Pattern Work
After learning the basics, we turn our attention to learning to takeoff and land the airplane. This requires something we refer to as "pattern work", which is basically just doing lots of takeoffs and landings in various airport traffic patterns.
During pattern work you will be exposed to all of the following learning objectives:
- Normal takeoff and landings
- Crosswind takeoffs and landings
- Soft-field takeoffs and landings
- Short-field takeoffs and landings
- Left and right-hand traffic patterns
- Traffic avoidance
- Radio communication
- Wake turbulence avoidance
- Reference points for flying a square pattern
- ADM - go-arounds
- Traffic avoidance - situational awareness
- Slips to landing
Emergency Procedures
Once you are comfortable with the traffic pattern and above items, you will be exposed to the following simulated emergencies and equipment malfunctions:
- Simulated engine failure landings
- Flap failure
- Instrument failures
- Runaway trim
Common Mistakes
- Inadequate wind correction
- Neglecting checklist items
- Airspeed control
- Unstable descents / approaches
- Reluctance to go-around
- Short field landing - floating
- Soft field landing - stopping
- Soft field takeoff - climbing out of ground effect
ACS Test Objectives
The pilot exhibits ability to fly and land an airplane in the pattern while exercising appropriate ADM on flying priorities, go-arounds, and situational awareness both with and without simulated equipment failures in the cockpit.