OBJECTIVES:

In this lesson, the student will learn how to fly a circuit procedure for landing in an area away from the primary airfield. They will be introduced to various fields within the GFA on which they will be required to continue their training exercises both dual, and if completed successfully thereafter solo. The aim of this exercise is to enable the student to assess a possible LZ, establish a circuit, and safely land off field.

LESSON CONTENT:

1. Fully brief the student on the geometry of an Off field landing circuit:
   • Into wind
   • 500ft AGL
   • Right hand – if terrain and obstruction so permit
2. Point out visual cues to the student on how to assess wind direction in order to determine circuit approach and landing direction.
3. Select reference points for the final approach track
4. Overfly the selected LZ at 500AGL, towards the reference point but slightly offset from the LZ to enable the pilot t o inspect for any obstacles, wires, loose debris, long grass, animals, people or any other potential hazards.
5. Encourage the student to make a decision on the safety of the LZ and to reselect an alternate LZ within the GFA if they are not comfortable with above criteria.
6. If they are satisfied with the Selected LZ, turn 90° in circuit pattern direction to establish the crosswind leg, maintaining 500ft AGL.
7. Turn downwind, ensuring the student maintains level flight at 500ft AGL and 70KIAS and flies towards a reference point to ensure distance from LZ is maintained.
8. Perform downwind and pre landing checks.
9. At 45° to the threshold, prompt the student to initiate a descent and turn onto the base leg.
10. Roll on final approach, aligned with the preselected reference points and continue the descent for the LZ.
11. Encourage the student to fly with their eyes outside in order to correctly assess the required approach angle, as well as to look out for any wires or other obstruction that may have been overlooked in the initial assessment.
12. If Carb heat was applied during downwind checks, ensure that it is pushed in at 200ft AGL to ensure sufficient power in the event of a go around.
13. Allow the student to land, and brief you on their intended departure plan once safely on the ground.
14. Allow the student to practice off filed landings, assessing their decision-making and ability to safely establish an off field landing circuit and landing procedure.

COMPLETION STANDARDS:

At the completion of this exercise the student must be able to land off field within the GFA. They will be able to assess the prevailing conditions, and set up a safe off field circuit taking all considerations into account. They will be able to maintain good situational awareness at all times, as well as correct circuit height and distance from LZ. They will exercise good airmanship as well as height and speed control. The student will also be briefed and demonstrated a go around procedure as an acceptable option if any time during the approach the student is not confident that the Off field landing can be flown safely.