Sport Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area IX, Task B
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Systems And Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan covers the knowledge and skills required by FAA-S-8081-29A.
Introduction
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:0:15Part 3, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario
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Motivator:
- PIC is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft
- Pilots must be prepared to act in the event of an abnormal condition (abnormalities not time threatening) or an emergency (immediate action required)
- In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot-in-command and remote pilot-in-command may deviate from FAR 91 or FAR 107 respectively, to the extend required to meet the emergency
- If the PIC choses to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
- Note this is not a blanket clearance to perform unnecessary deviations!
- Unless deviation is necessary under the emergency authority of 91.3, pilots of IFR flights experiencing two-way radio communication failure are expected to adhere to the procedures prescribed under "IFR operations, two-way radio communications failure"
- If the PIC choses to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
- Troubleshooting is important but don't fix an airplane airborne when you can safely land first
- Be directive, if you want something, tell them, don't let ATC drive you
- Declare emergencies with general terms, use "electrical" or "engine" for example
- The PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
- Discrete emergency frequencies may be assigned by ATC
- By default use CTAF or guard (121.5/243.0)
- You must hear different radio communications
- Emergency hand signals are listed in 6-5-3
- First 3 seconds, ask yourself, where am I? What do I have? Is the light valid?
- With every emergency there will be primary and secondary signals
- It is important to realize that secondary indications may, or may not be present
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Pilot Operating Handbook
- Weight & Balance Form Template
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Part 2, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:
- Part 3, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:
- Part 4, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Guided Scenario(s):
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- Discuss the possible differences between calculated performance and actual performance.
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Guided Scenario(s)
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- guided scenarios>Preflight Assessment.
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Find all limitations in POH.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Essential Aerodynamics.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Sport Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS (ASEL and ASES).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 3 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test. -
SP.2: Evaluates the situation and takes appropriate action for simulated emergencies appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test for at least three (3) of the following—- partial or complete power loss
- engine roughness or overheat
- carburetor or induction icing
- loss of oil pressure
- fuel starvation
- electrical malfunction
- vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions
- pitot/static
- flap malfunction
- inoperative trim
- inadvertent door or window opening
- smoke/fire/engine compartment fire
- flight control malfunction
- ballistic recovery system malfunction, if applicable
- any other emergency appropriate to the airplane
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SP.3: Follows the appropriate checklist or procedure.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Systems and Equipment Malfunctions develops the calm, disciplined response needed when time, altitude, aircraft capability, or available options are limited.
- Early recognition, aircraft control, checklist use, clear priorities, and continuous evaluation of recovery or landing options help prevent an abnormal event from becoming unmanageable.
- Scenario practice strengthens situational awareness and aeronautical decision-making so pilots can adapt procedures to the aircraft, environment, and urgency of the event.
- Continued practice with Systems and Equipment Malfunctions prepares sport pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.