Sport Pilot (Airplane) Principles of Flight Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area I, Task K
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Principles Of Flight Lesson Plan covers the knowledge and skills required by FAA-S-8081-29A.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson:0:05Part 2, Factors Impacting Takeoff Performance:0:10Part 3, Maneuvering During Slow Flight Procedure:0:10Part 4, Maneuvering During Slow Flight Risk Management:0:10Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 6, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/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:
- Slow flight develops the ability to recognize changes in aircraft flight characteristics and control effectiveness at critically slow airspeeds in various configurations
- While pilots may perform slow flight to loiter over an area during cruise flight, it is most often performed incidental to takeoff and landing
- With multi-engine aircraft the concept of minimum controllable airspeed comes into play
- Speed Instability:
- Flying slower than minimum drag speed (LD/max), more power will be required, due to total drag curve and slight disturbances will decrease airspeed
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of maneuvering during slow flight.
- Part 2, Factors Impacting Takeoff Performance:
- Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain the cause of stalls and what factors increase/decrease stall speed (AOA)
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply maneuvering during slow flight.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply region of reverse command.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply small airplane specifics.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply large airplane specifics.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply multi-engine considerations during slow flight.
- Part 3, Maneuvering During Slow Flight Procedure:
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply maneuvering during slow flight procedure.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply maneuvering during slow flight common errors.
- Part 4, Maneuvering During Slow Flight Risk Management:
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of collision hazards.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway incursion risks.
- Required teaching coverage:
- Relate lift, weight, thrust, and drag to steady and accelerated flight; distinguish static and dynamic stability; and connect primary-control movement to roll, pitch, yaw, adverse yaw, and coordinated flight. (SP.1) (SP.2) (SP.7)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain left-turning tendencies and when they are strongest, wake-vortex generation and movement, and load-factor and center-of-gravity effects on stall speed, behavior, and recovery. (SP.3) (SP.4) (SP.5)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain angle-of-attack-based stall onset, departure-stall situations, spin precursors and phases, stalled autorotation, loading effects, low-altitude recovery limits, and the distinction between a spin and a spiral dive. (SP.6)
- Compare secondary controls and flap designs, their actuation, aerodynamic effects, limitations, and aircraft-specific abnormal indications. (SP.7)
- Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):
- Use a maneuvering scenario to have the learner predict how angle of attack, load factor, configuration, power, coordination, and environmental conditions affect aircraft performance and margins.
- Part 6, Conclude Lesson:
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply risk management: Is this procedure low, medium, or high risk?
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply calculated versus actual performance.
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Sport Pilot (Airplane) Principles of Flight Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Sport Pilot Airplane Principles Of Flight Guided Flight
Work through one integrated 75-decision guided scenario combining 5 linked lesson topics into a comprehensive training exercise.
Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- 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) Principles of Flight Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT (ASEL and ASES).
- References: FAA-H-8083-25; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits knowledge of basic aerodynamics and principles of flight including:
Objective Elements 7 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Forces acting on an airplane in various flight maneuvers. -
SP.2: Airplane stability and controllability. -
SP.3: Torque effect. -
SP.4: Wingtip vortices and precautions to be taken. -
SP.5: Loads and load factors. -
SP.6: Angle of attack, stalls and stall recovery, including flight situations in which unintentional stalls may occur. -
SP.7: Effects and use of primary and secondary flight controls including the purpose of each control and proper technique for use.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Principles of Flight helps pilots translate aircraft data, limitations, and system knowledge into decisions that preserve safe operating margins.
- Understanding how configuration, loading, environment, and equipment condition affect performance enables pilots to identify unacceptable combinations before flight.
- Verifying calculations, monitoring actual performance, and responding early to unexpected indications connect technical knowledge with sound aeronautical decision-making.
- Further exploration of Principles of Flight prepares sport pilots to evaluate more complex aircraft and operating conditions with confidence.
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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.