Private Pilot Syllabus Section 2

2A - Basic Flight Control and Stability

Take Full Control of the Aircraft

  • 3
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignments

Activities

  • Simple control exercises
  • Stabilized flight
  • Rudder coordination exercises
  • Pitch trim exercises

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • understands the use and function of primary flight controls.
  • is able to hold the aircraft stable in various attitudes and power settings.
  • is able to make changes to pitch and bank with small discrete changes.
  • understands the use of secondary flight controls - trim and flaps.
  • is able to control the aircraft with eyes outside, using the horizon as the primary reference.

2B - Four Fundamentals

Master Climbs, Descents, Turns, and Straight and Level Flight

  • 1½
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignment

Activities

  • Straight and level flight
  • Climbs
  • Descents
  • Level turns
  • Combined maneuvers

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • is able to maintain straight and level flight, holding heading and altitude at various airspeeds and power settings.
  • is able to read and interpret flight instruments.
  • is able to maintain a stable climb with wings level and without yaw.
  • is able to maintain a stable descent at various airspeeds and descent rates with wings level and without yaw.
  • understands and is able to demonstrate the interplay between pitch and power.
  • clears the wing before making turns.
  • understands the need for rudder during a roll (adverse yaw.)
  • is able to demonstrate crisp, coordinated turns while maintaining altitude.
  • is able to demonstrate turns at shallow, medium, and steep bank angles.

2C - Preflight Inspection

Ensure the Aircraft is Safe and Legal for Flight

  • 1½
  • 2
  • 0

Reference

Assignments

Activities

  • SCFC airplane keybook procedures
  • Tying the airplane knot
  • Preflight inspection
  • Personalize the preflight inspection checklist

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • understands SCFC keybook procedures.
  • is able to evaluate the aircraft’s condition for safe and legal flight.
  • develops and demonstrates a standard preflight procedure.
  • is able to secure the airplane using the airplane knot.

2D - Ground Operations

Start and Stop the Engine and Operate Safely on the Ground

  • 2½
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignments

Activities

  • Joint preflight inspection
  • Starting/stopping the engine
  • Leaning for surface operations
  • Taxi speed control practice
  • Directional control practice
  • Crosswind taxi technique

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • is able to safely start and stop the engine and lean for surface operations.
  • understands operations of each of the engine controls and is able to read and interpret the engine instruments.
  • controls taxi speed first with throttle and gentle steady braking only when throttle is at idle.
  • maintains directional control first using the rudder and nose wheel and differential braking only when nose wheel steering is exhausted.
  • demonstrates crosswind taxi technique for all taxi operations.

2E - Takeoff

Control the Aircraft Through Ground Roll, Lift Off, and Climb

  • 2
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignments

Activities

  • First student solo preflight inspection
  • Student radios for taxi
  • Early rotation technique
  • Normal and crosswind takeoff

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • taxis onto the runway, applies full power, and verifies engine function.
  • verbalizes standard takeoff callouts.
  • uses aft control pressure to lift nose off the ground as soon as possible.
  • maintains centerline in nose-high attitude using rudder control.
  • uses appropriate crosswind correction, as required.
  • maintains stable heading, pitch, and bank as aircraft transitions into full flight.
  • transitions from sideslip to crab in a crosswind, when out of usable runway.
  • maintains VY attitude until at a safe altitude for return to the runway.
  • is able to call for taxi instructions with the intended departure and respond appropriately.

2F - Associated Ground Topics

Acquire the Knowledge Needed to Support the Flight Skills of this Section

  • 8
  • 3½
  • 0

Assignments

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • understands operation and limitations of the flight instruments.
  • understands components and basic operations of the systems of the aircraft.
  • understands the basic layout of the aircraft POH and is able to locate key information when needed.
  • knows the minimum equipment required for Day VFR Flight.
  • is able to explain important aerodynamic topics including lift, drag, ground effect, and stall speed.