Private Pilot Flight Training Syllabus

Below is the flight training syllabus I use for Private Pilot Training. This is an edited version of Ron Machado's Private Pilot Syllabus; all credit for lessons goes to him. Click Here to access the Google Doc file and download or print the syllabus for yourself.

KB Aero Private Pilot Syllabus Flight Lessons Overview

Page 2   – FAR Requirement for Private Pilot Certificate

Page 3   – LESSON 1 - Introduction to Flight

Page 4   – LESSON 2 - Fundamentals of Flight

Page 5   – LESSON 3 - Fundamentals, Intro to Ground Ref Maneuvers

Page 6   – LESSON 4 - Stalls, Ground Ref, Intro to Emergency Procedures

Page 7   – LESSON 5 - Intro to Spin Awareness, Stabilized Approach and Landing

Page 8   – LESSON 6 – Takeoff and Landing Practice 

Page 9   – LESSON 7 - Takeoff and Landing Practice 

Page 10 – LESSON 8 - Takeoff and Landing Practice 

Page 11 – LESSON 9 - First Solo 

Page 12 – LESSON 10 - Review and Second Solo 

Page 13 – LESSON 11 - Review and Third Solo 

Page 14 – LESSON 12 - Review All Basic Pre–solo Maneuvers 

Page 15 – LESSON 13 - Instruments Basic Skills 

Page 15 – LESSON 14 - Practice Area Solo Flight 

Page 16 – LESSON 15 - Instruments Basic Skills 

Page 17 – LESSON 16 - Intro to VOR/GPS Navigation 

Page 17 – LESSON 17 - Practice Area Solo Flight 

Page 18 – LESSON 18 - Basic Instruments and VOR Navigation 

Page 19 – LESSON 19 - Dual Cross-Country Flight  

Page 20 – LESSON 20 - Solo Review Maneuvers and Navigation Practice

Page 21 – LESSON 21 -  Dual Long XC 

Page 22 – LESSON 22 - First Solo XC Flight 

Page 23 – LESSON 23 - Local Night Flight Introduction

Page 24 – LESSON 24 - Second Short Solo Cross-Country Flight 

Page 25 – LESSON 25 - 100 NM Dual Night XC 

Page 26 – LESSON 26 - Solo XC - 150 NM/Landing More Than 50NM/With 3 Full Stops 

Page 27 – LESSON 27 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Dual

Page 28 – LESSON 28 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

Page 29 – LESSON 29 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Dual

Page 30 – LESSON 30 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

Page 31 – LESSON 31 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers 

Page 32 – LESSON 32 - SIMULATED PRACTICAL FLIGHT TEST  

Page 33 – Practical Test Checklist

Total flight time – 46.1 Hours 

Solo – 12.2 Hours 

Solo XC- 5.5 Hours 

Dual IFR training – 3.9 hours 

Dual night training – 3.6 hours 

FAR Requirement for the Private Pilot Certificate  

FAR §61.109 Aeronautical experience.

(a) For an airplane single–engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single–engine class rating must  log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized  instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b)(1) of this  part, and the training must include at least—  

(1) 3 hours of cross–country flight training in a single–engine airplane; 

(2) Except as provided in §61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a single–engine airplane that includes—  

(i) One cross–country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and 

(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport. 

(3) 3 hours of flight training in a single–engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs  and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and  the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight; 

(4) 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a single–engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from  the month of the test; and 

(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in a single–engine airplane, consisting of at least— (i) 5 hours of solo cross–country time; 

(ii) One solo cross-country flight of 150 nautical miles total distance, with full–stop landings at three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight–line distance of more than 50 nautical  miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and 

(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

LESSON 1 - Introduction to Flight

Introduction

• PAVE, IMSAFE, SAFETY

Airplane familiarization 

• Preflight inspection 

• Check weather/wind before takeoff 

• Cockpit familiarization/hand-feet placement on controls

• The airplane flight manual 

• Positive change of flight controls 

• Emphasize use of checklist (for start and runup phases) 

• Place a “level,” “climb” and “descent” dot on windshield 

Starting the engine

• Engine care after start – RPM/oil pressure 

Radio communications

Taxiing/navigating on airport

Pre-takeoff check/Runup 

Takeoff, traffic pattern, and climbout

• See and avoid procedures, clearing turns

Familiarization flight – Demo/Do (cover panel -if feasible)

• Identify practice area

• Primary Controls / 3 Axes 

• Throttle control

• Rudder and aileron coordination

• Trim control

• Demo airplane stability

• Emphasize flight by feel and attitude

• Fundamentals of Flight (S&L, Turns, Climbs, Descents)

• Power-off stall (imminent, not full)

• Traffic pattern, parking, securing airplane

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Straight and level, climbs, turns, and descents 

• Slow flight and power-off stalls 

• Medium and steep turns

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student should have a basic understanding of the four fundamentals of flight as well as how to operate the flight controls, trim, and throttle. At the end of this lesson, some students will easily be able to fly straight and level, make turns as well as straight climbs and descents. 

LESSON 2 - Fundamentals of Flight

Preflight discussion

• Risk management: PAVE, IMSAFE, weather, passenger briefing, etc.

• Attitude + Power = Performance

• Crosswind control placement - taxiing 

Starting engine & Radio procedures

Taxiing / Pre–takeoff check

Takeoff and exit traffic pattern 

• Identify left turning tendency on takeoff/climb

• Emphasize windscreen dots for attitude control

• Emphasize see and avoid/clear all turn

Fundamentals of Flight

• Straight climbs – emphasize “Attitude + Power = Performance” 

• Straight and level

• Medium Turns (20°-45°)

• Turns to headings 

• Climbing turns

• Slow flight

• Use of trim in all flight conditions

• Power-off stalls (imminent/full)

• Steep turns

• Coordination rolls

• Descents and gliding turns 

• Descents at 1.3 Vs (approach simulation, no flaps)

• Approach, traffic pattern, landing, taxiing, parking

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Constant airspeed descents 

• Variable airspeed descents 

• Varying descent rate with power with constant airspeed d. Descents with flaps 

• Takeoff, traffic pattern, and departure. 

• Coordination exercises 

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student should be able to perform the four basic fundamentals of  flight in any combination as well as entering and exiting slow flight without flaps, all without assistance from the  instructor. The student should be able to transition from a high cruise (100 knots in a typical small airplane) to 1.3 Vs  (final approach speed with no flaps) and trim the airplane for that condition. Unassisted basic power-off stall recovery should be within the student skill range at this point. 

LESSON 3 - Fundamentals, Intro to Ground Ref Maneuvers

Preflight discussion

• Review homework assignment 

• Introduce aviation decision making concepts (PPP), including the passenger briefing 

• Cockpit management (CRM, SRM, PPPPP)

Engine Start/Radio Communications/Taxi/Crosswind Takeoff Procedures

Takeoff, Traffic pattern and Departure

Fundamentals

• Climbs and climbing turns

• Level–off from climbs and glides

• Straight and level, shallow (0°-20°), medium (20°-45°), and steep turns (45°)

• Coordination rolls

• Speed changes in level flight: vary airspeed between high and low cruise flight

• Slow flight at MCA

• Power–off stalls

  • Secondary stalls 

• Constant Airspeed power–off descents and turns

• Variable airspeed descents 

• Variable rate descents at constant airspeed 

• Relationship between elevator and throttle in constant rate descents 

• Descents with partial/full flaps at 1.3 Vs

Ground Ref Maneuvers

• Following a road and flying a rectangular course

Airport approach and traffic pattern

Postflight discussion 

• Lesson review 

• Servicing the airplane 

Preview of next lesson 

• Power–on stalls 

• Ground reference maneuvers 

• Landing approaches 

• Forced landings 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student should have the fundamental skills necessary to fly a traffic pattern and maintain a constant attitude and airspeed on final approach. The student should also have a more thorough understanding of operating in the slow-flight regime without stalling the airplane. The introduction to flying a rectangular pattern gives the student his/her first insight to how wind affects the airplane in flight. At this point, the instructor will definitely see strong habit formation of rudder and aileron coordination during coordination rolls.

LESSON 4 - Stalls, Ground Ref, Traffic Pattern, Landing, Intro to Emergency Procedures

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

• Situational awareness (traffic calls, terrain, time of day, resources, etc.)

Takeoff, traffic pattern, and departure 

Fundamentals

• Straight and level flight, turns, climbs, and descents.

• Coordination rolls 

• Steep turns (45°)

• Slow flight

• Constant airspeed variable rate descents

• Simulated go-arounds from approach speed with full flaps 

Stalls

• Power-off stalls

• Power-on stalls

Intro to Emergency Procedures 

• Elementary forced landing simulation

• Forward slip introduction

• Go around procedures 

Ground reference maneuvers 

• Crabbing

• Wind Circles

• Rectangular course

• Turns around a point

• S-turns across a road

Traffic pattern and landing approach

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Takeoffs and landings 

• Emergency procedures 

• Stabilized approaches 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student will have the basic skills to recognize and recover from power-off and power-on stalls and correct for the effects of wind on the flight of an airplane. The student should also have developed the basic habits required to successfully troubleshoot engine problems as well as select a suitable emergency landing site, approach that site and land the airplane in the event of a complete engine failure.

LESSON 5 - Intro to Spin Awareness, Wind Correction, Stabilized Approach and Landing

Preflight operations 

• Review homework 

Crosswind takeoff control placement 

Slow flight and power on/off stalls 

Stabilized flight condition for (simulated) pattern operations

• Downwind – no flaps

• Downwind – 10°- 15° flaps (V_FE)

• Base leg - 15°- 25° flaps

• Final approach - 20°- 40° flaps (1.3 V_s) 

Spin awareness 

• Cross–control stalls 

• Use of rudder to stop entry rotation

• Falling leaf stall practice 

Ground reference maneuvers

• Rectangular course 

• Turns about a point 

• S–Turns

Emergency forced landing simulation 

• ABCDE

• Forward slip practice

Traffic pattern observance, entry, and departure

T&G Takeoffs and landing

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Takeoffs and landings 

• Landing crosswind correction 

• Balked takeoffs and go–arounds 

• Assign Homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson the student should be ready to begin takeoff and landing practice. The student should be capable of establishing the airplane in any attitude at any airspeed and at any descent rate and trim  for that flight condition. The habit of using rudder to stop spin entry rotation and elevator to decrease the angle of attack should be evident and becoming stronger at this stage of training. There should be no doubt that the student can identify when the airplane is drifting due to wind and be able to immediately correct that drift by crabbing into the wind. 

LESSON 6 – Takeoff and Landing Practice 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

• Weight and balance calculation 

• Wake turbulence: precautions and avoidance

• Crosswind technique (use windsock)

Takeoffs and landings – Directed practice 

• Normal takeoff and landing

  • Use power-off approaches initially 

  • Use partial flaps initially 

  • Recognizing when to abort the takeoff 

  • Recognizing when to abort the landing

• Forward slips to landing

• Stabilized approach concept

• Sterile cockpit – takeoff and landing

• Traffic pattern operations

• Visual approach aids (PAPI, VASI, etc.)

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Crosswind takeoffs and landings 

• Balked takeoff and landing recoveries

• Go-arounds 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student should be able to recognize the desired glidepath needed to reach the runway safely as well as properly modify that glidepath through the use of pitch and power. The student should also have a basic idea of the behavioral elements involved in rounding-out and flaring the airplane for landing.

LESSON 7 - Takeoff and Landing Practice 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

• Takeoff/landing performance chart calculation 

• Density altitude 

• Crosswind component chart calculation 

Takeoffs

• Basic takeoff procedure 

• Density altitude simulation

• Crosswind takeoff correction (crabbing) 

• Aborting takeoff while on ground

Landings

• Crab crosswind landings (crabbing)

• Simulated engine failure in pattern 

• Use of partial and full flaps 

• Go around procedures with partial and full flaps

• Correcting for a low approach

• Correcting for a high approach

• Bounce recovery

• Floating recovery 

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Slips (forward and side slipping) 

• Crosswind landing correction (side slip) 

• Advanced balked takeoffs and go-arounds

• Preparation for pre-solo written exam 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student should be able to make the takeoff, fly the traffic pattern, stabilize and trim the airplane on final approach and land (under normal conditions) without the instructor physically touching the controls. 

LESSON 8 - Takeoff and Landing Practice 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

• Minimum equipment list review 

• Issue pre-solo written exam

Takeoffs and landings

– Normal

• Crosswind takeoffs and landings

• Use of flaps for takeoffs 

• Slips (forward and side) 

• Wake turbulence: precautions and avoidance

– Emergency

• Engine failure on takeoff simulation

• Door/window pop open on takeoff

• Flap retraction failure

• Rough engine condition 

• Stuck throttle 

• Airspeed indicator failure 

• System and equipment malfunction 

• Landing without use of the airspeed indicator 

• Balked takeoffs 

• Balked landing 

• Porpoise correction

• Ballooning correction

• Emergency go-arounds

Loss of radio procedures – tower light-gun demo 

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Increased precision with takeoffs and landings (Short Field)

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson, the student should be able to consistently and safely make acceptable  takeoffs and landings. The student should be aware of how to avoid the hazards associated with takeoffs and landings,  including wake turbulence avoidance, crosswind takeoffs and landings, and pattern emergencies. This lesson can be  repeated until the student attains the behavioral objectives listed above. 

LESSON 9 - First Solo 

Prior to First Solo, have student fly with another instructor for confirmation and feedback.

Preflight discussion

• Review homework and pre-solo written exam (correct errors)

• Pattern emergencies - review 

• Slips (forward and side) review

• Wake turbulence: precautions and avoidance review

• Student document check in prep for solo

Takeoffs and landings 

• Standard Pattern

• Engine failure on takeoff simulation 

• Landing without use of airspeed indicator 

• Balked takeoffs review 

• Balked landing review 

Solo – if student is ready 

• 3 Touch and Goes, last one to full stop

Postflight discussion

• Present with Solo Flight Certificate

Preview of next lesson 

• Basic airwork review of primary maneuvers 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, the instructor will assess whether the student is capable of making three solo landings. The ability to perform all pattern operations without assistance from the instructor, along with performance that is “consistent,” is essential for evaluating a student’s readiness for solo. The solo should be directly supervised by the instructor with the instructor clearly visible to the student somewhere on the field (preferably near the runway, if possible). 

LESSON 10 - Review (dual) and Second Solo 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

Review of pre-solo maneuvers (Dual)

• Steep turns 

• Coordination rolls 

• Emergency landing 

• S–turn across a road

• Turns about a point

Stalls

• Cross–control stalls (demo)

• Accelerated stalls (demo)

• Slow flight

• Power-off stalls

• Power-on stalls

• Spin awareness - falling leaf

Dealing with distractions in flight

• Task management

Emergency forced landing simulation

Takeoffs and landings

Remaining time spent in solo flight in traffic pattern

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Maximum performance takeoffs and landings

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, the student should be allowed to solo assuming a satisfactory review of the listed pre-solo airwork. Once again, the solo should be directly supervised by the instructor with the instructor clearly visible to the student somewhere on the field (preferably near the runway).

LESSON 11 - Review (dual) and Third Solo 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Takeoff and landing performance calculations 

Windshear recognition and recovery

Dealing with distractions in pattern

Maximum performance takeoff 

• Short field takeoff 

• Soft field takeoff 

• Taxi technique for soft field takeoff 

Maximum performance landings 

• Runway overflight demo 

• Short field landing

• Soft field landing 

Remaining time spent in solo flight in traffic pattern

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Practice area checkout 

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have a basic understanding (not much skill at this point) of maximum performance takeoffs and landings. Students will also be made aware of the dangerous effects of distractions during pattern operations as well as how to recognize and avoid these distractions. The solo performed during this lesson should, once again, be directly supervised by the instructor with the instructor clearly visible to the  

student somewhere on the field (preferably near the runway).  

LESSON 12 - Review All Basic Pre–solo Maneuvers (dual) and Fourth Solo Flight 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

• Sectional chart review of practice area

• Pilotage to/from practice area

• Area Checkout 

Review of pre-solo maneuvers

• Slow flight

• Power-off and on stalls 

• Steep turns

• Coordination rolls

Recovery from unusual attitudes

Brief introduction to basic instrument flight (foggles)

• Straight and level flight

• Turns

  • Emergency 180° turn on instruments 

  • Climbs

  • Descents

  • Radar vectoring navigation from ATC

Re-familiarization with practice area

Sim Engine Failure/Fire, Emergency landing

Ground Reference Maneuvers

• S–turn across a road 

• Turns about a point

Takeoffs and landings

Remaining time spent in solo flight

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• First solo flight outside traffic pattern 

• Assign homework 

• Assign solo practice maneuvers 

Completion Standards: By the end of this lesson the instructor should feel confident that the student has a sufficient grasp to safely perform all the previously studied pre-solo maneuvers as well as an ability to navigate to and from the practice area and handle any appropriate radio communications. The short introduction to instrument flight should give the student the necessary skill to exit a cloud should that unfortunate occurrence happen during a trip to the practice area. If the instructor permits, the student should be allowed to perform unsupervised solo trips to and from the practice area as well as operations in the traffic pattern based on the limitations the instructor had stated in the student’s logbook (one of those limitations requires students to notify and obtain permission of the instructor for each solo flight). 

LESSON 13 - Instruments Basic Skills 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

Instrument flight to practice area (foggles)

• Climbs

• Straight and level

• Descents

• Slow flight

• Turns to a heading

  • Using the magnetic compass 

• Induced spatial disorientation by instructor

• Unusual attitudes

• Graveyard spiral

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Assignment homework 

• Basic VOR/GPS navigation 

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to perform the four fundamentals of flight completely by reference to instruments. The student should also have the ability to identify and recover from unusual attitudes and graveyard spirals during flight solely on instruments. 

LESSON 14 - First Practice Area Solo Flight 

Flight maneuvers and procedures – Solo practice, as assigned 

Takeoffs and landings – Solo practice 

Preview of next lesson 

• Review of basic instrument skills 

Completion Standards: At the completion of this solo flight, the student should have confidence and a sense of ease in flight which will make him or her receptive to new areas of instruction. 

LESSON 15 - Instruments Basic Skills 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework 

Instrument flight to practice area (foggles)

• Climbs

• Straight and level

• Descents

• Slow flight

• Turns to a heading

  • Using the magnetic compass 

• Induced spatial disorientation by instructor

• Unusual attitudes

• Graveyard spiral

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Assignment homework 

• Basic VOR/GPS navigation 

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to perform the four fundamentals of flight  completely by reference to instruments. The student should also have the ability to identify and recover from unusual attitudes and graveyard spirals during flight solely on instruments. 

LESSON 16 - Intro to VOR/GPS Navigation 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Introduction to VOR navigation 

Introduction to Basic VOR navigation (visual reference only)

• Course selection

• Tracking to then from a VOR station

• Course tracking (wind correction)

• Course interception

• Cross radial reference to determine position 

Introduction to Basic GPS navigation 

• Course selection

• Flying direct to and from a waypoint

• Tracking to and from a waypoint (wind correction)

• Intercepting a bearing

• Using the moving map to determine position 

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Advanced VOR and GPS Nav (instrument reference only) 

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to select any course to or from a station,  intercept that course, and track it. The students should also be capable of determining his or her position by cross radial  reference from two or more VOR stations. Depending on the type of GPS system available in the airplane, the student  should develop the same fidelity with tracking a bearing to and from a waypoint as well as skill at using the GPS moving  map display. 

LESSON 17 - Second Practice Area Solo Flight 

Flight maneuvers and procedures – Solo practice, as assigned 

Takeoffs and landings – Solo practice 

Preview of next lesson 

• Review of basic instrument skills 

• VOR/GPS Navigation 

Completion Standards: At the completion of this solo flight, the student should have even more confidence and a greater sense of ease in flight which will make him or her receptive to new areas of instruction. 

LESSON 18 - Basic Instruments and VOR Navigation 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

Instrument flight to practice area (foggles): 

• Course selection

• Tracking TO then FROM a VOR station

• Course tracking

• Course interception

• Cross radial reference to determine position

• Climbs, turns, descents on instruments while navigating by VOR

Postflight discussion. 

Preview of next lesson 

• Assign homework 

• Procure materials for cross-country flight 

• Plot and prepare cross–country flight log 

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson the student should be able to navigate to and from a VOR and intercept courses solely when flying by reference to flight instruments. 

Next Lesson Homework

Plan Assigned Cross Country Flight 

1. Draw route(s) on sectional/TAC chart 

2. Pick checkpoints/plot course 

3. Plot VOR course (TO/FROM) bearings (if used) 4. Consult performance charts 

5. Create initial flight log 

6. Obtain NOTAMS, Wx Briefing 

7. Consult Chart Summary (CS) 

8. Morning of flight, use current winds for DR routes 

9. Then calculate times, distances, fuel consumed

LESSON 19 - Dual Cross-Country Flight  

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Review cross-country flight planning 

• Check weather, NOTAMS, etc. 

• Emergency equipment for survival 

• Filing a flight plan 

Cross-country flying 

• Pilotage

• Dead reckoning

Cross–country emergencies 

• Diverting to nearby airport

• Simulated engine failures

NAS Operations

• Unfamiliar airport procedures

• Non-tower airport procedures 

• Class D airport procedures

• Use of basic radar service/flight following

• In-flight communications with flight service stations

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Local solo practice flight 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson, the student will have a basic idea about how to plan, plot and fly a short cross-country flight to nearby towered and non-towered airports.  

LESSON 20 - Third Solo Review Maneuvers and Navigation Practice

Preflight discussion – Assignment of procedures and practice areas 

• Slow flight 

• Steep turns 

• Power-off stalls (only) 

• Coordination rolls 

• VOR navigation (visually, of course) 

• S-turns across a road 

• Turns around a point 

Takeoffs and landings – Solo practice 

• Crosswind takeoffs and landings, slips 

• Short and soft field takeoffs 

• Short and soft field landings 

Preview of next lesson 

• Dual cross–country flight using radio aids 

Completion Standards: At the end of this solo flight, the student should be developing greater confidence in his or her ability to fly an airplane. 

Next Lesson Homework

Plan Assigned Cross Country Flight 

1. Draw route(s) on sectional/TAC chart 

2. Pick checkpoints/plot course 

3. Plot VOR course (TO/FROM) bearings (if used) 4. Consult performance charts 

5. Create initial flight log 

6. Obtain NOTAMS, Wx Briefing 

7. Consult Chart Summary (CS) 

8. Morning of flight, use current winds for DR routes 

9. Then calculate times, distances, fuel consumed

LESSON 21 -  Dual Long XC 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Filing a flight plan 

VFR navigation 

• Pilotage

• Dead reckoning

• VOR navigation

Lost procedures

Class D, C and B airspace procedures 

• Establishing communication with ATC facility 

• Obtaining Class B entry clearance 

Special use airspace procedures

• MOAs

• Restricted/Alert airspace

• Prohibited airspace

• TFRs

• SATRs

Use of radio for enroute communications

• Basic radar flight following with Center 

• In-flight communication with flight service station 

Cross-country emergencies

• Simulated inadvertent encounter with adverse weather 

• Diversion to another airport simulation 

Postflight discussion

Preview of next lesson

• Short – and soft–field takeoffs and landings

• Emergency radio assistance 

• Flight planning and preparation

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson the student should now be ready to fly a short cross-country on his/her own to a local airport then build solo cross-country experience to other, more distant airports (if the student so desires).

Next Homework Lesson

Plan Assigned Cross Country Flight 

1. Draw route(s) on sectional/TAC chart 

2. Pick checkpoints/plot course 

3. Plot VOR course (TO/FROM) bearings (if used) 4. Consult performance charts 

5. Create initial flight log 

6. Obtain NOTAMS, Wx Briefing 

7. Consult Chart Summary (CS) 

8. Morning of flight, use current winds for DR routes 

9. Then calculate times, distances, fuel consumed

LESSON 22 - First Solo XC Flight 

Preflight discussion 

• Approval of flight plan 

• Weather analysis 

• Filing a flight plan 

VFR navigation 

• Fly the cross-country trip solo 

• Obtain flight following 

Postflight discussion 

• Critique on all unanticipated events and operations 

Preview of next lesson 

• Dual night flight 

Completion Standards: At the end of this flight the student will have acquired greater confidence in his/her ability to plan a trip and fly that trip.

LESSON 23 - Local Night Flight Introduction 

Preflight discussion

• Review homework

• Night flight equipment preparation 

• Airplane readiness for night flight 

Differences in visual references available at night

• Absence of visual references over desert

• Obstacle avoidance techniques at night 

Visual illusions at night

Takeoff and departure alignment techniques

Interpretation of aircraft and obstruction lights

Airport lighting 

• Runway edge lighting

• Loss of runway edge lighting

• Pilot control of airport lighting

• REIL/VASI/PAPI lighting

Power approach and landings 

Use of landing lights

• Landing with landing lights

• Landing without landing lights

• Landing with loss of runway edge lighting

• Completion of first 5 of the required full stop night landings 

Flight maneuvers over dark areas

• Spatial disorientation

• Emergency instruments use at night

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Solo cross–country flight 

• Assignment 

• Procure necessary equipment 

• Prepare flight log 

• Assign homework 

Next Lesson Homework 

Aeronautical Information Manual 

Section 1: Aeronautical lighting Aids 

Section 2: Air Navigation and Obstruction Lighting 

Plan Assigned Cross Country Flight 

1. Draw route(s) on sectional/TAC chart 

2. Pick checkpoints/plot course 

3. Plot VOR course (TO/FROM) bearings (if used) 4. Consult performance charts 

5. Create initial flight log 

6. Obtain NOTAMS, Wx Briefing 

7. Consult Chart Summary (CS) 

8. Morning of flight, use current winds for DR routes 

9. Then calculate times, distances, fuel consumed

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson, the student should be able to operate in the traffic pattern safely at night (instructor permitting). No flight to the practice area should be allowed at night until the student has obtained his or her private pilot certificate.

LESSON 24 - Second Short Solo Cross-Country Flight 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Instructor's approval of flight log 

• Weather analysis 

Filing and closing of flight plan 

VFR navigation 

Enroute radio communications 

Unfamiliar airport procedures 

Postflight discussion 

• Critique of any unanticipated incidents 

Preview of next lesson 

• Assign homework 

• Night cross-country flying techniques 

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson the student’s confidence should be building toward what you would expect of someone with a private pilot certificate. 

Next Lesson Homework 

Plan Assigned Cross Country Flight 

1. Draw route(s) on sectional/TAC chart 

2. Pick checkpoints/plot course 

3. Plot VOR course (TO/FROM) bearings (if used) 4. Consult performance charts 

5. Create initial flight log 

6. Obtain NOTAMS, Wx Briefing 

7. Consult Chart Summary (CS) 

8. Morning of flight, use current winds for DR routes 

9. Then calculate times, distances, fuel consumed

LESSON 25 - 100 NM Dual Night XC 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Instructor's approval of flight log  

• weather analysis 

Filing and closing of flight plan 

VFR navigation 

Enroute radio communications 

Unfamiliar airport procedures 

Second 5 of the 10 full stop landings 

Postflight discussion 

• Critique of any unanticipated incidents b) Assign homework 

Preview of next lesson 

• Night cross-country flying techniques 

Next Lesson Homework 

Plan Assigned Cross Country Flight 

1. Draw route(s) on sectional/TAC chart 

2. Pick checkpoints/plot course 

3. Plot VOR course (TO/FROM) bearings (if used) 4. Consult performance charts 

5. Create initial flight log 

6. Obtain NOTAMS, Wx Briefing 

7. Consult Chart Summary (CS) 

8. Morning of flight, use current winds for DR routes 

9. Then calculate times, distances, fuel consumed

LESSON 26 - Solo XC - 150 NM/Landing More Than 50NM/With 3 Full Stops 

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Instructor's approval of flight log 

• Weather analysis 

Filing and closing of flight plan 

VFR navigation 

Enroute radio communications 

Unfamiliar airport procedures 

Postflight discussion 

• Critique of any unanticipated incidents 

• Assign homework 

Preview of next lesson 

• Private pilot checkride preparation 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: At the completion of this flight, the student should be competent to make VFR cross–country  flights upon receiving his or her private pilot certificate. 

LESSON 27 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Dual

Preflight discussion 

• Review homework 

• Review of ACS 

• Pilot and airworthiness requirements 

• Decision making: Risk management/situational awareness/judgment 

• Preflight/passenger briefing 

Engine start 

• Use of checklists

• Cockpit management

• Taxiing (taxi briefing, airport diagram)

• Runup and “before takeoff” checklist

Navigation 

• Dead reckoning/pilotage/landfall

• VOR course interception, track and triangulation

• Diversion

Slow flight maneuvering (turns, climbs, descents)

Stalls 

• Power-off (full and imminent recovery)

• Power-on (full and imminent recovery) – Do 

• Accelerated stalls 

• Spin awareness – Do 

Steep turns – 360 degrees – Do 

Flight by reference to instruments 

• Straight and level – Do 

• Level turns to specific headings – Do 

• Climbs and descents to specific headings – Do 

• Unusual attitude recovery – Do 

• VOR navigation by Instruments – Do 

Ground reference maneuvers

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings 

High performance takeoffs and landings 

Balked takeoff and landing recoveries 

Postflight discussion 

Preview of next lesson 

• Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

• Solo practice as directed 

• Assign homework 

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, any deficiencies in skill will be identified as needing further practice in  preparation for the private pilot checkride. 

LESSON 28 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

Objective: This lesson provides solo practice to develop precision in the performance of the flight maneuvers required for a private pilot certificate. It is suggested that emphasis be directed to coordination and the tolerances specified in  the Airmen Certification Standards (ACS).

Preflight discussion 

• Practice assigned maneuvers from previous lesson 

Maneuvers practiced to tolerances specified in ACS 

Other maneuvers as directed by the instructor 

Engine start 

• Use of checklists

• Cockpit management

• Taxiing (taxi briefing, airport diagram)

• Runup and “before takeoff” checklist

Coordination maneuvers 

Slow flight maneuvering (turns, climbs, descents)

Stalls 

• Power-off (full and imminent recovery) 

• Power-on (full and imminent recovery) 

Steep turns – 360 degrees 

Navigation (local flight) 

• Dead reckoning/pilotage

• VOR course interception, track and triangulation 

Ground reference maneuvers 

• S-turns across a road 

• Turns around a point

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings 

• Short and soft field takeoffs 

• Short and soft field landings 

• Slips to landing 

Postflight review 

Preview of next lesson 

• Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

• Solo practice as directed

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson the student’s self-evaluation of his or her performance should reflect increased proficiency as measured by the tolerances specified in the ACS. 

LESSON 29 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Dual

Objective: This lesson consists of the instructor's evaluation of the flight maneuvers practiced during the previous lessons, along with the student’s evaluation of his/her performance. The required maneuvers are practiced and any deficiency in performance is corrected. The instructor shall assign directed solo practice as necessary to increase the student’s flight proficiency to checkride standards. 

Preflight discussion 

• Practice assigned maneuvers from previous lesson 

Maneuvers practiced to tolerances specified in ACS 

Other maneuvers as directed by the instructor 

Engine start 

• Use of checklists

• Cockpit management

• Taxiing (taxi briefing, airport diagram)

• Runup and “before takeoff” checklist

Coordination maneuvers 

Slow flight maneuvering (turns, climbs, descents)

Stalls 

• Power-off (full and imminent recovery) 

• Power-on (full and imminent recovery) 

Steep turns – 360 degrees 

Navigation (local flight) 

• Dead reckoning/pilotage

• VOR course interception, track and triangulation 

Ground reference maneuvers 

• S-turns across a road 

• Turns around a point

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings 

• Short and soft field takeoffs 

• Short and soft field landings 

• Slips to landing 

Postflight review 

Preview of next lesson 

• Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

• Solo practice as directed

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson, the student's performance of his "air work" should be at an  acceptable level for the private pilot flight test. 

LESSON 30 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

Objective: This lesson should include solo practice of ground reference maneuvers, maximum climbs, and traffic pattern procedures. At the completion of this lesson, the student should be satisfied that he/she can perform "air work" to a standard acceptable for a private pilot flight test.  

Preflight discussion 

• Practice assigned maneuvers from previous lesson 

Maneuvers practiced to tolerances specified in ACS 

Other maneuvers as directed by the instructor 

Engine start 

• Use of checklists

• Cockpit management

• Taxiing (taxi briefing, airport diagram)

• Runup and “before takeoff” checklist

Coordination maneuvers 

Slow flight maneuvering (turns, climbs, descents)

Stalls 

• Power-off (full and imminent recovery) 

• Power-on (full and imminent recovery) 

Steep turns – 360 degrees 

Navigation (local flight) 

• Dead reckoning/pilotage

• VOR course interception, track and triangulation 

Ground reference maneuvers 

• S-turns across a road 

• Turns around a point

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings 

• Short and soft field takeoffs 

• Short and soft field landings 

• Slips to landing 

Postflight review 

Preview of next lesson 

• Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

• Solo practice as directed

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: At the end of this lesson, the student’s self-evaluation of his or her performance should be within the tolerances specified in the ACS. 

LESSON 31 - Practice Flight Test Maneuvers 

Objective: During this lesson, the student should practice to achieve the standard of performance required by the  private pilot flight test on special types of takeoffs and landings. 

Preflight discussion 

• Practice assigned maneuvers from previous lesson 

Maneuvers practiced to tolerances specified in ACS 

Other maneuvers as directed by the instructor 

Engine start 

• Use of checklists

• Cockpit management

• Taxiing (taxi briefing, airport diagram)

• Runup and “before takeoff” checklist

Coordination maneuvers 

Slow flight maneuvering (turns, climbs, descents)

Stalls 

• Power-off (full and imminent recovery) 

• Power-on (full and imminent recovery) 

Steep turns – 360 degrees 

Navigation (local flight) 

• Dead reckoning/pilotage

• VOR course interception, track and triangulation 

Ground reference maneuvers 

• S-turns across a road 

• Turns around a point

Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings 

• Short and soft field takeoffs 

• Short and soft field landings 

• Slips to landing 

Postflight review 

Preview of next lesson 

• Practice Flight Test Maneuvers Solo 

• Solo practice as directed

• Assign homework

Completion Standards: At the completion of this lesson, the student's performance of his "air work" should be at an acceptable level for the private pilot flight test. 

LESSON 32 - SIMULATED PRACTICAL FLIGHT TEST  

Objective: This lesson should consist of the private pilot flight test conducted by the instructor exactly as such tests are conducted by inspectors and examiners. The student should be able to perform all required procedures and maneuvers in accordance with the Airman Certification Standards.

Preflight discussion – Phase I of the private pilot flight test. 

Private Pilot Flight Test – Evaluated by the flight instructor. 

Postflight discussion – Critique of overall performance.

*Ensure all required documents, endorsements, training logged, and other requirements are completed within 2 days of scheduled checkride.

Instructor: Sign final practical test recommendation endorsement and training within 2 calendar months of practical test endorsement.

Practical Test Checklist

Endorsements

• Endorsement of U.S. citizenship recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 1552.3(h))

• Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: 61.87(b)

• Pre-solo flight training: 61.87(c)(1) and (2)

• Solo flight (first 90 calendar-day period): 61.87(n)

• Solo cross-country flight: 61.93(c)(1) and (2)

• Solo cross-country flight: 61.93(c)(3) – (for each relevant flight)

• Review of deficiencies identified on airman knowledge test: 61.39(a)(6)(iii)

• Flight proficiency/practical test: 61.103(f), 61.107 (b), and 61.109

• Prerequisites for practical test: 14 CFR part 61, 61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii)(received and logged training time within 2 calendar-months preceding practical test application)

Documents

• Medical Certificate

• Driver’s License/Passport

• Student Pilot Certificate

• PPL Experience Report

• Printed Logbook with Endorsements

• IACRA Application – Completed by CFI

• Navlog – ID Top of Climb, Top of Descent, Bottom of Descent, Pilotage Waypoints + Calculated Takeoff and Landing Distances, and Time to TOC

• Pictures of Engine, Airframe, and Propeller Logbooks with Required Maintenance Tabbed

• FAR/AIM to Reference (physical or digital)

• Sectional and Flight Plan to Reference (physical or digital)

• Airport Diagram to Reference (physical or digital)

• POH to Reference (physical or digital)

Equipment

• Headset

• Kneeboard

• iPad (updated)

• Foggles/Hood

• Sunglasses

• Water Bottle

• Snack