Sport Pilot (Airplane) Engine Starting Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area II, Task C
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Engine Starting 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, Engine Starting Considerations:0:15Part 3, Engine Starting Anomalies & Malfunctions:0:15Part 4, Engine Starting Risk Management:0:20Part 5, Engine Starting Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research a 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:
- Even though most airplanes are equipped with electric starters, it is helpful if a pilot is familiar with the procedures and dangers involved in starting an engine by turning the propeller by hand (hand propping).
- Prior to starting jet, air intakes and the surrounding area shall be inspected to eliminate the possibility of Foreign Object Debris, or FOD.
- Whenever an engine is started, personnel with adequate fire extinguishing equipment, if available, shall be stationed in the immediate vicinity of the engine but safely clear of intakes or propellers.
- In starting an aircraft, all challenges and signals between the person operating the starting device and the person at the engine controls shall be clearly understood and so indicated by repetition before action is taken by either person.
- Where the engines are started entirely from the cockpit, the person at the engine controls should exchange signals with a person observing the engine from outside the aircraft.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Aircraft.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Aircraft Categories and Classes Supplement.
- Pilot Certificates and Ratings Supplement.
- Pilot Logbooks Supplement.
- 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, Engine Starting Considerations:
- Part 3, Engine Starting Anomalies & Malfunctions:
- Safety Considerations.
- Air start considerations.
- Part 4, Engine Starting Risk Management:
- Part 5, Engine Start-up Guided Scenario(s).
- Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
- 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)
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete relevant knowledge checks:
- Complete relevant interactive scenarios:
- Complete relevant knowledge checks:
- Complete relevant interactive scenarios:
- 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) Engine Starting Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: ENGINE STARTING (ASEL and ASES).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 5 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to recommended engine starting procedures. This shall include pull starting, hand propping safety, and starting under various atmospheric conditions, if applicable. -
SP.2: Demonstrates awareness of other persons and property during start. -
SP.3: Positions the airplane properly considering structures, surface conditions, other aircraft, and the safety of nearby persons and property. -
SP.4: Accomplishes the correct starting procedure. -
SP.5: Completes the appropriate checklist.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Engine Starting reinforces that safe flight depends on disciplined preparation, positive aircraft control, and attention to detail before and after the airborne portion of a flight.
- Checklists, clear communication, traffic awareness, configuration verification, and early recognition of discrepancies prevent routine ground tasks from creating avoidable hazards.
- Managing distractions and continuously confirming aircraft position, condition, and readiness turn standard procedures into effective risk controls.
- Continued practice with Engine Starting prepares sport pilots for busier environments, unfamiliar aircraft, and more complex operations later in training.
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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.