Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan
Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task C
The Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:0:15Part 3, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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:
- PIC is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft
- Pilots must be prepared to act in the event of an abnormal condition (abnormalities not time threatening) or an emergency (immediate action required)
- In an emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot-in-command and remote pilot-in-command may deviate from FAR 91 or FAR 107 respectively, to the extend required to meet the emergency
- If the PIC choses to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
- Note this is not a blanket clearance to perform unnecessary deviations!
- Unless deviation is necessary under the emergency authority of 91.3, pilots of IFR flights experiencing two-way radio communication failure are expected to adhere to the procedures prescribed under "IFR operations, two-way radio communications failure"
- If the PIC choses to deviate from the provisions of an ATC clearance, the PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
- Troubleshooting is important but don't fix an airplane airborne when you can safely land first
- Be directive, if you want something, tell them, don't let ATC drive you
- Declare emergencies with general terms, use "electrical" or "engine" for example
- The PIC must notify ATC as soon as possible and obtain an amended clearance
- Discrete emergency frequencies may be assigned by ATC
- By default use CTAF or guard (121.5/243.0)
- You must hear different radio communications
- Emergency hand signals are listed in 6-5-3
- First 3 seconds, ask yourself, where am I? What do I have? Is the light valid?
- With every emergency there will be primary and secondary signals
- It is important to realize that secondary indications may, or may not be present
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:
- Emergency Descent Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Aerodynamics and Performance Supplement.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Essential Aerodynamics.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Aircraft Electrical Systems Supplement.
- Pitot Static and Vacuum Systems Supplement.
- Aircraft Landing Gear Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management 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, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions:
- Part 3, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Risk Management:
- Part 4, Systems and Equipment Malfunctions Guided Scenario(s):
- Part 5, 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.
Guided Scenario(s)
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
Private Pilot (Airplane) Systems & Equipment Malfunctions Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the airplane provided for the practical test
- 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 5 ACS Elements
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PA.IX.C.K1: Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).-
PA.IX.C.K1a: [Archived]. -
PA.IX.C.K1b: [Archived]. -
PA.IX.C.K1c: [Archived]. -
PA.IX.C.K1d: [Archived].
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PA.IX.C.K2: System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:-
PA.IX.C.K2a: Electrical malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.K2b: Vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions. -
PA.IX.C.K2c: Pitot/static system malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.K2d: Electronic flight deck display malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.K2e: Landing gear or flap malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.K2f: Inoperative trim.
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PA.IX.C.K3: Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft. -
PA.IX.C.K4: Any other system specific to the airplane (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing). -
PA.IX.C.K5: Inadvertent door or window opening.
Risk Management 4 ACS Elements
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PA.IX.C.R1: Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction. -
PA.IX.C.R2: -
PA.IX.C.R3: Undesired aircraft state. -
PA.IX.C.R4: Startle response.
Skills 2 ACS Elements
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PA.IX.C.S1: Describe appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5 above. -
PA.IX.C.S2: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Systems and Equipment Malfunctions 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 Systems and Equipment Malfunctions prepares private pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.
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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