Airport and Seaplane
Base Operations Lesson Plans

Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal and emergency radio communications, ATC light signals, and runway lighting systems to conduct safe airport operations
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; AIM

Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.III.A.K1:

    How to obtain proper radio frequencies

  • PA.III.A.K2:

    Proper radio communication procedures and ATC phraseology

  • PA.III.A.K3:

    ATC light signal recognition

  • PA.III.A.K4:

    Appropriate use of transponders

  • PA.III.A.K5:

    Lost communication procedures

  • PA.III.A.K6:

    Equipment issues that could cause loss of communication

  • PA.III.A.K7:

    Radar assistance

  • PA.III.A.K8:

    National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident/incident reporting

  • PA.III.A.K9:

    Runway Status Lighting Systems

Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • PA.III.A.R1:

    Poor communication

  • PA.III.A.R2:

    Failure to recognize and declare an emergency

  • PA.III.A.R3:

    Confirmation or expectation bias

Skills:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.III.A.S1:

    Select appropriate frequencies

  • PA.III.A.S2:

    Transmit using phraseology and procedures as specified in the AIM

  • PA.III.A.S3:

    Acknowledge radio communications and comply with instructions

Traffic Patterns:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with traffic patterns
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; AIM

Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.III.B.K1:

    Towered and non-towered airport operations

  • PA.III.B.K2:

    Runway selection for the current conditions

  • PA.III.B.K3:

    Right-of-way rules

  • PA.III.B.K4:

    Use of automated weather and airport information

Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

Skills:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.III.B.S1:

    Identify and interpret airport/seaplane base runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting

  • PA.III.B.S2:

    Comply with recommended traffic pattern procedures

  • PA.III.B.S3:

    Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track

  • PA.III.B.S4:

    Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use

  • PA.III.B.S5:

    Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots

  • PA.III.B.S6:

    Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern

References:

  • FAA (FAA-H-8083-2) Risk Management Handbook
  • FAA (FAA-H-8083-3)
  • FAA (FAA-H-8083-23)
  • POH/AFM
  • AC 00-6