Note:

A lesson is a unit of training.  It is not a specified period of instruction or flight time.  It may take more than one training session to accomplish any particular lesson.

Training Period

Content and Completion Standards

Lesson #1

(Dual)

Objective:

To familiarize the student with the training aircraft, its servicing, operating characteristics, cabin controls, instrument systems, preflight procedures, use of checklists, and safety precautions to be followed.  To acquaint the student with the sensations of flight, the effects and use of controls, and to familiarize the student with the local practice area.

Introduce:

Airplane servicing, preflight inspection, use of checklists, engine starting procedure, radio communications, taxiing, pre-takeoff checklist, takeoff, traffic pattern departure, effect and use of controls, straight and level flight, shallow and medium bank turns, local area familiarization, collision avoidance, wake turbulence avoidance, traffic pattern entry, approach to landing, landing, parking, and ground safety.  Debriefing.  Preview next lesson.

Completion Standards: 

At the completion of this block of training, the student will understand how to perform aircraft servicing that is normally done by the pilot, and the required service schedule.  He/she will understand importance and use of checklists, the engine starting procedure, engine run up, displays a knowledge of the effects and use of the controls, and has familiarity with the local flying area and the airport.

Lesson #2

(Dual)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s skill in performance of the four basic flight maneuvers (climbs, descents, turns, and straight and level flight).

Review:

Content of the previous lesson.

Introduce:

Climbs, climbing turns, glides, gliding turns, the torque effect, level off from climbs and glides. Debriefing.  Preview next lesson.

Completion Standards:

At the completion of this section, the student will be able to perform with minimal assistance from the instructor climbs, straight and level flight, turns and glides.  During straight and level flight, the student should with minimal assistance from the instructor, be able to maintain an assigned altitude (+/-100 feet) and, assigned heading (+/- 10^o), and an assigned airspeed (+/-10 knots).

Lesson #3

(Dual)

Objectives:

To review lessons one and two; to develop the student’s proficiency in performing the four basic flight maneuver; to introduce the student to flight at minimum controllable airspeed and power off stalls.

Review:

Previous two lessons.

Introduce:

Maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed (MCA), power off stalls (imminent and full), descents and descending turns with power. Debriefing.  Preview next lesson.

Completion Standards:

At the end of this section, the student should be able to display with minimal assistance from the instructor, the four basic flight maneuvers and flight at minimum controllable airspeed.  During this and all subsequent lessons, the student should be checked and exhibit no degradation of the skills learned in previous lessons.  Use the Practical Test Standards as a guide.

Lesson #4

(Dual)

Objectives:

To review previous lessons thereby increasing the student’s competence in performing the fundamental flight maneuvers.  To introduce the student to power on stalls, the rectangular course, S-turns across a road, eights along a road, and elementary emergency landings.

Review:

Takeoff, traffic pattern departure, climbs and climbing turns, straight and level flight, medium bank turns, maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, power off stalls (imminent and full), glides and gliding turns, descents and descending turns with power, level off procedures, traffic pattern entry, flying the traffic pattern, landing. Debriefing.  Preview next lesson.

Introduce:

Power on stalls (imminent and full), the rectangular course, s-turns across a road, eights along a road, eights across a road, elementary emergency landing procedures. Debriefing.  Preview next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The lesson is successfully completed when the student is checked on a variety of skills learned in previous lessons and is able to perform them with minimal assistance from the instructor.  The student will be able to recognize the indications of an impending stall and make prompt and safe recovery from such.  The student will be able to maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively).  The student will display an elementary knowledge of emergency landings.

Lesson #5

(Dual)

Objectives:

To review previous lessons with emphasis on maneuvering with reference to ground objects.  To perform climbs at the best rate of climb and the best angle of climb, crosswind takeoffs and landings;  To introduce emergency procedures, performance of changes in airspeed and configuration, turns around a point, eights around pylons.

Review:

Takeoff, climbs and climbing turns, maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, power off and power on stalls (imminent and full), flying a rectangular course, S-turns across a road, eight along a road, eights across a road, elementary emergency landings, traffic pattern and landing.

Introduce:

Crosswind takeoff and landing, climbs at best rate, climbs at best angle, further develop emergency procedures, changes of airspeed and configuration, turns around a point, eights on pylons. Debriefing.  Preview next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will be able to recognize imminent and full stalls and make prompt and safe recoveries, perform ground reference maneuvers with correction for wind drift and good coordination, exhibits proper concept of crosswind technique for existing wind conditions.  The student should have a working knowledge of emergency procedures and be able to perform them with minimal assistance from the instructor.  During ground reference maneuvers, the student should maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively) to those assigned.

Lesson #6

(Dual)

Objectives:

To review previous lessons, to develop the student’s ability to perform slips, accelerated stalls, cross controlled stalls and advanced emergency landings; to improve the student’s proficiency in normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings; to introduce the student to rejected takeoffs and rejected landings.

Review:

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, climbs at best rate and best angle, power off and power on stalls (imminent and full), change of airspeed and configuration, turns about a point, eights on pylons, emergency procedures, normal and crosswind landings.

Introduce:

Rejected takeoffs, accelerated stalls, cross-controlled stalls, 180^o and 360 ^o gliding approaches, advanced emergency procedures, side slips and forward slips, rejected landings.  Debriefing and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will be able to perform stall recoveries with minimal loss of altitude, is able to make unassisted normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, can plan and fly emergency patterns with accuracy and consistency, execute rejected takeoffs and landings without assistance, can maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively).

Lesson #7

(Dual)

Objectives:

To review previous lessons.  To further develop the student’s competence in takeoffs, traffic patterns, and landings through concentrated practice.  To develop the student’s ability to sue slips during landing approaches and improve ability to perform rejected landings.

Review:

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, normal and crosswind landings, forward slips, rejected landings, 180^o and 360^o gliding approaches, advanced emergency landings, and emergency procedures.

Introduce:

No new material introduced; review only. Debrief and preview next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will be able to accurately fly traffic patterns and make unassisted normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, exhibit competence in rejected takeoffs and landings.  During traffic patterns, the student should maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively).

Lesson # 8 (Dual)

Objectives:

To review power off stalls, maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, and advanced emergency landings.  To continue to develop the student’s competence in takeoffs, traffic patterns, landings and to improve the ability to recover from poor approaches and landings.

Review:

Normal and crosswind takeoffs, power off stalls (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, advance emergency landings, normal and crosswind landings, rejected landings, recovery from poor approaches and landings. 

Introduce:

No new material introduced; review only. Debriefing and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will demonstrate a degree of proficiency with normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, traffic patterns and shows performance for safe solo flight in the traffic pattern. The student will demonstrate judgement and proper technique for recovery from poor approaches and landings.  The student should maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively).

Lesson #9

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s competence to a level which will allow the safe accomplishment of the first supervised solo in the traffic pattern.

Review:

Normal and crosswind takeoffs, normal and crosswind landings, rejected landings, recovery from poor approaches and landings, elementary emergency landings.

Introduce:

Solo flight.  The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will safely accomplish his/her first supervised solo flight in the traffic pattern.

Lesson #10

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To review previous lessons and to accomplish the student’s second supervised solo in the traffic pattern.

Review:

Takeoff and traffic departure, climbs and climbing turns, maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, power off stalls (imminent and full) advanced emergency landings, traffic patterns, approach to landing, landing, recovery from poor approaches and landings.

Introduce:

Second solo flight.  The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will safely accomplish presolo maneuvers and his/her second supervised solo flight in the traffic pattern. 

Lesson #11

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To review presolo maneuvers with higher levels of proficiency required.  To introduce short and soft field takeoffs and maximum climbs; and to accomplish the student’s third solo in the traffic pattern.

Review:

Selected presolo maneuvers, takeoffs, traffic patterns, landings, rejected takeoffs, rejected landings, recovery from poor approaches and landings.

Introduce:

Short field takeoffs and maximum climbs, soft field takeoffs. The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will safely accomplish presolo maneuvers and his/her third supervised solo flight in the traffic pattern.

Lesson #12

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To re-familiarize the student with the local practice area and to improve proficiency in presolo maneuvers in preparation for concentrated training in the local practice area.  To develop the student’s ability to obtain radar and DF heading instructions.  To develop the student’s ability to orient with relation to a VOR and to home using a non-directional beacon (ADF).

Review:

Practice area re-orientation, power off stalls (imminent and full), power on stalls (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, turns around a point, eight around pylons, crosswind takeoffs and landings, 180^o and 360^o gliding approaches, advance emergency landings, emergency procedures.

Introduce:

Use of radar and DF heading instructions, VOR orientation, ADF homing. The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will demonstrate an improved performance of the presolo maneuvers, is able to determine position in the local practice area by pilotage, VOR and ADF navigation, and can safely perform assigned maneuvers.  The student should be competent in obtaining radar and DF instruction, and in the performance of simulated emergency landings and emergency procedures.

Lesson #13

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s confidence and proficiency through solo practice of assigned maneuvers.

Review:

Normal and/or crosswind takeoffs and landings, power off stalls (imminent and full), power on stalls (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, other maneuvers specified by the instructor.

Introduce:

No new material is introduced; this lesson is to strengthen previous training. The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will have successfully completed this training when he/she demonstrates increase proficiency in the above maneuvers and procedures. The student should maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively). The student will make at least 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Lesson #14

(Dual)

Objectives:

To improve student’s proficiency in previously covered procedures and maneuvers; to review advanced emergency landings, emergency procedures and orientation by means of VOR and/or ADF.

Review:

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, power off stalls (imminent and full), power on stalls (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, accelerated stalls, eights around pylons, short and soft field takeoffs and landings, advanced emergency landings, emergency procedures, orientation by means of VOR and ADF. 

Introduce:

No new material is introduced; this lesson is to strengthen previous training. The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will have successfully completed this training when he/she demonstrates increase proficiency in the above maneuvers and procedures. The student should maintain headings, altitudes and airspeed (+/- 10^o, 100 feet and 10 knots, respectively).

Lesson #15

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To further develop the student’s confidence and proficiency through solo practice of assigned maneuvers.

Review:

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, turns about a point, eights around pylons, other maneuvers specified by the instructor.

Introduce:

No new material is introduced; this lesson is to strengthen previous training. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This lesson will successfully be completed when the student is judged to have improved performance in the assigned maneuvers. The student will make 3 solo takeoffs and full stop landings.

Lesson #16

(Dual)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s ability to plan, plot and fly a 2-hour day cross country flight with landings at one or more unfamiliar airports; to develop the student’s proficiency in navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and/or ADF; to develop the student’s ability to take appropriate action in emergency situations.

Review:

Flight Planning for a 2 hour daytime flight to an unfamiliar airport, weather checking, plotting the course, preparing flight log, filing and closing VFR flight plans.

Introduce:

Filing a VFR flight plan, pilotage, dead reckoning, tracking a VOR radial and or ADF homing, departure, en route and arrival communication, simulated diversion to an alternate airport, unfamiliar airport procedures, emergencies including DF and radar heading instructions, closing the VFR flight plan. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This section of the training is successfully completed when the student is able with instructor assistant to plan a cross country flight, fly the planned course making appropriate off course corrections, making appropriate radio communications.  The student should exhibit competency in navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and ADF.  The student is able to divert to an alternate airport in a simulated emergency.

Lesson #17

(Dual)

Objectives:

To improve the student’s proficiency in cross-country operations through planning, plotting and flying a second dual 2-hour cross-country with landings at one or more unfamiliar airports.  To improve the student’s competence navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and ADF.  To further develop the student’s ability to take appropriate action in emergency situations.

Review:

Flight Planning for a 2 hour daytime flight to an unfamiliar airport, weather checking, plotting the course, preparing flight log, filing and closing VFR flight plans.

Introduce:

Filing a VFR flight plan, pilotage, dead reckoning, tracking a VOR radial and or ADF homing, departure, en route and arrival communication, simulated diversion to an alternate airport, unfamiliar airport procedures, emergencies including DF and radar heading instructions, closing the VFR flight plan. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This section of the training is successfully completed when the student is able with instructor assistant to plan a cross country flight, fly the planned course making appropriate off course corrections, making appropriate radio communications.  The student should exhibit competency in navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and ADF.  The student is able to estimate arrival time (+/- 10 minutes).  The student should be able to give the instructor an accurate position report.  The student is able to divert to an alternate airport in a simulated emergency.

Lesson #18

(Solo)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s ability to plan, plot and fly a 3-hour cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of two unfamiliar airports, thereby improving proficiency and confidence in the conduct of future solo cross country flights.  To improve the student’s proficiency in navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and/or ADF; and to increase the ability to cope with new or unexpected flight situations.

Review:

Flight Planning for a 2 hour flight to a distant airport, weather checking, plotting the course, preparing flight log, procedures at unfamiliar airports, filing and closing VFR flight plans.

Introduce:

No new material is introduced here.  This is practical application of previous lessons. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The lesson is successfully completed when the student safely conducts a 2-hour flight to an airport as assigned by the instructor.  The instructor will determine how well the flight was conducted through oral questioning.

Lesson #19

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s ability to make night flight in the local practice area and in the airport traffic pattern.  To familiarize the student with such aspects of night operations as night vision, night orientation, judgement of distance, use of cockpit lights, position lights, landing lights, and night emergency procedures.

Review:

Night vision, vertigo, orientation in the local area, judgement of distance, aircraft lights, airport lights, taxi technique, takeoff and landing technique, collision avoidance, unusual attitude recovery, emergencies.

Introduce:

Night preflight, use of cockpit lights, taxi techniques, takeoff and departure techniques, area orientation, interpretation of aircraft and airport lights, recovery from unusual attitudes, radio communications, traffic pattern entry, power approaches to a full stop landing, use of landing lights, simulated electrical failure. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This lesson is successfully completed when the student can maintain orientation in the local flying area and traffic pattern, can accurately interpret aircraft and airport lights, can competently fly the traffic pattern and make safe takeoffs and landings, can perform night emergency procedures.  During oral quizzing, the student will demonstrate knowledge of night vision, vertigo, and special problems associated with night flight.

Lesson #20

(Solo)

Objectives:

To develop the student’s ability to plan, plot and fly a 2-hour night cross-country flight around a triangular course with at lease one landing at an unfamiliar airport.  To develop the student’s competence in navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, and radio navigation. To develop the student’s ability to take appropriate action in emergency situations.

Review:

Planning of a 2-hour night cross country flight to an unfamiliar airport, weather check, plotting the course, preparing a flight log, filing and closing VFR flight plan.

Introduce:

Filing the VFR flight plan, proper use of cockpit lights and flashlights for chart reading, pilotage (factors peculiar to night flying), dead reckoning, tracking VOR, homing to an ADF, departure, en route and arrival communications, simulated diversion to an alternate airport, emergencies (including electrical failure) DF and radar instructions, closing the VFR flight plan. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This lesson is successfully completed when the student is able with minimal assistance from the instructor, to perform pre-flight planning for night cross country flight, fly the planned course making appropriate off course corrections and appropriate radio communications.  The student will exhibit competence in navigation by pilotage, dead reckoning, VOR and ADF.  The student will exhibit competence in handling unexpected flight situations.

Lesson #21

(Solo)

Objectives:

To further develop the student’s competence in cross country operations through planning, plotting, and flying of a 3-hour day cross country flight with landings at two or more unfamiliar airports.  To improve the student’s proficiency in navigating by means of pilotage, dead reckoning, and radio navigation.  To further improve the student’s ability to take appropriate action in emergency situations.

Review:

Preflight planning for a 3 hour day cross country flight, including a weather check, plotting the course, preparing the flight log, filing and closing VFR flight plan, pilotage and dead reckoning, radio navigation, radio communications, procedures at unfamiliar airports, emergencies.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  This is a practical application of previously learned material.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This lesson is successfully completed when the student is able to plan, plot and fly a 3-hour day cross-country flight.  The instructor will determine how well the flight was conducted through oral questioning.

Lesson #22

(Solo)

Objectives:

To further develop the student’s competence in cross country operations through planning, plotting, and flying of a 4-hour day cross country flight with landings at two or more unfamiliar airports, each of which is at least 100 nautical miles distant from others.

Review:

Preflight planning of a 4-hour cross country flight with all legs at least 100 nautical miles, including a weather check, plotting the course, preparing the flight log, filing and closing VFR flight plan, pilotage and dead reckoning, radio navigation, radio communications, procedures at unfamiliar airports, emergencies.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  This is a practical application of previously learned material.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

This lesson is successfully completed when the student is able to plan, plot and fly a 4-hour day cross-country flight.  The instructor will determine how well the flight was conducted through oral questioning.

Lesson #23

(Dual)

Objectives:

To develop precision in the student’s performance of procedures and maneuvers covered previously with emphasis directed to stalls.

Review:

Power off stalls (imminent and full), power on stalls, (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, 180^o and 360^o gliding approaches, advanced emergency landings, slips, crosswind takeoffs and landings, short and soft field takeoffs and landings, emergency procedures.

Introduce:

ASR approaches. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will demonstrate improved performance in the maneuvers given.  The student should be able to make an ASR approach with minimal instructor assistance.

Lesson #24

(Dual and Solo)

Objectives:

To further develop the student’s competence through practice of assigned maneuvers.

Review:

Power off stalls (imminent and full), power on stalls, (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, short and soft field takeoffs and landings, other maneuvers assigned by the instructor. The student will make multiple solo takeoffs and full stop landings.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  Previously learned material is reinforced. Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will demonstrate improved performance in the maneuvers given.

Lesson #25

(Dual)

Objectives:

To develop improved performance and precision in the procedures and maneuvers covered previously with emphasis directed to ground track maneuvers.

Review:

Maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, turns about a point, eights around pylons, 180^o and 360^o gliding approaches, advanced emergency landings, slips, crosswind takeoffs and landings, ASR approach.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  Previously learned material is reinforced.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will demonstrate improved performance in the maneuvers given.

Lesson #26

(Dual)

Objectives:

To further develop the student’s competence through practice of assigned maneuvers.  Emphasis will be directed to ground track maneuvers.

Review:

Turns about a point, eights around pylons, short and soft field takeoff and landing, other maneuvers as assigned by the instructor.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  Previously learned material is reinforced.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student will demonstrate improved performance in the maneuvers given.  The student will demonstrate improved performance in ground track maneuvers.

Lesson #27

(Dual)

Objectives:

To improve the student’s proficiency in the pilot operations required on the private pilot (airplane) check flight.

Review:

Ground track maneuvers, power on and power off stalls (imminent and full), maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, crosswind landings and takeoffs, other maneuver assigned by the instructor.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  Previously learned material is reinforced.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The lesson is successfully completed when the student has gained proficiency in the maneuvers assigned by the instructor.

Lesson #28

(Dual)

Objectives:

To evaluate the student’s performance of the procedures and maneuvers necessary to conduct flight operations as a private pilot.

Review:

Power on and power off stalls (imminent and full) maneuvering at minimum controllable airspeed, ground tracking maneuvers, 180^o and 360^o gliding approaches, advanced emergency landings, short and soft field takeoff and landing, straight and level flight, turns, climbs, descents, recovery from unusual attitudes by reference to flight instruments, tracking VOR radials, ADF homing, use of radar and DF heading instructions, ASR Approach, emergency operations.

Introduce:

No new material introduced.  Previously learned material is reinforced.  Debrief and preview of next lesson.

Completion Standards:

The student completes the assigned maneuvers and procedures to Practical Test Standards and shows competence to conduct operations as a private pilot.

Reference:

This material was adapted from Flight Instructor Airplane - Flight Manual (1993) published by American Flyers  (An Excellent Flight School, by the way)