Sport Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area II, Task D
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Taxiing 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, Preflight Considerations:0:15Part 3, Taxiing Considerations:0:15Part 4, Taxiing Procedures:0:15Part 5, Taxiing Risk Management:0:20Part 6, Taxiing Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 7, 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:
- Having just started the aircraft and completed the required checklists, the pilot is ready to put the aircraft in motion.
- Taxiing is that movement of an aircraft while on the ground, under its own power.
- Taxiing is accomplished primarily through the use of the rudder and brakes however, pilots are also required to mitigate the impacts of wind.
- Since movement on an airport's surface involves coordination, clearances requirements/coordination are required to operate.
- With the basics in mind, pilots execute Taxi Procedures as they move about an airport's surface area.
- While the movement of the aircraft is our primary concern, there remain some checklist items we must accomplish to prepare/close-out an operation.
- Finally, while taxiing seems straight forward, it can also be an art, with best practices that can help pilots.
- Once your engine has started you must be aware of what you're doing and keep a visual scan, your "flight" has begun.
- It may be required initially to tow the aircraft before engines are started to be safe.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Chart Supplement U.S.
- Airport Diagram.
- Internet-enabled device (to review NOTAMS).
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Taxiing Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Chart Supplement U S Supplement
- Airport Diagram Supplement.
- Notice to Airmen Supplement.
- Airport Markings and Signs Supplement.
- Airport Lighting Supplement.
- Aircraft Lighting Supplement.
- Radio Communications Supplement.
- Aeronautical Decision Making Supplement.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Runway Safety.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
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, Preflight Considerations:
- Introduce Chart Supplement, U.S., as it pertains to taxiing.
- Introduce Airport Diagrams, as it pertains to taxiing, including hot spots.
- Introduce Notice to Airman, as it pertains to taxiing.
- Part 3, Taxiing Considerations:
- Discuss taxi fundamentals operating practices.
- Introduce taxiing operations at night.
- Introduce low visibility taxi operations.
- Introduce airport markings, signs, airport lighting, including runway status lighting systems.
- Introduce visual indicators for wind.
- Review aircraft lighting, as it pertains to taxiing.
- Part 4, Taxiing Procedures:
- Discuss taxi checklists.
- Discuss clearance requirements.
- Discuss taxi procedures.
- Discuss steering and braking.
- Discuss wind impacts on taxi.
- Introduce radio procedures for towered and non-towered airports.
- Introduce confirmation/expectation bias.
- Part 5, Taxiing Risk Management:
- Part 6, Taxiing Guided Scenario(s).
- Part 7, 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 instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Guided Scenario(s)
- Have student find an airport diagram of a local airport
- Review the airport diagram symbology.
- What information does the Chart Supplement provide regarding taxi operations?
- What information do Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) provide regarding taxi operations?
- Highlight hot spots.
- Provide a simulated taxi clearance that includes turns, crossing/holding short of runways, etc. Simulated taxi clearance should cover taxiing to an active runway as well as from (post-landing).
- What radio calls are required to comply with the air traffic control clearance?
- Provide environmentals such as wind.
- How would a pilot determine wind direction and speed while on the airport, utilizing visual and non-visual means?
- Who has the right-of-way at an intersection (towered/non-towered airports).
- How will flight controls change in turns relative to the environmentals provided?
- Have the student describe the anticipated markings and signs related to taxiway identification and runway identification.
- Discuss airport lighting for night operations.
- Discuss procedures and mitigations during low visibility taxi operations.
- Discuss checklist usage before, during, and after taxiing.
- Discuss distractions, unexpected instructions/changes, expectation bias, and what constitutes a runway incursion.
- Related scenarios:
- Night Operations.
- Aids: None.
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Runway Safety.
- 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) Taxiing Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: TAXIING (ASEL).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 6 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to safe taxi procedures. -
SP.2: Performs a brake check if applicable, immediately after the airplane begins moving. -
SP.3: Positions the flight controls properly for the existing wind conditions. -
SP.4: Safely controls airplane direction and speed. -
SP.5: Complies with airport markings, signals, clearances, and instructions. -
SP.6: Taxis so as to avoid other aircraft and hazards.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Taxiing 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 Taxiing 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.