Course Description

This course prepares the learner for the private pilot knowledge training test administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAR 141 Appendix B). Topics include aviation decision making and risk management, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, federal aviation regulations (FAR) parts 61 and 91, NTSB 430, aviation weather, navigation and cross-country procedures, weight and balance, safety, and aircraft performance. All elements required by the FAR are discussed. Texts include FAA handbooks, including the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, the Airplane Flying Handbook, the Aeronautical Information Manual, and appropriate FAA Advisory Circulars. Upon course completion the student must successfully take the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the principles of aircraft design, performance, and operating characteristics.
2. Describe the regulations related to the maintenance of aircraft and associated systems.
3. Discuss the impact of meteorology and environmental issues on aviation operations.
4. Describe basic weather theory and weather information sources, analyze weather factors, hazards, and conditions.
5. Explain the integration of airports, airspace, and air traffic control in managing the U.S. National Airspace System.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Parts 61 and 91.
7. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of navigation procedures, including pilotage and dead reckoning and use of navigational aids in cross country flight planning.
8. Summarize the test standards and information required to pass the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Knowledge exam for land operation of single engine airplanes. 

Course Description

This course prepares the learner for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot practical test as described in the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-6B). All elements required by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) are covered and the learner receives the required aeronautical experience and ground training in flight maneuvers, cross-country, and test preparation required by the regulations. Textual materials for this course include the private pilot ACS, the FAR/AIM Handbook, and an appropriate Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft being used for flight instruction. All FAR required training will be accomplished in an FAA Part 141 flight school. A minimum of 35 hours of flight training must be logged and the learner must successfully pass the FAA practical test before proceeding to the next flight course.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the regulations related to the maintenance and operation of aircraft and associated systems.
2. Discuss the impact of meteorology and environmental issues on aviation operations and describe basic weather theory, identify sources of weather information, and analyze weather factors, hazards, and conditions.
3. Explain the integration of airports, airspace, and air traffic control in managing the U.S. National Airspace System.
4. Describe aircraft maneuvers such as takeoffs, landings, stalls, spins, ground reference maneuvers, unusual attitude recoveries and basic instrument flight maneuvers.
5. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of aircraft systems, including airplanes, power plant and related systems and flight instruments.
6. Describe safety of flight, air traffic control procedures and sources of flight information.
7. Describe factors to be included in preflight planning including aircraft performance measures and weight and balance.