### Objective Practice the fundamentals of straight and level (S&L) flight, turns, climbs, and descents; and controlling the airplane's attitude by visual reference to the horizon. ### Resources N/A > [!tip] Pre-Lesson Reading/Homework here: [[~ PPL Pre-Lesson Reading]] ### Builds On N/A ### Schedule 1 hour ground, 2 hours flight ### Lesson Elements > [!tip] > Pitch + Power = Performance > [!tip] > Lift can be increased by increasing velocity, increasing angle of attack (up to [[Critical Angle of Attack]]), or adding flaps. #### Use of Primary and Secondary Control Surfaces This follows the topics covered in a demo flight, if not previously flown. ![[PPL0.0 Optional Introductory or Demo Flight#Lesson Elements]] #### Straight and Level **Aerodynamic Principles** ![[Forces in Stabilized Flight]] **In Practice** 1. Always be [[scanning for traffic]]! 2. Use the visual horizon to maintain direction and pitch attitude ([[NoseReferenceForSL.jpeg|image]]) 3. Use wingtip reference to maintain level flight 4. Periodically cross-check the altimeter and heading indicator ([[90%-10% Outside vs Inside|aim for 90-10 split of time looking outside vs inside]]) 5. Keep a light grip on the controls 6. Use trim to help #### Level Turns **Aerodynamic Principles** 1. The plane turns because the lift vector tilts, not because of the rudder ![[Forces in Level Turn.jpeg]] 2. To maintain altitude, additional lift is needed 1. Apply back-pressure to the controls, increasing lift 2. Sometimes add power, to overcome increased drag 3. [[Adverse Yaw]] requires using the rudder to maintain coordinated flight 4. [[Overbanking Tendency]] means you need to apply a bit of opposite aileron to keep the bank angle constant. 5. Back-pressure results in load factor > 1.0, and increased stall speed 6. Sight picture differs slightly in left vs right turns **In Practice** 1. Check for traffic (high wing plane - lift wing slightly before banking) 2. Roll into turn while adding rudder, and pulling back lightly on the controls 3. Neutralize ailerons once the turn is established; also, less rudder is required 4. Maintain coordination (counteract [[Adverse Yaw]]) using the rudder ([[Indications of Slip and Skid.jpeg]]) 5. Relax, make adjustments, scan for traffic 6. Use opposite aileron to roll out, while relaxing back pressure, and staying coordinated #### Climbs and Descents **Notes** - Different situations require climbs at [[Vx]], [[Vy]], or normal/cruise climb - It's useful to memorize power settings for repeatable climbs/descents - During climb, [[Four Left Turning Tendencies#P-Factor (Asymmetric Loading)|P-Factor]] increases the need for right rudder - Q: What happens, during straight-and-level flight, if you add throttle? Why? - Q: What happens, during straight-and-level flight, if you extend flaps? Why? **In Practice** ![[Maneuver - Four Fundamentals]] #### Climbing/Descending Turns Establish climb or descent, then initiate turn. #### Common errors 1. Forgetting to scan for traffic 2. Overcontrolling - use pressure, not movement, of controls 3. Chasing the instruments - looking at the instruments too often 4. Too firm grip on controls - relax, use fingertip pressure 5. Lack of rudder coordination ### Completion Standards Learner must demonstrate ability to use external visual references to maintain appropriate pitch and bank attitudes, with occasional cross-check of aircraft instruments. Learner must develop habit of visual scanning for traffic, and check for traffic before maneuvers. > [!success]- Tolerances (Partial) from [[Private Pilot ACS|ACS]] > ±10 knots, ±10° degrees, ±100 feet^[These are a reasonable blend of minimums from other ACS standards, since four fundamentals is assessed as part of other maneuvers in the checkride.] ### Required Logbook Phraseology [[FAR 61.87 Student Solo Reqs]]: - (d)(4) Straight and level flight, and turns in both directions; - (d)(5) Climbs and climbing turns; - (d)(8) Descents, with and without turns, using high and low drag configurations; ### Required Homework None ### Recommended Homework - [ ] Chair fly four fundamentals *Return to [[~ PPL Lesson Plan Outline|Table of Contents]]^*