Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task G
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency approach and landing procedures.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Emergency Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Emergency Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 4, Emergency Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, 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:
- Emergency Approach and Landing simulate an emergency situation where an aircraft is required to descend as rapidly as possible to a forced landing with little or no power (engine failure) available
- Additionally, Emergency Approach and Landing improve pilot technique for power off turns, wind drift control, planning, orientation, and division of attention
- Gliding distance varies by airspeed, altitude, obstructions, wind direction, landing directions, landing surface and gradient, and landing distance required
- When conducted for training expect the instructor to callout (over the ICS) "Simulate Emergency Landing"
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) or an internet-enabled device to access FARs.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Instructor endorsement log.
- Pilot Logbook.
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Reference Materials:
- Emergency Descent Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Register for the WINGS Program.
- Basicmed.
- Medxpress System.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Materials
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Step 1, Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the emergency descent definition and objective.
- Review the airman certification standards for emergency descent.
- Step 2, Emergency Approach and Landing:
- Demonstrate where to find the emergency locator transmitter in the aircraft and switchology, if able .
- Discuss case studies and relate how initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario to evaluate application of ACS knowledge, risk management, and skills.
- Present the conclusion and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Register for the WINGS program, if not done so already.
- Complete initial BasicMed requirements.
- Complete a student pilot certificate application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or by paper using FAA form 8710-1.
- Complete an electronic application for an FAA Medical Clearance, Medical Certificate, or Student Pilot Medical Certificate through the FAA's MedXPress system.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Approach & Landing (Simulated) Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency approach and landing procedures
- Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.B.K1: Immediate action items and emergency procedures. -
CA.IX.B.K2: Airspeed, including:-
CA.IX.B.K2a: Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance. -
CA.IX.B.K2b: Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed. -
CA.IX.B.K2c: Effects of wind on glide distance.
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CA.IX.B.K3: Effects of atmospheric conditions on emergency approach and landing. -
CA.IX.B.K4: A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts. -
CA.IX.B.K5: Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and other emergency locating devices. -
CA.IX.B.K6: Air traffic control (ATC) services to aircraft in distress.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.B.R1: Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations. -
CA.IX.B.R2: Following or changing the planned flightpath to the selected landing area. -
CA.IX.A.R3: -
CA.IX.A.R4: Configuring the airplane. -
CA.IX.A.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.IX.A.R4:
Skills 6 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.B.S1: Establish and maintain the recommended best glide airspeed, ±10 knots. -
CA.IX.B.S2: Configure the airplane in accordance with the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)\Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and existing conditions. -
CA.IX.B.S3: Select a suitable landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance. -
CA.IX.B.S4: Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions. -
CA.IX.B.S5: Prepare for landing as specified by the evaluator. -
CA.IX.B.S6: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Emergency Approach and Landing Simulated develops the calm, disciplined response needed when time, altitude, aircraft capability, or available options are limited.
- Early recognition, aircraft control, checklist use, clear priorities, and continuous evaluation of recovery or landing options help prevent an abnormal event from becoming unmanageable.
- Scenario practice strengthens situational awareness and aeronautical decision-making so pilots can adapt procedures to the aircraft, environment, and urgency of the event.
- Continued practice with Emergency Approach and Landing Simulated prepares commercial pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.
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Closure:
- Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
- Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.