Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area II, Task F
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Before Takeoff Check Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Baseline Tasks:0:15Part 3, Ground Tasks:0:15Part 4, Anomalies & Malfunctions:0:15Part 5, Before Takeoff Check Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention-Getter:
- Research a 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:
- Before takeoff flows/checks ensure the aircraft and pilot has successfully completed all pre-takeoff checks and are ready for takeoff
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Aircraft cockpit or poster.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Ground Procedures Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Checklist Usage in Aviation Supplement.
- Emergency Procedures Supplement.
- Takeoff and Climb Performance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Aeronautical Decision Making Supplement.
- Wake Turbulence Supplement.
- Taxiing Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride 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, Baseline Tasks:
- Review checklist usage.
- Review aircraft system limitations.
- Review aircraft takeoff performance.
- Review aircraft preflight, as it pertains to before takeoff checks
- Part 3, Ground Tasks:
- Review division of attention while conducting pre-flight checks
- Review confirmation/expectation bias.
- Review wake turbulence.
- Review taxi procedures.
- Part 4, Anamolies & Malfunctions:
- Review emergency procedures.
- Part 5, Engine Start-up Guided Scenario(s).
- Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
- 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)
- Take checklist and review each item, why they are performed, and how to detect malfunctions
- Discuss impacts of taking off with a bad mag (following an improper check or undetected malfunction)
- Discuss impacts of transponder being in the improper mode
- Discuss clearing the area for takeoff and potential recognition time of someone on final if low-visibility
- None
- Aids: None
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- 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) Before Takeoff Check Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-23 (Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
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CA.II.F.K1: Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:-
CA.II.F.K1a: Reasons for checking each item. -
CA.II.F.K1b: Detecting malfunctions. -
CA.II.F.K1c: Ensuring the aircraft is in safe operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer.
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Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
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CA.II.F.R1: Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks. -
CA.II.F.R2: Unexpected runway changes by air traffic control (ATC). -
CA.II.F.R3: Wake turbulence. -
CA.II.F.R4: Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.
Skills 5 ACS Elements
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CA.II.F.S1: Review takeoff performance. -
CA.II.F.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
CA.II.F.S3: Position the airplane appropriately considering wind direction and the presence of any aircraft, vessels, or buildings as applicable. -
CA.II.F.S4: Divide attention inside and outside the flight deck. -
CA.II.F.S5: Verify that engine parameters and airplane configuration are suitable.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Before Takeoff Check combines performance planning, directional control, and precise aircraft configuration during a phase of flight with little time or altitude to correct errors.
- Wind, runway condition, density altitude, weight, obstacles, and aircraft limitations must be evaluated before committing to the takeoff.
- Briefing abort points, continuously evaluating acceleration and aircraft response, and acting decisively when performance is not as expected transform calculations into meaningful risk management.
- Continued practice with Before Takeoff Check prepares commercial pilots for more demanding runway, weather, and aircraft-performance scenarios later in training.
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Closure:
- 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.
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
- Assign study materials for the next lesson