Focus question: How should a pilot respond when changing weather or an abnormal system condition increases workload?
Lesson Overview
Learning Targets
By the end of this session, you should be able to:
Recognize how wind and turbulence affect aircraft handling.
Identify an abnormal instrument or system condition introduced by the instructor.
Make a reasoned continue, divert, or land decision based on the scenario.
Instructor Setup
Begin airborne in stable visual conditions with a nearby suitable airport available.
Use the instructor station to prepare one manageable weather change and one system/instrument abnormality.
Do not introduce multiple failures simultaneously for an introductory student.
30-Minute Plan
Session Timeline
0–5 min
Scenario briefing
Review the goal: maintain control, recognize the change, communicate what is happening, and make a safe decision.
5–10 min
Normal flight
Student establishes stable flight toward the assigned destination.
10–20 min
Instructor scenario
Gradually introduce wind/turbulence and then one selected abnormal condition or failure.
20–27 min
Student response
Student identifies the problem, stabilizes the aircraft, and chooses whether to continue, divert, or land.
27–30 min
Debrief
Review cues noticed, decisions made, alternatives, and what information would be useful in a real flight.
Student Mission
Flight Tasks
Maintain aircraft control before troubleshooting.
Describe the weather or system change you observe.
Identify which indications remain trustworthy.
Choose a safe course of action: continue, divert, or land.
Explain the reasoning behind your decision during the debrief.
Completion Check
Ready to Move On?
Maintains control while workload increases.
Recognizes the introduced abnormal condition.
Uses available instruments and outside references appropriately.
Makes and explains a reasonable risk-management decision.
Instructor decision: Repeat, practice during Free Flight, or continue to the next instructor-led lesson.
Guide basis: The instructor station can change location, heading, airspeed, altitude, wind, and turbulence, and can introduce equipment/system failures including engine, alternator/generator, pitot-static, and electronic display failures.
