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Private Pilot Syllabus
Student Copy
January 2013
An applicant shall be a minimum of 17 years old
MEDICAL FITNESS
An applicant shall hold a Category 3 Medical Certificate
KNOWLEDGE
An applicant shall have a minimum of 40 hours ground school instruction on the following subjects:
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Canadian Aviation Regulations
Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight
Meteorology
Airframes, Engines and Systems
Flight Instruments
Radio and Electronic Theory
Navigation
Flight Operations
Licensing Requirements
Human Factors, including Pilot Decision Making
WRITTEN EXAM
Obtain a minimum of 60% on the PPAER written exam
EXPERIENCE
An applicant shall complete the following minimum requirements:
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45 hours private pilot flight training including a minimum of:
o 17 hours dual instruction including:
 3 hours cross-country
o 5 hours instrument (up to 3 hours can be simulator)
o 12 hours solo flight time including:
 5 hours cross-country with a 150 NM flight including 2 full stop landings at
other than the point of departure
(The remainder of the flight experience requirement shall consist of either dual or solo flights as necessary)
SKILL
Within the 12 months preceding the date of application for the license, an applicant shall successfully
complete a flight test to the standard outlined in the Flight Test Standards-Private and Pilot License
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Lesson Plans Are Abbreviated As Follows:
Prep = Preparatory Ground Instruction
Dual = Dual Flying (Due to weather some of these may be done in the Redbird)
Red = Redbird Training
Solo = Solo Flying
Books Used Are Abbreviated As Follows:
FTM = Flight Training Manual
POH = Skyhawk 172N Information Manual (Pilot Operating Handbook) or Diamond DA-20
Information Manual
FGU = From The Ground Up
RIC-21 = Radiotelephone Operator’s Restricted Certificate Study Guide
TP11919E = Study and Reference Guide Student Pilot Permit
This guide does not include the specific lesson numbers that the required 5 hours of instrument flight
will take place. At the discretion of the instructor these flights may take place at any time throughout
the syllabus. Please remember that each person learns at a different rate and this syllabus is only a
guide. Weather and other unforeseen circumstances may postpone some of these flights. In some of
these circumstances, at the instructor’s discretion, you may be able to do some of the required
instrument training. All flights are subject to change upon the discretion of the instructor, additional
flights may be necessary. We strongly suggest that you get an aviation medical as soon as possible so it
does not hold up your training.
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Lessons 1 through 10 will consist of all dual lessons in the full motion Redbird Simulator.
You will learn the basics of flight and how to fly the aircraft safely. You will be simulating
talking to air traffic control and do basic take-offs and landings.
Lesson 1 – Prep
Required Reading – FTM Part 1 and Part 2 Exercises 1 – 5
Today we will talk to you about your goals and expectations, set up a file and show you how the
operation works. You will be shown the proper documentation, use of the POH and familiarize you
with the aircraft systems and controls. You will spend some time in the aircraft doing a pre flight
inspection and you will be shown how to do a weight and balance report. You will be briefed on
ancillary controls, taxiing, communications, attitudes and movements.
Lesson 2– Red
Required Reading – Cessna POH pgs 4-3, 4-11, 4-12, Sections 1, 7. DA20 POH pgs 4-2, 4-13, Chapters
1&7
You will go flying today and practice using the ancillary controls. You will also learn how to safely
maneuver the aircraft on the ground. In the air you will learn the aircraft range of attitudes through
which the aircraft will normally be operated in and how to produce those attitudes. You will be
introduced to yaw and shown how to control it. These are the very basics of flight.
Lesson 3 & 4– Prep/Red
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 6-9(basic), 30
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight, you will learn to fly straight and level flight and
understand the relationship between power, attitude and performance. You will also learn the
procedure for initiating a basic climb and descent. You will turn the aircraft to selected headings
and an introduction to the compass is also covered. This is where you will start talking to air traffic
control using the air-to-air radio in the aircraft.
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Lesson 5 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 6-9, 16, / Cessna POH pgs 4-3, 4-13 - 4-15, 5-12 – 5-14/ DA20 POH
pgs 4-3, 4-14, 4-16, S4-8, S4-9
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight, we will build on skills acquired from the previous
lesson with emphasis on changing airspeeds and specific rated climbs and descents. You will use
specific bank angles to turn the aircraft to specific headings. You will also learn how to get the
aircraft safely airborne (take-off) and some basic navigation.
Lesson 6 – Prep
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 10, 11,12,18 / Cessna POH pgs 4-3, 4-20, 4-16, 4-17,5-11,5-16 – 521 / DA20 POH pgs 4-3, 4-17, 4-18,S4-7/RIC-21
This will be a ground briefing on Exercises regarding endurance, Range, Slow Flight and Stalls.
Lesson 7 – Prep/Red or Dual optiion
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 10, 18 / Cessna POH pgs 4-3, 4-20, 4-16, 5-16 – 5-21 / DA20 POH
pgs 4-3, 4-17, 4-18
Starting with a short review ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to stay in the air for the
longest period of time (endurance) and how to cover the greatest distance per unit of fuel
consumed (range). You will also start to learn how to land safely.
Lesson 8 – Prep/Red
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 11 / RIC-21
Starting with a short review ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to recognize the
symptoms when approaching the slow flight speed range and the proper technique necessary to
achieve precise control of the aircraft in the slow flight speed range. At this time you should be
studying the guide for the radiotelephone operator’s restricted certificate and challenge that exam
as soon as practicable.
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Lesson 9 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 12 / Cessna POH pgs 4-17, 5-11 / DA20 POH pgs S4-7
Starting with a short review ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to recognize the
symptoms of an approaching stall, the recognition of the stall itself and the correct recovery
procedure.
Lesson 10 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 13 / POH pgs 2-7 – 2-8, 3-15, 4-18 – 4-19 / DA20 POH pgs 3-11, 4-19
and Weight and Balance Sheets for Utility Category
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to recognize and avoid the
conditions, which could lead to an incipient spin. You will also learn the spin entry and the correct
recovery action to be taken in case of an incipient spin. It’s not as scary as you might think.
Lesson 11 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 9S,14 / POH pgs 3-14, 5-11
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to initiate and control a steep turn,
how to recognize and recover from a spiral dive. This is not as scary as you might think.
Lesson 12 – Prep/Dual (Supervision Flight)
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 15,22(elementary) / Cessna POH pgs 3-11 - 3-12, 2-11 / DA20 POH
pgs 3-11
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn the procedures to follow in the event of a
power failure (basic forced approach). You will also learn the practical uses, entry and recovery
from a side, turning and forward slips.
Lessons 13 through 22 will consist of dual and solo flights at the Springbank airport, fine
tuning the take-offs and landings. This is where you will go on your 1st solo flight. Exercise
20 (illusions created by drift) will also be completed in these next series of flights at the
discretion of the instructor.
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Lesson 13 – Prep
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,17,18 / Cessna POH section 3, pg 4-21/ TP11919E / DA20 POH
Chapter 3, pg 4-18
In this ground briefing we will cover the circuit pattern. We will talk about aircraft spacing,
distances, heights, appropriate direction of flight, entering and leaving the circuit and the
procedures to follow in uncontrolled and controlled airspace. Special VFR, circuit size and wake
turbulence is also covered.
Lesson 14 & 15 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,17,18 / Cessna POH section 3, pg 4-21/ TP11919E / DA20 POH
Chapter 3, pg 4-18
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to fly a circuit pattern with emphasis
on accuracy during the take-off, approach and landing. How to complete an overshoot (balked
landing) is also covered. At this time you should be reviewing the study and reference guide for the
student pilot permit and challenge that exam as soon as practicable.
Lesson 16 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,17,18 / Cessna POH section 3 / DA20 POH Chapter 3
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to recognize the balloon and bounce
and properly recover from it. You will also understand the procedures to follow in case of a
communication failure in the circuit.
Lesson 17 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,17,18 / Cessna POH section 3, pgs 4-15, 4-20 / DA20 POH
Chapter 3, pgs 4-15, 4-17
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn the procedures to follow in case of a
runway change. You will also learn the proper technique to use during a crosswind take-off and
landing (winds permitting).
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Lesson 18 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,17,18 / Cessna POH section 3 / DA20 Chapter 3
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn how to react to a power loss on take-off
and after take-off. A complete review of emergency procedures will also take place.
*Prior to next flight you must have written and passed the Radiotelephone Operators exam,
PSTAR exam, the Calgary Flying Club pre-solo quiz and have an aviation medical*
Lesson 19 – Dual/Solo
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,17,18 / Cessna POH section 3 / DA20 Chapter 3
After flying some dual circuits and the instructor feels you are safe and capable, you will fly one
circuit unassisted.
1st Solo Flight – Congratulations
Lesson 20 – Dual/Solo
This flight consists of a post-solo check. After a quick check to make sure you remember how, you
would fly more circuits on your own.
Lesson 21 – Solo
Today you will fly circuits solo from start-up to finish unassisted.
Lesson 22 – Solo
Today you will fly circuits solo from start-up to finish unassisted.
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Lessons 23 through 24 will consist of dual and solo flights at the Springbank airport with
emphasis on specialty take-offs and landings.
Lesson 23 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading - FTM Exercises 16,18 / Cessna POH pgs 4-14, 4-20 / DA20 POH pg 4-15
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn the procedures and occasions, which
warrant a short field take-off and landing with and without obstacles.
Lesson 24 – Solo
Today you will fly the previous exercise unassisted.
Lesson 25– Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 16,18 / Cessna POH pgs 4-15, 4-20
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn the procedures and occasions, which
warrant a soft field take-off and landing with and without obstacles.
Lesson 26– Solo
Today you will fly the previous exercise unassisted.
Lessons 27 through 32 will bring you back to the local practice area for more dual and solo
flights. You will be reviewing the exercises in the first 10 lessons with the emphasis being on
more precise control and expanded procedures. This is to prepare you for cross-country
flight.
Lesson 27– Prep
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 21, 22
In this ground briefing you review the previous exercises learned to date. We will expand the
procedures to follow in the event of a power failure (advanced forced approach) and
communication failure. You will also learn the procedures to be followed in preparation for landing
at an aerodrome where the surface condition is unknown or an unprepared surface
(precautionary).
Lesson 28– Dual
Required Reading – Cessna POH pgs 3-3, 3-4 / DA20 POH pgs 3-3, 3-4
Starting with a flight you will review exercises 6-9, 9S, 14, 15 . NORDO
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Lesson 29 – Dual
Required Reading – Cessna POH pgs 3-4 / DA20 POH pgs 3-7
Continuing the review with a flight you will review exercises 11, 12, 22 Basic
You will also fly back to the airport with a simulated radio failure (NORDO).
Lesson 30 – Solo
Today you will practice the exercises 6-9 various, 9S steep turns , 16-18 Specialty take-ff and
landing.
Lesson 31 – Solo
Continuing the review you will practice the exercises 11,12 with flap, 16-18 Specialty take-off
landing.
Lesson 32 – Solo
Continuing the review you will practice the exercises 15, 22 Basic, 16-18 Specialty take-off landing.
Lesson 33 – Prep/Dual
Required Reading – FTM Exercises 11, 12, 13 / Cessna POH pgs 4-17, 4-18, 3-15 / DA20 POH pgs 3-11,
4-19, S4-7
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will review exercises 11 and 12 with emphasis on
more precise control with the aircraft in different configurations. You will also review exercise 13
(incipient spin) and build on that knowledge to progress to the fully developed spin. It’s not as
scary as you might think.
Lessons 34 through 37 will consist of dual and solo flight emphasizing cross-country flight.
Lesson 34 – Prep/ Dual
Required Reading FTM Exercise 22
Today we will expand on the procedure to follow in the event of a power failure (advanced forced
approach) , 16-18 Specialty take-off landing.
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Lesson 35- Solo
Today you will fly the previous exercise unassisted.
16-18 Specialty take-off landing
Lesson 36 – Prep/ Dual
Required Reading FTM Exercise 21
Today you will learn the procedures to be followed in preparation for landing at an aerodrome
where the surface condition is unknown or unprepared surface (Precautionary).
Lesson 37 – Solo
Today you will fly the previous exercise unassisted.
16-18 Specialty take-off Landing.
Lesson 38 – Prep/Dual (Supervisory)
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 23
Starting with a ground briefing then a flight you will learn how during cross-country flight to divert
to another destination.
Lesson 39– Prep
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 23 / Cessna POH section 5 / DA20 POH Chapter 5 / FGU – Air
Navigation, Aerodromes, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures
Today you will learn how to prepare for and be able to conduct safe cross-country flight.
Lesson 40 – Dual
Today you will be flying cross-country. The flight will include flying to two destinations that do not
have air traffic control. Weather and time permitting you will go on a tour of a flight service station.
Lesson 41 – Solo
Today you will fly the same cross-country route as in exercise 30 unassisted.
1st Solo Cross-Country Flight - Congratulations
Lesson 42– Solo
Today you will fly a different cross-country route unassisted.
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Lesson 43 – Prep/Solo
Today you will fly diversions solo. Your instructor will give you places to divert and fly to using the
method you learned in previous flights.
Lessons 44-50(IF1 – IF6) – Prep/Dual/Red
Required Reading – FTM Exercise 24
Although this guide does not include the specific lesson numbers that the required 5 hours of
instrument flight (3 hours will be in Redbird) will take place. this is where the majority of the
instrument training will occur.
Lessons 51 through 56 will consist of dual and solo flights, some flights to the local practice
area and some flights in the Springbank circuit. These next flights will prepare you for the
private pilot flight test.
Lesson 51 – Prep
Required Reading – all of the previous
This briefing is a review of everything you have learned to date. From aircraft systems, emergency
procedures, documents, license privileges and other regulations to all of the exercises previously
covered. This will get you prepared for your flight test.
Lesson 52– Dual
Required Reading – as assigned
Today’s flight will be a general review covering all of the previous exercises.
Lesson 53 – Dual
Required Reading – as assigned
Today’s flight will be another general review covering all of the previous exercises.
Lesson 54 – Solo
Today’s flight will be a general review covering all of the previous exercises unassisted. If required.
Lesson 55 – Solo
Today’s flight will be another general review covering all of the previous exercises unassisted. If
required.
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Lesson 56 – Dual
Required Reading – as assigned
Pre-flight Test. Today the instructor will play the roll of a flight test examiner. Starting on the
ground you will be asked questions on everything you must know for the flight test. In the air you
will go through all of the flight test exercises as if you were on the actual flight test. It’s like a
practice run.
Lesson 57
Private Pilot Flight Test – Good Luck!
o
o Relax
o Get a good night rest
Focus on the exercise at hand
o Eat before the flight
o Be prepared
Now that your flight test and written test are completed we will complete the remaining
paperwork and our authorized person will assign you temporary private pilot license
privileges until you receive a permanent copy from Transport Canada in the mail. You will
need a passport photo, $55 cheque for the receiver general, SPP, and documents filled out.
Also a copy of a passport or drivers license.
(amended to add Redbird simulator sessions 2012,03,05)
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