Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Sport Pilot (Helicopter) • ACS Area VIII, Task J

The Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-26.

Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    0:20
    Part 3, Risk Management:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Development:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a helicopter scenario in which the outcome depends on sound low gravity (g) recognition and recovery knowledge, risk management, and technique.
    • Ask the student to identify the earliest decision or control input that determines a safe outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with low G conditions.

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Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Materials

  • Required Materials:

    • Writing instrument and instructional surface.
    • FAA-S-ACS-26, Sport Pilot for Helicopter - Simplified Flight Controls Airman Certification Standards.
    • Student training record and applicable lesson records.

  • Optional Materials:

    • Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Rotorcraft Flight Manual (POH/RFM).
    • Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
    • Current charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
    • Helicopter, cockpit procedures trainer, or approved training device, as appropriate.

  • Reference Materials:

Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, helicopter limitations, and local operating considerations.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Knowledge Elements:
    • Explain and discuss SH.VIII.J.K1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing::
    • Explain and discuss SH.VIII.J.K1a: Aerodynamic factors related to low G conditions
    • Explain and discuss SH.VIII.J.K1b: Situations that contribute to low G conditions
    • Explain and discuss SH.VIII.J.K1c: Avoidance, recognition, and appropriate recovery procedures
    • Explain and discuss SH.VIII.J.K2: Effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems.
    • Explain and discuss SH.VIII.J.K3: Pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, as applicable.
  • Part 3, Risk Management:
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate SH.VIII.J.R1: Control inputs that cause low G conditions, as applicable.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate SH.VIII.J.R2: Turbulence/gusty wind conditions.
    • Use a helicopter scenario to have the student identify, assess, and mitigate SH.VIII.J.R3: Control inputs that cause mast bumping, as applicable.
    • Require the student to verbalize trigger points for discontinuing or modifying the operation.
  • Part 4, Skill Development:
    • Demonstrate, then coach the student to SH.VIII.J.S1: [Intentionally left blank].
    • Apply the helicopter POH/RFM, checklist, limitations, and FAA safety-of-flight guidance throughout the demonstration and practice.
  • Part 5, Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate the student's decisions and performance against every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, identified risks, performance strengths, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the student's training record, as required.
Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During a planned helicopter flight, conditions require the student to apply the knowledge and procedures associated with low gravity (g) recognition and recovery.
  • Ask the student to identify hazards, including Control inputs that cause low G conditions., and explain how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the student to brief, perform, or explain how to [Intentionally left blank]., as appropriate to the task and training environment.
  • Introduce a realistic change in wind, power available, landing area, traffic, system status, or external pressure and require the student to reassess the plan.
  • Conclude with a self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and review the model-specific POH/RFM and checklist.
  • Explain the applicable knowledge elements in scenario context rather than by rote recall.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill within ACS standards and helicopter limitations.
  • Ask pertinent questions, perform a self-assessment, and make appropriate go/no-go or continue/discontinue decisions.
Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
  • SH.VIII.J.K1:
    Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to low G conditions by describing::
    • SH.VIII.J.K1a:
      Aerodynamic factors related to low G conditions
    • SH.VIII.J.K1b:
      Situations that contribute to low G conditions
    • SH.VIII.J.K1c:
      Avoidance, recognition, and appropriate recovery procedures
  • SH.VIII.J.K2:
    Effects of low G conditions on various rotor systems.
  • SH.VIII.J.K3:
    Pilot responses that lead to mast bumping in a low G condition, as applicable.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
  • SH.VIII.J.R1:
    Control inputs that cause low G conditions, as applicable.
  • SH.VIII.J.R2:
    Turbulence/gusty wind conditions.
  • SH.VIII.J.R3:
    Control inputs that cause mast bumping, as applicable.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • SH.VIII.J.S1:
    [Intentionally left blank].
Sport Pilot (Helicopter) Low Gravity (G) Recognition and Recovery Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Consistent low gravity (g) recognition and recovery performance protects the helicopter's limited margins and supports sound pilot-in-command decisions.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.