Straight-and-Level
Basic Attitude Instrument Flight
Lesson Plan

Attention:

• Research a case study
• Discuss how the initial conditions set conditions which developed into an incident/accident/mishap
• Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

Overview:

Required Materials:

• Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

• Review key aspects from airspeed indicator lesson
• Review key aspects from attitude indicator lesson
• Review key aspects from altimeter indicator lesson
• Review key aspects from heading indicator lesson
• Review key aspects from turn coordinator lesson
• Discuss primary and supporting method
Discuss basic attitude instrument flying skills
• Discuss basic attitude instrument flight common errors
Discuss straight-and-level flight airman certification standards
• Discuss case studies
• Conclusion

Student Actions:

• Complete assigned reading (see content above)
• Ask pertinent questions

Completion Standards:

• Straight-and-Level Flight Airman Certification Standards:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flying during straight-and-level flight solely by reference to instruments
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15

  
  

  Straight and Level Flight Knowledge:

  The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.VIII.A.K1:

    Flight instruments as related to:

    • PA.VIII.A.K1a:

      Sensitivity, limitations, and potential errors in unusual attitudes

    • PA.VIII.A.K1b:

      Correlation (pitch instruments/bank instruments)

    • PA.VIII.A.K1c:

      Function and operation

    • PA.VIII.A.K1d:

      Proper instrument cross-check techniques

  
  

  Straight and Level Flight Risk Management:

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

  • PA.VIII.A.R1:

    Instrument flying hazards to include failure to maintain VFR, spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings

  • PA.VIII.A.R2:

    Failure to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation

  • PA.VIII.A.R3:

    Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires

  • PA.VIII.A.R4:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

  
  

  Straight and Level Flight Skills:

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.VIII.A.S1:

    Maintain straight-and-level flight using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated control application

  • PA.VIII.A.S2:

    Maintain altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

• Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
• Assign study materials for the next lesson