Sport Pilot (Airplane) Flight Deck Management Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area II, Task B
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Flight Deck Management 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, Flight Deck Management:0:15Part 3, Avionics and Automation:0:15Part 4, Flight Deck Management Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, 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:
- Cockpit management are the actions and procedures, starting with preflight, in which all necessary equipment, documents, checklists, and navigation charts appropriate for the flight are on board and easily accessible.
- With this comes the need to keep things organized to reduce Foreign Object Debris (FOD) and confusion in flight.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Instructor endorsement log.
- Aircraft.
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Reference Materials:
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, Flight Deck Management:
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of passenger preflight briefing requirements.
- Review aircraft preflight assessment flight deck considerations:
- Use of checklists.
- Up-to-date avionics.
- Securing items.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of distractions.
- Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain Aeronautical Decision Making, Single-Pilot Resource Management/Crew Resource Management.
- Part 3, Avionics and Automation:
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of flying with inoperative equipment.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of automation and pitfalls.
- Required teaching coverage:
- Assess whether the learner exhibits knowledge of the elements related to efficient flightdeck management procedures, and related safety factors. (SP.1)
- Have the learner secure and arrange cockpit materials and equipment for safe access, then deliver and confirm an aircraft-appropriate occupant briefing covering restraints, doors, controls, safety equipment, and emergency actions. (SP.2) (SP.3)
- Part 4, Flight Deck Management Guided Scenario(s).
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- 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.
Guided Scenario(s)
- Discuss varying experience of passengers, assumptions, and why there is a legal requirement to brief passengers.
- Discuss impacts of missing a checklist item.
- Discuss impact of a shifting center of gravity from cargo movement.
- Discuss potential distractions and the businest phases of flight.
- Related scenarios:
- None.
- Aids: None.
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) Flight Deck Management Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: FLIGHT DECK MANAGEMENT (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 3 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to efficient flightdeck management procedures, and related safety factors. -
SP.2: Organizes and arranges material and equipment in a manner that makes the items readily available. -
SP.3: Briefs occupant on the use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, and any other required safety equipment, doors, and emergency procedures.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Flight Deck Management 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 Flight Deck Management 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.