Lesson 13: Performance Takeoffs and Landings
Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0
Objective:
Introduce student to varying runway conditions and develop skill during takeoff and landing.
Discussion topics:
performance computation
elements related to performance takeoffs and landings
Review:
flight at slow airspeeds with realistic distractions
recognition and recovery from low-level stalls forward slips
Introduce:
short-field takeoff and climb
soft-field takeoff and climb
short-field approach and landing
soft-field approach and landing
Completion standards:
Student understanding of the need to use performance takeoffs and landings
Student demonstration of the correct procedure to be used under simulated or actual conditions
Next Lesson: #14
Solo Practice
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the September 1996 AOPA Pilot magazine article Skill Sharpening: A Solo Syllabus
Read the May 10,2002 Training Tips article in the AOPA ePilot Student Newsletter: Making the Most of Your Solo Flights
Lesson 14: Solo Practice
Dual—ground: 0.2
Solo—1.0
Objective:
To increase student proficiency with solo takeoffs and landings
Discussion topics:
solo traffic pattern procedures
Review:
radio communications
taxiing
before-takeoff check
normal takeoff and climb
traffic patterns
normal approach and landing
after-landing procedures
parking and securing
Completion standards:
Use of correct takeoff techniques. Rotation speed within 5 knots
Stabilized approach to landing. Final approach speed within 5 knots
Smooth landing within 300 feet of desired touchdown location
Judgment-executes go-around if necessary
Next Lesson: #15
Navigation
Suggested student homework assignments:
Study Chapter 14 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge .
Read the May 1997 AOPA Pilot article Navigation Necessities
Lesson 15: Navigation
Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.5, simulated instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Introduction to use of aircraft's navigation systems
Discussion topics:
use of VOR system to include identification and tracking VOR signals
use of all available resources in the aircraft
Review:
performance takeoffs and landings
flight by reference to instruments
Introduce:
VOR orientation and tracking
ADF orientation and homing
GPS orientation and tracking
emergency descents using radio aids or radar vectors
use of airplane navigation systems in emergency situations
Completion standards:
Demonstrate basic understanding of use of aircraft navigation systems
Next Lesson: #16
Introduction to Cross-Country Flying
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the November 7, 2003, Training Tips article in the AOPA ePilot Student Newsletter: Checking that Checkpoint.
Study cruise performance and fuel consumption calculations as given in the performance charts in your Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Review airspace in Chapter 3 of the Aeronautical Information Manual.
Lesson 16: Introduction to Cross-Country Flight
Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 2.0, simulated instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Introduction to cross-country flying procedures to include flight planning, pilotage, and dead reckoning; diversion to an alternate airport; and lost procedures
Discussion topics:
Use of flight publications
Route selection and flight planning
Airspace rules
Weather information
Fuel requirements
Performance limitations
Navigation log
Opening and closing flight plans
Weight and balance computation
Cockpit management
Aeronautical decisionmaking
Review:
VOR orientation and tracking
ADF orientation and homing
GPS orientation and tracking
Emergency procedures
Flight by reference to instruments
Introduce:
Setting cruise power and fuel mixture
Estimating in-flight visibility
Computing groundspeed, ETA, and fuel consumption
Obtaining in-flight weather information
Operations at unfamiliar airports
Position fix by navigation facilities
Use of Approach Control and Departure Control
Completion standards:
Demonstrate the skill to control the aircraft during a cross-country flight and make necessary corrections to ensure proper course
Arrive at ETA within 3 minutes (recalculating groundspeed based on changed winds, if necessary)
Next Lesson: #17
Introduction to Night Flight
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read "Flying's Forgotten 5 Percent," an article on night flying from the September 2004 AOPA Flight Training available online.
Review ASF Safety Hot Spot: Flying Night VFR.
Lesson 17: Introduction to Night Flight
Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 1.0
Objective:
Introduce the student to the basics of and preparations for flying at night.
Discussion topics:
preparation techniques for night flying
visual illusions
night scanning techniques and collision avoidance
night flying regulations
airport lighting
Introduce (night flight):
normal and crosswind takeoff and climb
power-off stalls and recovery
power-on stalls and recovery
steep turns
maneuvering during slow flight
VFR navigation
normal and crosswind approach and landing
emergency procedures
Completion standards:
Complete five takeoffs and landings at night under varying conditions (landing light off, runway lights off)
Demonstration of ability to return to airport using all available resources
Altitude within 150 feet, airspeed within 10 knots, heading within 10 degrees
Next Lesson:#18
Night Cross-Country Flying
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the January 2001 AOPA Pilot article Into the Heart of Darkness .
Familiarization with the night flying requirements for private pilots in the Federal Aviation Regulations .
Lesson 18: Night Cross-Country
Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 2.0, simulated instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Introduce student to basics of navigation at night, and help to prepare the student for solo cross-country flight.
Discussion topics:
sectional charts
flight publications
route selection and basic navigation procedures
weather information
fuel and performance requirements
weight and balance
navigation log
FAA flight plan
cockpit management
aeronautical decision making
aeromedical factors
night VFR fuel requirements
Review:
emergency operations
lost procedures
night operations
Completion standards:
Demonstrate ability to safely perform a cross-country flight as the sole occupant of the airplane
Demonstrate complete flight planning skills
Altitude within 100 feet, airspeed within 10 knots, heading within 10 degrees
Next Lesson: #19
Solo Cross-Country
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Advisor: Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots .
Read the January 27, 2006 AOPA ePilot Student Newsletter's Training Tips article "Solo Limitations."
Practice obtaining weather briefings and making go/no-go decisions based on the information provided.
