Private Pilot (Helicopter) Operation of Systems Lesson Plan

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

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

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Operation of Systems 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 operation of 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 safe operation of systems on the helicopter provided for the flight test.

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Private Pilot (Helicopter) Operation of Systems 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) Operation of Systems 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 G, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe operation of systems on the helicopter provided for the flight test.
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and discuss PH.I.G.K1: Helicopter systems, including:
      • PH.I.G.K1a: a. Flight controls, trim, and if installed, stability control
      • PH.I.G.K1b: b. Powerplant(s)
      • PH.I.G.K1c: c. Main rotor and antitorque systems
      • PH.I.G.K1d: d. Transmission and associated drive shafts
      • PH.I.G.K1e: e. Fuel, oil, and hydraulic
      • PH.I.G.K1f: f. Avionics
      • PH.I.G.K1g: g. Landing gear, brakes, steering, skids, or floats, as applicable
      • PH.I.G.K1h: h. Electrical
      • PH.I.G.K1i: i. Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments
      • PH.I.G.K1j: j. Environmental
      • PH.I.G.K1k: k. Anti-icing and deicing, including carburetor heat, if applicable
    • Explain and discuss PH.I.G.K2: Indications of and procedures for managing system abnormalities or failures.
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.I.G.R1: Detection of system malfunctions or failures.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.I.G.R2: Management of a system failure.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate PH.I.G.R3: Monitoring and management of automated systems.
    • 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.G.S1: Operate at least three of the helicopter's systems listed in K1a through K1k.
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to PH.I.G.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
    • 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) Operation of Systems Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with operation of systems.
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Detection of system malfunctions or failures., and explain how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to Operate at least three of the helicopter's systems listed in K1a through K1k., 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) Operation of Systems 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) Operation of Systems Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Helicopter) Operation of Systems Airman Certification Standards

  • Area of Operation I: Preflight Preparation.
  • Task G: Operation of Systems.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe operation of systems on the helicopter provided for the flight test.
  • Note: If K1 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-21, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/RFM
Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
  • PH.I.G.K1:
    Helicopter systems, including:
    • PH.I.G.K1a: a. Flight controls, trim, and if installed, stability control
    • PH.I.G.K1b: b. Powerplant(s)
    • PH.I.G.K1c: c. Main rotor and antitorque systems
    • PH.I.G.K1d: d. Transmission and associated drive shafts
    • PH.I.G.K1e: e. Fuel, oil, and hydraulic
    • PH.I.G.K1f: f. Avionics
    • PH.I.G.K1g: g. Landing gear, brakes, steering, skids, or floats, as applicable
    • PH.I.G.K1h: h. Electrical
    • PH.I.G.K1i: i. Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments
    • PH.I.G.K1j: j. Environmental
    • PH.I.G.K1k: k. Anti-icing and deicing, including carburetor heat, if applicable
  • PH.I.G.K2:
    Indications of and procedures for managing system abnormalities or failures.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
  • PH.I.G.R1:
    Detection of system malfunctions or failures.
  • PH.I.G.R2:
    Management of a system failure.
  • PH.I.G.R3:
    Monitoring and management of automated systems.
Skills 2 ACS Elements
  • PH.I.G.S1:
    Operate at least three of the helicopter's systems listed in K1a through K1k.
  • PH.I.G.S2:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Private Pilot (Helicopter) Operation of Systems Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent operation of 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.