Private Pilot Syllabus Section 9

9A - Soft-Field Operations

Learn Special Techniques for Operating at Unpaved Fields

  • 1
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignments

Activities

  • Soft-field takeoff
  • Soft-field landing

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • establishes the appropriate soft-field takeoff configuration.
  • positions the aircraft on the runway with minimum braking, keeping the nose-wheel light.
  • lifts the nose wheel off as soon as possible during a roll.
  • remains in ground effect until reaching the appropriate climb airspeed, using smooth, continuous pitch control.
  • raises flaps when established in the climb.
  • can meet the three criteria of all landings - parallel, over the centerline, and nose wheel protected - while demonstrating soft-field landing technique.
  • uses power appropriately to soften the touchdown only after the aircraft has been positioned in the appropriate landing attitude.
  • keeps the nose wheel off the ground as long as possible on landing roll.

9B - Short-Field Operations

Learn Special Techniques for Operating on Unusually Short Runways, or Runways Constrained by Obstacles

  • 1
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignments

Activities

  • Short-field takeoff
  • Short-field landing

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • establishes the appropriate short-field takeoff configuration.
  • positions the aircraft to utilize the full length of available runway.
  • rotates and climbs at speeds specified in the POH.
  • retracts flaps once clear of the obstacle and established in a climb.
  • establishes a steeper than normal approach angle for short-field landing.
  • enters ground effect with minimal excess energy.
  • touches down with minimal flare and demonstrates maximum braking technique.
  • can meet the three criteria of all landings - parallel, over the centerline, and nose wheel protected - while demonstrating short-field landing technique.

9C - Flying by Instruments

Develop the Ability to Safely Operate the Aircraft Without Outside Visual References

  • 1
  • 4½
  • 2

Assignments

Reference

Activities

  • Straight and level using only the attitude indicator
  • Instrument climbs and descents
  • Standard rate turns
  • Flying and navigating without visual reference
  • Recovery from unusual attitudes

Completion Standards

When complete, the pilot

  • operates the aircraft primarily using the attitude indicator with occasional reference to the other feedback instruments.
  • is able to maintain heading, altitude, and coordination in straight and level flight, using only the instruments as reference.
  • is able to demonstrate stable climbs, descents, and standard rate turns to Airman Certification Standards.
  • is able to navigate while flying without visual reference.
  • is able to correctly recognize nose-up and nose-down unusual attitudes.
  • promptly corrects power and returns the aircraft to stable, straight and level flight.

9D - Responding to Emergencies

Learn Procedures for Dealing with In-Flight Fires, System Failures, and Other In-Flight Emergencies

  • 1½
  • 2½
  • 1½

Reference

Assignments

Activities

  • Emergency descent maneuver
  • Fires in flight
  • Electrical failure
  • Engine failure and forced landing

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • demonstrates emergency descent to Airman Certification Standards.
  • demonstrates appropriate response to all types of in-flight fires.
  • demonstrates appropriate response to system malfunctions and emergencies.

9E - Associated Ground Topics

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

  • 2
  • 2
  • 0

Assignments

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • demonstrates knowledge of key topics in aeronautical decision making.
  • understands the value and danger associated with operating under special VFR, especially for takeoff.