Instrument Rating Loss of Communications Lesson Plan
Instrument Rating • ACS Area VII, Task A
The Instrument Rating Loss of Communications Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with loss of communications while operating solely by reference to instruments.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Loss of Communications:0:15Part 3, Loss of Communications Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 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
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Motivator:
- You've been flying along enjoying your day sightseeing as you approach the controlled airspace above your destination only to realize you cannot reach the control tower
- You're low on gas, and you cannot talk to anyone, what will you do?
- Good judgment must always be exercised as it is virtually impossible to provide regulations and procedures for all situations
- Intercept a "known value," on in other words, be as predictable to ATC and other aircraft as you can
- In the event of a two-way radio communications failure, ATC service will be provided on the basis that the pilot is operating in accordance with 14 CFR Section 91.185
- A pilot experiencing two-way communications failure should (unless emergency authority is exercised) comply with 14 CFR Section 91.185
- You've been flying along enjoying your day sightseeing as you approach the controlled airspace above your destination only to realize you cannot reach the control tower
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Pilot Operating Handbook
- Weight & Balance Form Template
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Lost Communication Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Aerodynamics and Performance Supplement.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Essential Aerodynamics.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Crew Resource Management Supplement.
- 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, Loss of Communications:
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- Part 3, Loss of Communications Guided Scenario(s):
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- Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
- Discuss the possible differences between calculated performance and actual performance.
- 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.
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).
- Find all limitations in POH.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Essential Aerodynamics.
- 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
Instrument Rating Loss of Communications Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with loss of communications while operating solely by reference to instruments.
- References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge).
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
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IR.VII.A.K1: Procedures to follow in the event of lost communication during various phases of flight, including techniques for reestablishing communications, when it is acceptable to deviate from an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance, and when to begin an approach at the destination.
Risk Management 2 ACS Elements
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IR.VII.A.R1: Possible reasons for loss of communication. -
IR.VII.A.R2: Deviation from procedures for lost communications.
Skills 5 ACS Elements
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IR.VII.A.S1: Recognize a simulated loss of communication. -
IR.VII.A.S2: -
IR.VII.A.S3: Determine whether to continue to flight plan destination or deviate. -
IR.VII.A.S4: Determine appropriate time to begin an approach. -
IR.VII.A.S5: Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Loss of Communications 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 Loss of Communications prepares instrument 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.