACS Elements
  • PH.I.E.S1:
    Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
  • PH.I.E.S2:
    Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
  • PH.I.E.S3:
    Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.
Private Pilot (Helicopter) National Airspace System Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent national airspace system 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.