Lesson Plan: Cessna 172s Takeoff and Landing Maneuvers

Objective: To teach the student pilot the proper techniques for performing short field takeoffs and maximum performance climbs, soft field takeoffs and climbs, steep turns, steep spirals, short field approach and landing, soft-field approach and landing, and go-around rejected landing in a Cessna 172s.

Equipment: Cessna 172s, Pilot Operating Handbook, Airport Diagram, and Flight Computer.

Introduction:

Before starting the lesson, the instructor should review the aircraft’s performance charts and limitations with the student. The instructor should also explain the purpose of each maneuver, why we practice them, and how to configure the aircraft for each maneuver.

1. Short Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform a short field takeoff and maximum performance climb.

Configuration: Flaps 10 degrees, full power, brakes applied, elevator neutral, and rudder centered.

Procedure:

a. Release brakes and apply full power. b. Maintain centerline with rudder. c. Rotate at the recommended speed. d. Climb at the recommended speed and pitch attitude. e. Retract flaps when clear of obstacles.

1. Soft Field Takeoff and Climb:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform a soft field takeoff and climb.

Configuration: Flaps 10 degrees, full power, elevator back, and rudder to maintain centerline.

Procedure:

a. Apply full power. b. Keep the elevator back to keep the nose wheel off the ground. c. Use rudder to maintain centerline. d. Gradually increase pitch attitude to lift off. e. Climb at the recommended speed and pitch attitude. f. Retract flaps when clear of obstacles.

1. Steep Turns:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform steep turns.

Configuration: Flaps up, recommended speed, and coordinated use of ailerons, elevator, and rudder.

Procedure:

a. Clear the area. b. Roll into a bank of 45 degrees. c. Apply back pressure to maintain altitude. d. Use rudder to maintain coordination. e. Roll out of the turn and level off.

1. Steep Spirals:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform steep spirals.

Configuration: Flaps up, recommended speed, and coordinated use of ailerons, elevator, and rudder.

Procedure:

a. Clear the area. b. Reduce power to idle. c. Roll into a bank of 45 degrees. d. Apply back pressure to maintain altitude. e. Use rudder to maintain coordination. f. Increase bank angle to maintain a constant rate of descent. g. Roll out of the spiral and level off.

1. Short Field Approach and Landing:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform a short field approach and landing.

Configuration: Flaps 30 degrees, recommended speed, and power as necessary.

Procedure:

a. Establish the recommended approach speed and altitude. b. Configure the aircraft for landing. c. Use flaps to increase drag and steepen the approach. d. Use power to control the descent rate. e. Touch down at the recommended speed and pitch attitude. f. Apply brakes and reverse thrust as necessary.

1. Soft-Field Approach and Landing:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform a soft-field approach and landing.

Configuration: Flaps 30 degrees, recommended speed, and power as necessary.

Procedure:

a. Establish the recommended approach speed and altitude. b. Configure the aircraft for landing. c. Use flaps to increase drag and steepen the approach. d. Use power to control the descent rate. e. Touch down as softly as possible with the nose wheel off the ground. f. Apply brakes and reverse thrust as necessary.

1. Go-Around Rejected Landing:

Objective: To teach the student pilot how to perform a go-around rejected landing.

Configuration: Flaps up, full power, and pitch attitude to maintain climb speed.

Procedure:

a. Apply full power. b. Retract flaps as necessary. c. Pitch up to maintain climb speed. d. Retract landing gear when clear of obstacles. e. Climb to a safe altitude and re-establish the aircraft in the traffic pattern.

Conclusion:

The instructor should review the key points of the lesson and answer any questions the student may have. The instructor should also emphasize the importance of practicing these maneuvers regularly to maintain proficiency.