Private Pilot (Airplane) Constant Airspeed Descents Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area VIII, Task C
The Private Pilot (Airplane) Constant Airspeed Descents Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed descents solely by reference to instruments.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Constant Airspeed Descents:0:15Part 3, Constant Airspeed Descents Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Constant Airspeed Descents 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:
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- 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:
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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:
- Pilot Operating Handbook.
- Electronic Flight Bag.
- Accessible (parked) aircraft for access to:
- Airworthiness certificate.
- Registration certificates.
- Radio station license (if available).
- Pilot Operating Handbook with Weight & Balance data.
- A&P with aircraft logbook.
- Internet connection (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
- Supplemental type certificate example.
- Special flight permit example.
- Airworthiness directive example.
- Service bulletin example.
- Minimum equipment list (if available).
- Kinds of equipment list (if available).
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
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, Constant Airspeed Descents:
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- Part 3, Constant Airspeed Descents Risk Management:
- Part 4, Constant Airspeed Descents Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Part 5, 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Constant Airspeed Descents 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).
- 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
Private Pilot (Airplane) Constant Airspeed Descents Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed descents solely by reference to instruments
- References:FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
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PA.VIII.C.K1: Flight instruments as related to:-
PA.VIII.C.K1a: Instrument limitations and potential errors. -
PA.VIII.C.K1b: Indication of the aircraft attitude. -
PA.VIII.C.K1c: Function and operation. -
PA.VIII.C.K1d: Proper instrument cross-check techniques.
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Risk Management 8 ACS Elements
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PA.VIII.C.R1: Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings. -
PA.VIII.C.R2: When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation. -
PA.VIII.C.R3: -
PA.VIII.C.R4: -
PA.VIII.C.R5: Fixation and omission. -
PA.VIII.C.R6: Instrument Interpretation. -
PA.VIII.C.R7: Control application solely by reference to instruments. -
PA.VIII.C.R8:
Skills 3 ACS Elements
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PA.VIII.C.S1: Transition to the descent pitch attitude and power setting on an assigned heading using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated flight control application. -
PA.VIII.C.S2: Descend at a constant airspeed to specific altitudes in straight flight and turns. -
PA.VIII.C.S3: Level off at the assigned altitude and maintain altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Constant Airspeed Descents develops the knowledge, disciplined habits, and operational judgment private 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 Constant Airspeed Descents prepare private 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.