Private Pilot Airplane Ground Training Syllabus

AC 61-21; 14 CFR Parts 61; 91; FAA 8080-1B

Copyright 1993, 1996 Aviation Safety Research

Private Pilot Airplane Ground Training Rev. 12/92

36 Hours

Stage I Lessons: 1 - 4..........................12 Hours

Stage II Lessons: 5 - 8 ........................12 Hours

Stage III Lessons: 9 - 13......................12 Hours

 

PURPOSE: This syllabus provides flight instructors with a detailed summary of specific actions to be taken during periods of ground instruction. It's purpose is to maintain a high degree of professional integrity, by ensuring that specific areas of knowledge on the FAA Written Test are learned.

 

Objectives: You will obtain the necessary aeronautical knowledge and meet the prerequisites specified in Part 61 of FAR's for the private pilot written test.

 

Completion Standards: You will demonstrate, through oral, written tests, and school records that you meet the prerequisites specified in Part 61 of the FAR's, and have the knowledge necessary to pass the written test.

 

Recommended texts for use with this ground training syllabus are:

a. The Pilot's Handbook Of Aeronautical Knowledge.

b. AC 61-21A Flight Training Handbook

c. FAA-8080-1B Private Pilot Question Book

d. AC 00-6A Aviation Wather, AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services.

e. VFR Exam-O-Grams

f. Airman's Information Manual

g. 14 CFR Parts 1, 61, & 91

 

INSTRUCTOR: Initial each step when completed. The contents of this syllabus parallels the subject areas in the Private Pilot Question Book.

 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All words, pictorials, graphics and compiled information are protected from unauthorized use by U.S. Copyright Laws. The protected material may not be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or used for data base updating by any means without prior written consent of Thomas Gorski (503) 399-8764

 

PRIVATE PILOT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

(Excerpt from FAR Part 61 Effective To August 4th, 1997)

Minimum 20 hrs. instruction, including at least 3 hrs. Cross-Country, 3 hours night, and 3 hours preparation for the flight test.

Minimum 20 hrs. solo flight, including at least 10 hrs. Cross-Country (at least 50 nautical miles) with one flight of at least 300 nautical miles, with a landing at least 100 NM from the point of departure.

At least three solo takeoffs & landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

For detailed information in these areas, see CFR Part 61 concerning Private Pilot, Airplane (Subpart D)

 

To obtain a Private Pilot License, you must be at least 17 years old, be able to read, speak and understand English, hold at least a current Class III Medical Certificate, pass an FAA Written and Flight Test, and meet the minimum requirements of Flight Time and Instruction. The requirements for Aeronautical Knowledge are to have completed either a course of Instruction or Home Study in at least the following areas: Federal regulations & requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board, and use of the "Airman's Information Manual" and "FAA Advisory Circulars."

 

Visual Navigation using Pilotage, Dead Reckoning & Radio Navigation; Safe & Efficient Operation of Airplanes, including High Density Airport Operations, Collision Avoidance Precautions and Communications.

Basic Aerodynamics and The Principles of Flight.

The procurement and use of Weather Reports and Forecasts, and the Recognition of Critical Weather Situations from ground & in flight.

Requirements for Flight Proficiency are a Logbook Record certifying you have received instruction in and are competent in the following:

Preflight operations, including weight & balance determination, line inspection and airplane servicing;

Airport & Traffic Pattern Operations, including operations at controlled airports, radio communications and collision avoidance.

Flight Maneuvering by reference to ground objects; Flight at critically slow airspeeds, & the recovery from imminent and full stalls entered from straight flight and from turns.

Normal, crosswind and maximum performance takeoffs & landings, night takeoffs & landings, including night visual navigation, and at least 10 night takeoffs and landings.

Control & maneuvering solely by reference to instruments; including descents & climbs using radio aids or radar directives; Cross-Country flying, including a 2 hour flight using Pilotage, dead reckoning & radio navigation.

Emergency operations with simulated aircraft & equipment malfunctions.

 

STAGE ONE--LESSONS 1, 2, 3, & 4: 12 HOURS.

 

STAGE ONE OBJECTIVE: To develop knowledge of the important aeronautical terms used in relation to: The Atmosphere, To Aircraft Engines, To Flight Instruments, Aerodynamics, and Aeronautical Chart Symbols; Radio Communications, Airspace Restrictions, Federal Airspace Regulations, and Radio Navigation.

 

STAGE ONE COMPLETION STANDARD: This stage will be successfully completed when the you pass the Stage I Written Exam with a grade of at least 75%

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #1. 2 Hours.

Objective: You will be introduced to the terms and principles encountered in the flying environment, and their effects on aircraft performance.

Contents:

________(1) True Altitude

________(2) Absolute Altitude

________(3) Density Altitude

________(4) Altimeter Setting

________(5) Humidity

________(7) Pressure Altitude

________(6) Indicated Altitude

________(7) Determining Density Altitude

________(8) Determining Pressure Altitude

Completion Standards: You will have successfully completed this lesson when, by oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of the various terms and principles encountered in the flight environment, and on how they relate to the aircraft altitude indication systems and aircraft performance.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #2. 2 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson you will be instructed in airplane engine systems, & flight instruments.

Contents:

________(1) Induction System Icing

________(2) Ignition Systems

________(3) Temperature

________(4) Oil System

________(5) Use Of Proper Fuel

________(6) Fuel/Air Mixture

________(7) Attitude Indicator

________(8) Turn Coordinator

________(9) Heading Indicator

________(10) Magnetic Compass Errors

________(11) Airspeed Indicator

________(12) Pitot System

________(13) Static System

________(14) Altimeter Indications

Completion Standards: You will have successfully completed this lesson when, by oral questioning, a working knowledge of aircraft engine systems and flight instruments is displayed.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #3. 2 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be given instruction in the aerodynamic forces that act on an airplane, the terms used in aerodynamics, and on the safe operation of the airplane while on the ground.

Contents:

________(1) Thrust, Lift, Weight And Drag

________(2) Horizontal Component Of Lift

________(3) Wing Flaps

________(4) Angle Of Attack

________(5) Load Factors

________(6) P Factor

________(7) Yaw

________(8) Stability

________(9) Slipstream

________(10) Center Of Gravity

________(11) Frost

________(12) Torque Effects

________(13) Stalls

________(14) Spins

________(15) Ground Effect

________(16) Taxiing In A Wind

Completion Standards: This lesson will have successfully completed when you can discuss the aerodynamics that relate to operation of the airplane near the limits of it's envelope, and have a knowledge of how to position the flight controls in different surface wind situations. Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #4. 2 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be given instruction in the relationship of time zones to geographical areas, on communications procedures, and on sectional aeronautical chart information.

Contents:

________(1) Time Zones

________(2) Traffic Advisories

________(3) Common Traffic Advisory Freq. (CTAF)

________(4) Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB)

________(5) Enroute Flight Advisory Service(EFAS)

________(6) Unicom

________(7) Control Tower Frequencies

________(8) Approach Control Frequencies

________(9) Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

________(10) Flight Service Stations (FSS)

________(11) Air Traffic Control (ATC)

________(12) Determining Latitude And Longitude

________(13) Military Operations Area (MOA)

________(14) Uncontrolled Airspace

This lesson will have been successfully completed when, by oral questioning, you can show how to correctly work time zone conversions, and have knowledge of advisory and ATC frequencies, and depiction’s on sectional charts, as they relate to Federal Regulations.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #5. 3 Hours.

OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will be given instruction on the Code of Federal Regulations as they pertain to airspace and radio communications, on Pilotage, dead reckoning, sectional chart symbols, and on radio navigation.

Contents:

________(1) Visibility and Cloud Clearance

________(2) National Wildlife Areas

________(3) Warning Areas

________(4) Airport Radar Service Areas (ARSA)

________(5) Military Flight Operations (IR, VR)

________(6) Federal Airways

________(7) Terminal Control Area (TCA)

________(8) Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

________(9) Control Zone

________(10) Aeronautical Chart

________(11) Airport Facility Directory (AFD)

________(12) Magnetic Course

________(13) Estimated Time Enroute (ETE)

________(14) Magnetic Heading

________(15) Compass Heading

________(16) Magnetic Course

________(17) Omnireceiver Check

________(18) VOR/VORTAC Radials

________(19) VOR Navigation

________(20) ADF Navigation

________(21) Magnetic Bearing

________(22) Relative Bearing

________(23) Magnetic Heading

This lesson will have been successfully completed when by oral questioning, you can discuss Federal Regulations pertinent to airspace and radio communications, and have an understanding of chart symbols, Pilotage, dead reckoning and radio navigation.

STAGE I WRITTEN EXAM. 1 Hour

.Private Pilot - Airplane

STAGE TWO--Lessons 5, 6, 7 & 8. 12 Hours.

STAGE TWO OBJECTIVE: To develop your knowledge of Flight Planning, Weight and Balance, Engine Operation, Aircraft and Airport Marking and Lighting, Procedures and Regulations pertinent to the National Airspace System, Medical Factors, Accident Reporting, V speeds and Collision Avoidance Precautions.

STAGE TWO COMPLETION STANDARD: This stage will be successfully completed when you pass the stage two written exam with a grade of at least 75%

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #5. 3 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in the planning of a flight, and in the loading, balancing and operation of airplanes.

Contents:

________(1) Weather Briefing

________(2) Headwind and Crosswind Components

________(3) Wind Velocity

________(4) Fuel Consumption

________(5) Power Settings, TAS, Fuel

________(6) Landing Distance Computation

________(7) Takeoff Distance Computation

________(8) Aircraft Weight & Balance Limits

________(9) Weight Shift

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when through oral questioning, you can demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of flight planning, and of the principals involved in the loading, balancing and operation of airplanes.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #6. 2 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in the operation of

the aircraft engine, and on the lighting and markings of the aircraft, the

airport and the runways.

Contents:

________(1) Preflight

________(2) Propeller Operation

________(3) Engine Operation

________(4) Wingtip Vortices

________(5) Aircraft Lighting

________(6) Night Operations

________(7) Airport Traffic Patterns

________(8) Airport Lighting

________(9) Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI)

________(10) Airport and Runway Marking

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you can demonstrate a working knowledge of how the airplane engine operates, and about airport, aircraft and runway marking and lighting.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #7. 3 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in the names and conditions pertinent to airspace areas, and procedures common to pilots operating in the National Airspace System.

Contents:

________(1) Restricted Area

________(2) Military Operations Area (MOA)

________(3) Alert Area

________(4) National Wildlife Refuge

________(5) Terminal Radar Program

________(6) Stage III Service

________(7) Stage II Terminal Radar Advisory Service

________(8) Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

________(9) Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA)

________(10) Airport Traffic Area

________(11) Airport Advisory Area

________(12) Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS)

________(13) Controlled Airport

________(14) Ground Control

________(15) Radar Advisories

________(16) Radio Failure

________(17) Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

________(18) Airport Facility Directory

________(19) Collision Avoidance Precautions

________(20) Flight Plan Form

________(21) Transponder Operation

________(22) VHF/DF

________(23) Special VFR Clearances

________(24) FAA Advisory Circulars

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed, when, through oral questioning, you display basic knowledge of the names and conditions of various airspace areas, and procedures common to pilots operating in the National Airspace System.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #8. 3 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in the Medical Factors pertinent to pilots, reporting requirements of the NTSB, the terms and structures of the National Airspace System, V-speeds, and on collision avoidance precautions.

Contents:

________(1) Hypoxia

________(2) Hyperventilation

________(3) Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

________(4) Spatial Disorientation

________(5) Night Vision Adaptation

________(6) Scanning Techniques

________(7) Haze

________(8) NTSB Immediate Notification

________(9) Accident Reporting

________(10) Category And Class

________(11) Best Rate Of Climb Speed (Vy)

________(12) Nighttime, Definition of

________(13) Best Angle Of Climb Speed (Vx)

________(14) V Speeds

________(15) Airport Radar Service Areas

________(16) Federal Airways

________(17) Control Zones

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of Medical Factors, reporting requirements of the NTSB, on structures of the National Airspace System, V-speeds, and on collision avoidance precautions.

STAGE II WRITTEN EXAM 1 Hour.

.Private Pilot - Airplane

STAGE THREE--Lessons 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13. 12 Hours.

STAGE THREE OBJECTIVE: To develop your knowledge of Federal Regulations pertaining to Visual Flight Rules, and to develop a working knowledge of Aviation Weather Analysis and Theory.

STAGE THREE COMPLETION STANDARD: This stage will be successfully completed when the student passes the stage three written exam with a score of at least 75%

.Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #9. 2 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in the basic Federal Regulations as they pertain to Private Pilots.

Contents:

________(1) Certificates And Documents

________(2) Duration Of Medical Certificate

________(3) Type Rating

________(4) High Performance Airplane

________(5) Recency Of Experience

________(6) Privileges And Limitations

________(7) Preflight Action

________(8) Use Of Seat Belts

________(9) Alcoholic Beverages

________(10) Dropping Of Objects

________(11) Parachute Requirements

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of Federal Regulations specific to Private Pilots.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #10. 1 Hour.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in Federal Regulations pertinent to aeronautical information, and in procedures concerning the operation of aircraft the National Airspace System.

Contents:

________(1) Fuel Requirement Night

________(2) Fuel Requirement Day

________(3) Transponder Requirement

________(4) Certificates And Documents

________(5) Operating Limitations

________(6) Supplemental Oxygen

________(7) Restricted Category Aircraft

________(8) Experimental Certificate

________(9) ELT Batteries

________(10) ELT Tests

________(11) Formation Flying

________(12) Right-Of-Way Rules

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of Federal Regulations, as they pertain to Private Pilots operating in the National Airspace System.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #11. 2 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in the regulations that pertain to pilots and their aircraft.

Contents:

________(1) Speed Limits

________(2) Acrobatic Flight

________(3) Position Lights

________(4) ATC Clearances

________(5) Light Signals

________(6) Minimum Altitudes

________(7) Altimeter Setting Requirements

________(8) Airport Traffic Area

________(9) Two-Way Radio

________(10) Traffic Patterns Un-controlled Airport

________(11) VASI And Tower

________(12) ATC Requirements

________(13) Positive Control Area

________(14) Flight Visibility & Cloud Clearance Requirements

________(15) VFR Cruising Altitudes

________(16) Airworthiness

________(17) Alteration Or Repair

________(18) Annual Inspection

________(19) 100 Hour Inspections

________(20) Transponder Tests And Inspections

________(21) Airworthiness Directives

________(22) Preventative Maintenance

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when the student, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of the Federal Regulations that pertain to pilots and their aircraft.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #12. 3 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in Weather Theory pertaining to VFR Flight.

Contents:

________(1) Ceiling

________(2) Temperature Inversion

________(3) Weather Process

________(4) Temperature And Pressure

________(5) Dewpoint

________(6) Addition Of Moisture

________(7) Ice Pellets

________(8) Stable Air

________(9) Lifting Action And Unstable Air

________(10) Base Of Clouds Determination

________(11) Nimbus

________(12) Lenticular Clouds

________(13) Clouds Division Of

________(14) Turbulence

________(15) Unstable Air

________(16) Fronts

________(17) Wind Shear

________(18) Structural Icing

________(17) Frost

________(18) Thunderstorms

________(19) Fog

Standards: This lesson will have been completed when, through oral questioning, you demonstrate a working knowledge of Weather Theory and it's practical application to VFR flight in an airplane.

Private Pilot - Airplane

Lesson #13. 3 Hours.

Objective: During this lesson, you will be instructed in Weather Reports, Forecasts and other weather data pertinent to VFR flight.

Contents:

________(1) Area Forecasts

________(2) Transcribed Weather

________(3) Weather Briefing Formats

________(4) SIGMET's & AIRMET's

________(5) Radar Summary Chart

________(6) Winds Aloft Forecasts

________(7) SIG CLDS AND WX

________(8) Radar Reports

________(9) Terminal Area Forecast (TAF)

________(10) Area Forecasts

________(11) Winds Aloft Forecast

________(12) Surface Weather Reports

________(13) METAR

________(14) Weather Depiction Chart

________(15) Significant Weather Prog Chart

________(16) Pilot Weather Report (PIREP)

________(17) Radar Summary Chart

Completion Standards: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of Weather Reports, Forecasts and other Weather Information Pertaining to Aircraft Flight in VFR weather conditions.

STAGE III WRITTEN EXAM 1 Hour

Private Pilot - Airplane