Private Pilot · Lesson Plans

01 - Basics of Flight

Charath Ranganathan · March 2024

Introduction

The first flight introduces the student to the structure of typical flight lessons and allows them to build a relationship with their instructor.

Risk management and the importance of checklists are emphasized.

Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the structure of a typical flight lesson.
2. Use the preflight checklist to preflight the aircraft.
3. Understand, and explain, the various items on the checklist and relate potential failures to the safety of flight.
4. Perform a pre-takeoff check (aka runup).
5. Perform a normal takeoff and climb to the practice area.
6. Demonstrate basic flight maneuvers: climbs, descents, straight and level flight, and turns.
7. Divide attention between external references and flight instruments.

Elements

1. Student & instructor introductions, familiarity, agreements.
2. Checklist usage
3. Preflight
4. Engine start, taxiing, and pre-takeoff checks
5. Takeoff and climb
6. Straight and level flight
7. Shallow turns
8. Climbs and descents
9. Trim usage
10. Approach and landing

Schedule

• Ground: 0.5
• Preflight: 0.5
• Flight: 0.7

Pre-read

Jeppesen Private Pilot Maneuvers Textbook:

• Chapter 1 (Ground Operations): All maneuvers
• Chapter 2 (Basic Manevers): All maneuvers

Jeppesen Private Pilot Textbook:

• Chapter 2 (Airplane Systems): Section A (Airplanes)

• Review checklist and print a copy (two-sided, flip on short edge)

Discussion

• Student / instructor agreement:
  • On-time
  • Be prepared
  • Ask questions
  • Communicate
• Certification timeline
  • Minimum 40 hours
  • Typically 60 - 80 hours
  • Try to fly at least once a week, preferably twice.
• Budget: Approximately $ 12,000 (2024 rates at AACIT)
• Logistics:
  • Schedule aircraft on ScheduleMaster
  • Settling bills
  • Instructor payment: Due at end of every lesson

Homework

Jeppesen Private Pilot Maneuvers Textbook:

• Chapter 5 (Flight Maneuvers): Slow flight, Steep turns

Jeppesen Private Pilot Textbook:

• Chapter 2 (Airplane Systems): Section B (The Powerplant and Related Systems)