F1 Rocket Recurrent Training Program Version 1.0, June, 2007
F1 Rocket Recurrent Training Course Course Objective: The purpose of this course is to ensure pilots are properly trained, current and proficient in operating the F1 Rocket. By completing this course, conducted by a qualified instructor, you should be prepared to continue to safely operate the F1 Rocket, and can realize discounts in insurance rates. It is particularly important to be current and proficient prior to conducting a test flight program in any aircraft, especially a first flight. Do not attempt to test fly your new aircraft without proper preparation and instruction. Course Overview: The course emphasis is on meeting minimum proficiency standards, and uses the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test Standards as a basis for performance. The course materials include a Syllabus, 5 Ground-training Lessons, and 2 Flight Lessons to meet the needs of a typical pilot. Also included is a Maneuver Guide outlining procedures to use for the training, and a Training Record Sheet to help instructors document performance. The instructor may modify this course as necessary to meet an individual student s needs. An experienced pilot may be able to advance quickly through the lessons, whereas others may require multiple flights to accomplish individual lesson objectives. If all requirements are met, this course could also easily serve as the basis for a Biennial Flight Review. For the Pilot Undergoing Training: Look over the course materials prior to beginning training. Prior to each lesson you will want to: 1) Review lesson subjects for Ground-training Lessons in the applicable manuals 2) Review the applicable maneuvers in the Maneuver Guide before flight lessons 3) Review the applicable Emergency and Abnormal Procedures 4) Review any other recommended readings For the Instructor: This course should be tailored to the needs of the individual student to efficiently meet the course objectives. You alone, as the instructor, are responsible for the training product. Before starting training with the student, review his/her qualifications and experience. Familiarize yourself with the particular aircraft to be used and the needs of the student. Prior to each lesson you may want to review the lesson content, the Maneuver Guide, and any instructor notes. Plan realistic emergency and abnormal situations to discuss on the ground, and practice during the lesson. Encourage the student to pursue spin and aerobatic instruction, either as part of this course, or upon completion of this course. Most insurance policies will cover you while instructing in an insured s aircraft. However, it is wise to double check. There may be additional restrictions imposed in the Aircraft Operating Limitations for the aircraft used. FARs allow you to be compensated for your instruction in an aircraft provided by the student. If you desire to provide dual instruction in your personal aircraft, as the instructor, you will need special approval from the FAA to be compensated for the aircraft use. The aircraft will also incur special inspection requirements. Further, most insurance companies do not allow you to give dual instruction in your airplane unless specifically authorized by the policy. - 1 -
Recurrent Training Lesson Outline: Ground Training Lessons: Ground Training Lesson 1: Course Intro, Safety and Admin Topics Ground Training Lesson 2: Aircraft Systems Review Ground Training Lesson 3: Performance and Weight & Balance Review Ground Training Lesson 4, Normal Procedures and Maneuvers Ground Training Lesson 5: Emergency and Abnormal Procedures and Maneuvers Flight Training Lessons: Flight Training Lesson 1: Airwork Review, and Normal Traffic Pattern Operations Flight Training Lesson 2: Proficiency Assessment - 2 -
Ground Training Lesson 1: Course Intro, Safety and Admin Topics Lesson Objective: To gain an understanding of the course content and discuss safety and general administrative topics pertinent to operation of the aircraft. Special Emphasis Item: Safe accomplishment of the training program Lesson Outline: Pilot Interview o Determine the Pilot s Qualifications and Experience o Determine Pilot's Objectives Biennial Flight Review desired? o Determine Information about the Aircraft to be Used Equipment, engine type, modifications, etc. Course Overview o Ground Training Aircraft Systems Training Aircraft Performance and Weight and Balance Normal Operating Procedures Emergency and Abnormal Procedures o Flight Training Trained to Proficiency based on Private Pilot Practical Test Standards Flight Training Divided into 2 Lessons Each lesson has objectives and completion standards It may require multiple flights to complete one lesson, based on proficiency Safety Topics o Check Egos at the door o Know the aircraft s limitations and do not exceed them o Know your personal limitations and do not exceed them o Use Checklists o Be alert for FOD in the cockpit Foreign objects (as small as a screw) becoming lodged in the flight controls have contributed to several accidents/incidents Empty pockets before flight, and/or secure items properly o Use Proper Transfer of Aircraft Control Important to know who is flying at all times More difficult to ascertain in tandem cockpit aircraft Use the following set procedures Pilot taking control states: I Have the Aircraft, and shakes the stick noticeably Pilot giving control states: You have the aircraft, and does not release control until feeling a positive shake of the stick from the pilot taking the aircraft If there is any doubt, always ask o Do not attempt aerobatics without first receiving flight instruction from a qualified instructor Aerobatics place special demands on the aircraft and the pilot The aircraft is very clean and can accelerate rapidly through V NE Higher g-loadings can put the pilot in danger of loosing consciousness. Attempting aerobatics without proper training will likely result in damage to the aircraft and/or loss of control o Do not attempt to fly in formation (Lead or Wing) without first receiving flight instruction from a qualified instructor - 3 -
o Most Probable Fatal Accident Causes in Amateur Built Aircraft: Collision with the Ground Continued VFR into poor weather conditions Low altitude maneuvering o Resist the urge to perform low fly-bys o At risk in the event of an engine failure Administrative Topics o o o o Considered careless and reckless by the FAA Do not attempt low altitude maneuvers 1500 AGL should be minimum for any maneuvers or airwork, 3000 AGL desired Engine Failure/Fuel Starvation Improper engine installation Improper fuel management Experimental Category Operating Requirements Aircraft Operating Limitations Review the aircraft s specific limitations Aircraft Maintenance Requirements ATC Requirements o State Experimental on initial contact with any controlling agency o May be restricted from flying over populated areas except for takeoff and landing o May be restricted from operating in Class B Airspace unless authorized Insurance Requirements Typically a minimum of 5 hour checkout with a qualified CFI Completing the Initial Training Program should help you realize a discount on your insurance premium Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot understands the topics discussed. - 4 -
Ground Training Lesson 2: Aircraft Systems Review Lesson Objective: To ensure understanding of the aircraft systems. Special Emphasis Items: Systems limitations and normal operating procedures Lesson Outline: For Each System Discuss: Components Controls and Indicators Limitations Normal Procedures Servicing and Maintenance Requirements Systems to Cover: Aircraft General Engine and Propeller Fuel System Electrical Systems Landing Gear Flaps Brakes Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot demonstrates proper knowledge of the aircraft systems, and is familiar with the operating limitations, and normal operating procedures. - 5 -
Ground Training Lesson 3: Aircraft Performance and Weight and Balance Lesson Objective: To ensure understanding of the aircraft performance data, and weight and balance calculations. Special Emphasis Items: Application of performance and weight and balance data to normal flight operations. Lesson Outline: Discuss the performance data included in the Pilots Operating Handbook for the particular aircraft to be used. Discuss weight and balance information and insure proficiency in calculating weight and balance for various conditions. Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot demonstrates proper knowledge of the aircraft performance and weight and balance information, and can accurately calculate weight and balance. - 6 -
Ground Training Lesson 4: Normal Procedures and Maneuvers Lesson Objective: To ensure proper knowledge of normal checklists, procedures and maneuvers. Special Emphasis Items: Application of systems knowledge to normal procedures. Lesson Outline: Normal Checklist Conventions and Usage Ground Operations o Preflight Inspection o Engine Start Procedures Normal and Hot Start Procedures o Taxi and Run-up Procedures Discuss possibility of nose-over at higher power settings Traffic Pattern Operations o Normal Takeoffs o Crosswind Takeoffs o Short Field Takeoffs o Soft Field Takeoffs o Normal Traffic Patterns o Normal Landings Discuss both 3-point and wheel landings o Go-arounds o Crosswind Landings o Short Field Landings o Soft Field Landings Airwork Maneuvers o Steep Turns o Slow Flight o Sink Rate Demonstration Discuss recognition and recovery procedures o Stalls Power On Stalls Power Off Stalls o Basic Instrument Maneuvers o Unusual Attitude Recoveries Instrument recoveries Visual Recoveries o Instrument Approach Procedures (Optional) GPS Approaches ILS Approaches Non-Precision Approaches o Spin Awareness Training Review of Spin Aerodynamics Spin Prevention Techniques Spin Entry and Recovery Procedures (Spin training in the aircraft is desirable but not required) Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot demonstrates familiarity with the normal checklists, procedures and normal maneuvers. - 7 -
Ground Training Lesson 5: Emergency and Abnormal Procedures and Maneuvers Lesson Objective: To ensure proper knowledge of Emergency and Abnormal checklists, procedures and maneuvers. Special Emphasis Items: Application of systems knowledge to Emergency and Abnormal procedures. Lesson Outline: Emergency and Abnormal Checklist Conventions and Usage Emergency Procedures o Engine Fire on the Ground o Engine Fire in Flight o Engine Failure Immediately After Takeoff o Engine Failure in Flight o Forced Landing o Electrical Fire/Smoke in Flight: VMC o Electrical Fire/Smoke in Flight: IMC (optional) o Runaway Elevator Trim o Canopy Open in Flight o Bailout o Evacuation Abnormal Procedures o Alternator Failure o Low Oil Pressure o High Oil Temperature o Wing Flaps Failure Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot demonstrates familiarity with the Emergency and Abnormal checklists, procedures and maneuvers. - 8 -
Flight Training Lesson 1: Airwork, Normal Traffic Pattern Operations Lesson Objective: To ensure proficiency in basic airwork maneuvers Special Emphasis Items: Stall Recognition and Recovery Procedures Discussion of Approach to Stall Warning Signs and Spin Prevention Techniques Accident Prevention Techniques Lesson Content: Normal Takeoff Soft Field Takeoff Steep Turns Slow Flight: Flaps up and down Stalls: Power On Stall: Wing level and turning Power Off Stalls: Flaps up, flaps down, wings level and turning Sink Rate Demonstration (at altitude in the training area) Go-Around Procedure (at altitude in the training area) Normal Traffic Patterns Normal Landing Soft Field Landing Emergency Procedures: Engine Fire on the Ground Engine Failure Immediately After Takeoff Engine Fire in Flight and Forced Landing Procedures (simulated) Runaway Elevator Trim Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot: 1. Demonstrates proficiency in airwork maneuvers. 2. Demonstrates safe control coordination throughout the maneuvers. 3. Demonstrates good stall recognition and recovery techniques. - 9 -
Flight Training Lesson 2: Proficiency Assessment Lesson Objective: To demonstrate confidence and proficiency in all airwork and traffic pattern operations, and the ability to safely act as Pilot in Command. Special Emphasis Items: Proper Execution of Judgment and Airmanship Accident Prevention: Preventing Controlled Flight Into Terrain Accidents Lesson Content: Normal Takeoff Short Field Takeoff Slow Flight Power On Stalls (turning) Power Off Stalls (straight ahead and turning) Accelerated Stalls Cross-controlled Stalls (proficiency not required) Unusual Attitude Recoveries (visual maneuver) Normal and Traffic Patterns Normal Landing Short Field Landing No-Flap Landing Emergency Procedures: Engine Failure in Flight (simulated, in the area and in the traffic pattern) Alternator Failure Electrical Fire/Smoke in flight Wing Flaps Failure Completion Standards: The lesson is complete when the pilot: 1. Demonstrates proficiency in airwork maneuvers. 2. Demonstrates proficiency in all traffic pattern operations. 3. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of Aircraft Operating Limitations and Emergency Checklist Items. 4. Demonstrates the proper use of Normal, Emergency and Abnormal Checklists 5. Demonstrates the judgment and airmanship necessary to safely operate the aircraft. - 10 -