Commercial Pilot for Airplane CategoryFAA-S-ACS-7B
Area of Operation II
Preflight Procedures
6 Tasks
Task A Preflight Assessment
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparation for safe flight.
Knowledge
Pilot self-assessment.
Determining that the airplane to be used is appropriate and airworthy.
Airplane preflight inspection, including:
a. Which items should be inspected
b. The reasons for checking each item
c. How to detect possible defects
d. The associated regulations
Environmental factors, including weather, terrain, route selection, and obstructions.
Risk Management
Pilot.
Aircraft.
Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
External pressures.
Aviation security concerns.
Skills
Inspect the airplane with reference to an appropriate checklist.
Verify the airplane is in condition for safe flight and conforms to its type design.
Perform self-assessment.
Continue to assess the environment for safe flight.
Task B Flight Deck Management
References
14 CFR part 91; AC 120-71; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight deck management practices.
Note
See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight.
Knowledge
Passenger briefing requirements, including operation and required use of safety restraint systems.
Use of appropriate checklists.
Requirements for current and appropriate navigation data.
Securing items and cargo.
Risk Management
Use of systems or equipment, including automation and portable electronic devices.
Inoperative equipment.
Passenger distractions.
Skills
Secure all items in the aircraft.
Conduct an appropriate passenger briefing, including identifying the pilot-in-command (PIC), use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, doors, passenger conduct, sterile aircraft, propeller blade avoidance, and emergency procedures.
Properly program and manage the aircraft’s automation, as applicable.
Appropriately manage risks by utilizing ADM, including SRM/CRM.
Task C Engine Starting
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recommended engine starting procedures.
Knowledge
Starting under various conditions.
Starting the engine(s) by use of external power.
Engine limitations as they relate to starting.
Risk Management
Propeller safety.
Skills
Position the airplane properly considering structures, other aircraft, wind, and the safety of nearby persons and property.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Task D Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL)
References
AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with taxi operations, including runway incursion avoidance.
Knowledge
Current airport aeronautical references and information resources such as the Chart Supplement, airport diagram, and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
Taxi instructions/clearances.
Airport markings, signs, and lights.
Visual indicators for wind.
Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
Procedures for:
a. Appropriate flight deck activities prior to taxi, including route planning and identifying the location of Hot Spots
b. Radio communications at towered and nontowered airports
c. Entering or crossing runways
d. Night taxi operations
e. Low visibility taxi operations
Risk Management
Activities and distractions.
Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
A taxi route or departure runway change.
Runway incursion.
Skills
Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.
Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Perform a brake check immediately after the airplane begins moving.
Maintain positive control of the airplane during ground operations by controlling direction and speed without excessive use of brakes.
Comply with airport/taxiway markings, signals, and air traffic control (ATC) clearances and instructions.
Position the airplane properly relative to hold lines.
Task E Taxiing and Sailing (ASES, AMES)
References
AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with taxiing and sailing operations, including runway incursion avoidance.
Knowledge
Airport information resources, including Chart Supplements, airport diagram, and appropriate references.
Taxi instructions/clearances.
Airport/seaplane base markings, signs, and lights.
Visual indicators for wind.
Airplane lighting.
Procedures for:
a. Appropriate flight deck activities during taxiing or sailing
b. Radio communications at towered and nontowered seaplane bases
Risk Management
Activities and distractions.
Porpoising and skipping.
Low visibility taxi and sailing operations.
Other aircraft, vessels, and hazards.
Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
Skills
Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
Use an appropriate airport diagram or taxi chart, if published.
Comply with seaplane base/airport/taxiway markings, signals, and signs.
Depart the dock/mooring buoy or beach/ramp in a safe manner, considering wind, current, traffic, and hazards.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Position the flight controls, flaps, doors, water rudders, and power correctly for the existing conditions to follow the desired course while sailing and to prevent or correct for porpoising and skipping during step taxi.
Exhibit procedures for steering and maneuvering while maintaining proper situational awareness and desired orientation, path, and position while taxiing using idle, plow, or step taxi technique, as appropriate.
Plan and follow the most favorable taxi or sailing course for current conditions.
Abide by right-of-way rules, maintain positive airplane control, proper speed, and separation between other aircraft, vessels, and persons.
Comply with applicable taxi elements in Task D if the practical test is conducted in an amphibious airplane.
Task F Before Takeoff Check
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.
Knowledge
Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:
a. Reasons for checking each item
b. Detecting malfunctions
c. Ensuring the aircraft is in safe operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer
Risk Management
Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks.
Unexpected runway changes by air traffic control (ATC).
Wake turbulence.
Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.
Skills
Review takeoff performance.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Position the airplane appropriately considering wind direction and the presence of any aircraft, vessels, or buildings as applicable.
Divide attention inside and outside the flight deck.
Verify that engine parameters and airplane configuration are suitable.