Straight and Level Flight
Learn to maintain straight and level flight at a constant altitude, heading, and airspeed, in balance, at various power settings and configurations. This is the fundamental cruise condition from which all other maneuvers begin and end.
Preflight Discussion
Aviator.NYC Lesson Plan
Briefing Topics
- Pitot-static and gyroscopic instruments
- Six-pack vs G1000
- Common instrument failure modes
- FAA Medical Certificate classes
Simulator Session
- Instrument Familiarization
- Partial Panel Demo — simulated pitot/static failure
- Instrument Maneuvers — attitude indicator, airspeed, VSI
- Return to VFR
- ForeFlight Demo — approach charts, METARs
Debrief
Review instrument limitations and schedule FAA Medical exam.
Milestone
Schedule FAA Medical Certificate exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Pilot Preparation
- Schedule AME appointment
- Review traffic pattern legs
- Read PHAK Chapter 14
Skill Items
| Skill | D P 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
|---|---|
| Preflight Inspection | |
| Engine Starting | |
| Taxi & Before Takeoff Check | |
| Radio Communications | |
| Normal Takeoff and Climbs | |
| Gentle Climbing Turns | |
| Revise Effects of Primary Controls | |
| Revise Attitude Selection & Maintenance | |
| Medium Turns | |
| Use Of Trim | |
| Use Flaps, Mixture, Carb Heat | |
| Revise Entry, Maintaining, Leveling Off from a Descent | |
| Approach Planning & Altimeter Setting | |
| Normal Landing | |
| After Landing Parking and Securing |
Radio Communication Scenarios
Practice VFR radio calls for this lesson. Listen to the scenario, then formulate your response.
You are in N106ST on the ramp at Mansfield Lahm Municipal Airport, ready to depart to the northwest. You have listened to ATIS and have information Charlie. Call Mansfield Ground and request taxi to the runway.
Check Transcript
Mansfield Lahm Municipal Airport information Charlie. 1400 Zulu weather. Wind 200 at 12, gusts 18. Visibility 10. Skies clear below 12,000. Temperature 25, dewpoint 10. Altimeter 3002. Visual approaches in use. Landing and departing runway 14. Runway 32 closed. Read back all hold short instructions and runway assignments. Advise on initial contact you have information Charlie.
Contact Ground for taxi. Include: facility name, callsign, location, ATIS identifier, and request. Note the crosswind — what's the component on runway one-four?
- You (Pilot)"Mansfield Ground, november-one-zero-six-sierra-tango, general aviation ramp with information Charlie, request taxi, departing northwest."
- Mansfield Ground"november-one-zero-six-sierra-tango, Mansfield Ground, runway one-four, taxi via Alpha."
- You (Pilot)"Runway one-four, taxi via Alpha, six-sierra-tango."
You are in N106ST on the General Aviation Ramp at Mansfield Lahm Municipal and want to practice a few touch-and-goes. You have listened to ATIS and have information Charlie. Contact Mansfield Ground and make your request.
Check Transcript
Mansfield Lahm Municipal Airport information Charlie. 1400 Zulu weather. Wind 200 at 12, gusts 18. Visibility 10. Skies clear below 12,000. Temperature 25, dewpoint 10. Altimeter 3002. Visual approaches in use. Landing and departing runway 14. Runway 32 closed. Read back all hold short instructions and runway assignments. Advise on initial contact you have information Charlie.
Request taxi for closed traffic. Same format as a normal taxi request, but state your intentions.
- You (Pilot)"Mansfield Ground, november-one-zero-six-sierra-tango, general aviation ramp with information Charlie, request taxi for closed traffic."
- Mansfield Ground"november-one-zero-six-sierra-tango, Mansfield Ground, runway one-four, taxi via Alpha. Expect left closed traffic."
- You (Pilot)"Runway one-four, taxi via Alpha, left closed traffic, six-sierra-tango."
These lesson plans are provided as supplementary training guidance only. They do not supersede FAA publications, aircraft manufacturer documentation, or your instructor's direction. Always refer to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, and applicable POH/AFM as the official sources.