03 Climbing and Descending
CASA Recreational Pilot License (Aeroplane) — CASA Sample Syllabus Lesson 3.
This lesson covers climbing and descending — the fundamental techniques for changing altitude safely and efficiently. Building directly on straight and level flight, we apply the same Power + Attitude = Performance formula to climb and descent manoeuvres: the aerodynamic forces at work, the entry and level-off sequences, the three types of climb (cruise, best rate and best angle) and the three types of descent (cruise, glide and approach with flap), and what the instruments are telling you throughout.
Theory Brief — Part 1: Climbing
Section titled “Theory Brief — Part 1: Climbing”The four forces in a climb, the performance formula applied to climbing, the climb-entry (PAT) and level-off (APT) sequences, and the three types of climb. View the slides on this page below or open the slides directly.
Theory Brief — Part 2: Descending
Section titled “Theory Brief — Part 2: Descending”The forces in a descent, the descent-entry and level-off sequences (both PAT), the three types of descent, gliding for best range, approach descents with flap, and instrument indications. View the slides on this page below or open the slides directly.
Pre-flight briefing notes
Section titled “Pre-flight briefing notes”The pre-flight brief (~15 min, immediately before the flight) works best as an interactive whiteboard session, not slides — stepping through the flight plan, the TAF, threats and airmanship together with the student. These printable notes give you the briefing components (aim, flight walk-through, threats, lookout and level-off) with prompts and fill-in blanks, plus a front page to sketch your own whiteboard plan and running order. Although it will be helpful to plan and step through it yourself before the lesson, remember: modelling the process of the pre-flight brief is more important than presenting a polished pre-flight brief. This is why we do it interactively rather than a presentation. Download the PDF of the briefing notes to print or use offline.
In-flight notes
Section titled “In-flight notes”Instructor kneeboard reference for the airborne sequence. These use a portrait layout for easier use on a kneeboard or device. View the slides on this page on the right or open the slides directly, or download the PDF of the in-flight notes to print or use on your device offline.
Post-flight debrief
Section titled “Post-flight debrief”I plan to add post-flight debriefs once I have more experience conducting them, but I'm assuming it'll be more of a personal preference with assessment outcomes than a set of slides.
Useful resources for students
Section titled “Useful resources for students”- The NZ Civil Aviation Authority has a one-page Climbing and Descending whiteboard that summarises the technique — suitable for the student if they want to download it for themselves.
Example email to students before the lesson
Section titled “Example email to students before the lesson”If you are an instructor, feel free to modify this for your own use. Sending an email a few days before a lesson is a great way to engage people in the learning before they even arrive (if they have time and capacity).
Subject: Climbing and Descending lesson this [day]
Good morning/afternoon [name]!
Our next lesson together covers climbing and descending — the fundamental techniques for changing altitude safely and efficiently. Building directly on what we covered in straight and level flight, we'll apply the same Power + Attitude = Performance formula to climb and descent manoeuvres.
During our theory session we'll explore the aerodynamic forces at work during climbs and descents, the entry and level-off sequences, and the three types of climb you'll use throughout your training: normal cruise climb, best rate of climb, and best angle of climb. We'll also cover gliding and powered descents, and what the instruments are telling you during these manoeuvres.
In the air we'll practise transitioning between straight and level, climbing, and descending flight — and you'll experience firsthand how the aeroplane behaves differently at each climb speed.
See you [day],
— Michael