Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Vmc Demonstration Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area X, Task B
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) VMC Demonstration Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with VMC demonstration.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, VMC Demonstration:0:30Part 3, VMC Demonstration Guided Scenario(s):0:05Part 4, 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.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
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:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Step 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Step 2, Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative (AMEL, AMES):
- Step 3, VMC Demonstration Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a VMC guided scenario(s).
- Step 4, Conclude Lesson:
- Discuss aeromedical training locations/opportunities.
- 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.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Vmc Demonstration 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).
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Do the Right Thing.
- 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
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative (AMEL, AMES) Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with VMC demonstration.
- Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
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CA.X.B.K1: Factors affecting VMC and how VMC differs from stall speed (VS). -
CA.X.B.K2: VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and VSSE (safe single-engine speed). -
CA.X.B.K3: Cause of loss of directional control at airspeeds below VMC. -
CA.X.B.K4: Proper procedures for maneuver entry and safe recovery
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
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CA.X.B.R1: Configuring the Airplane. -
CA.X.B.R2: Maneuvering with one engine inoperative. -
CA.X.B.R3:
Skills 8 ACS Elements
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CA.X.B.S1: Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, in the absence of the manufacturer's recommendations, then at safe single-engine speed (VSSE/VYSE), as appropriate, and:-
CA.X.B.S1a: Landing gear retracted. -
CA.X.B.S1b: Flaps set for takeoff. -
CA.X.B.S1c: Cowl flaps set for takeoff. -
CA.X.B.S1d: Trim set for takeoff. -
CA.X.B.S1e: Propellers set for high revolutions per minute (rpm). -
CA.X.B.S1f: Power on critical engine reduced to idle and propeller windmilling. -
CA.X.B.S1g: Power on operating engine set to takeoff or maximum available power.
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CA.X.B.S2: Establish a single-engine climb attitude with the airspeed at approximately 10 knots above VSSE. -
CA.X.B.S3: Establish a bank angle not to exceed 5° toward the operating engine, as required for best performance and controllability. -
CA.X.B.S4: Increase the pitch attitude slowly to reduce the airspeed at approximately 1 knot per second while applying increased rudder pressure as needed to maintain directional control. -
CA.X.B.S5: Recognize and recover at the first indication of loss of directional control, stall warning, or buffet. -
CA.X.B.S6: Recover promptly by simultaneously reducing power sufficiently on the operating engine, decreasing the angle of attack as necessary to regain airspeed and directional control, and without adding power on the simulated failed engine. -
CA.X.B.S7: Recover within 20° of entry heading. -
CA.X.B.S8: Advance power smoothly on the operating engine and accelerate to VSSE/VYSE, as appropriate, ±5 knots during recovery.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- VMC Demonstration develops the knowledge, disciplined habits, and operational judgment commercial pilots need for safe and predictable flight operations.
- Connecting procedures with aircraft limitations, environmental conditions, and available alternatives helps pilots recognize hazards before safety margins are reduced.
- Consistent checklist use, situational awareness, communication, and sound aeronautical decision-making turn lesson concepts into dependable performance.
- Continued study and scenario-based practice with VMC Demonstration prepare commercial pilots for more complex tasks and increasingly demanding 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.