The Savvy Co-Pilot Course
This 10 hour course is designed to give passengers an introduction to the basics of flying in case of emergency or to provide a helping hand in the cockpit. The course is not meant to teach you to be a pilot, but be an educated and active passenger. Upon completion of this course, you will:
· Be able to guide a plane to a safe landing with the aid of air traffic controllers in the event the pilot becomes injured or incapacitated.
· Understand the emergency procedures that may save lives
· Assist during various stages of flight reducing the stress and workload for the pilot
· Gain an understanding of how planes fly and work on those “fears”
In this course you will receive:
· 3 hours of ground instruction*
· 1.5 hours of simulated flight instruction*
· 5.5 hours. of in-flight instruction*
· The Savvy Co-Pilot Emergency Checklist
· A log book to record your memories
· GoPro Video of your flights
· Invaluable real world experience.
Savvy Co-Pilot Syllabus:
Lesson 1
Ground Training (1.5 hr):
o How aircraft fly
o What controls the plane
o Aircraft Instruments
o Preflight
Lesson 1 cont
Simulator (1.0 hr):
o How to use the radios and transponder and autopilot (if equipped)
o Practice level flight, turns and landing gear use
Lesson 2
Ground Training:
o Preflight
Flight (1.2 hr):
o Taxi basics
o Run up procedures
o Demonstrate a take-off.
o How to fly straight and level
o How to complete basic turns (10 degrees)
o “GUMPS”
o Demonstrate a landing approach
o Practice landings
Lesson 3:
Ground Training:
o Preflight
Flight (1.2 hr):
o Taxi basics
o Run up procedures
o Demonstrate a take-off.
o How to fly straight and level
o How to complete basic turns (10 degrees)
o “GUMPS”
o Demonstrate a landing approach
o Practice landings
Lesson 4:
Ground (1 hr): An introduction to stalls and slow flight
Flight (1.3 hr):
o Practice taxiing
o Conduct a run up
o Demonstrate a take-off
o Practice basic turns (10 degrees)
o Demonstrate power off/on stalls and slow flight
o Demonstrate a landing approach
o Practice landings
Lesson 4:
Ground (1 hr): Answer any questions about what the savvy co-pilot can do to save themselves, your pilot and the plane. Review radios and how to dial the correct frequencies.
Flight (1.5 hr):
o Practice a take-off
o Practice basic turns (10° & 30°)
o Practice a landing approach
o Practice landings
Lesson 5:
Flight (1.5hr):
o Practice a take-off
o Practice basic turns (10° & 30°)
o Practice a landing approach
Practice landings Approximate Cost:
Aircraft Rental: = $600.00
Simulator: $ 50.00
Instruction: $600.00
Total $1,250.00*
*- This is an estimate of time required to be comfortable with handling aircraft in an emergency situation. Your personal knowledge will determine how much training and studying is required. Aircraft rental fees vary depending on the aircraft selected. Aircraft used should be the same or as close to the primary aircraft flown by the primary pilot. If you own your own plane, training will be conducted in that aircraft. All training can be applied to a private pilot’s certificate if desired at a later date.
Advanced Co-Pilot syllabus: Check out the next page for suggested additional training.
Savvy Co-Pilot Emergency Checklist: Simple steps to follow if you need to take over the controls.
o Take the controls….. stay calm
o Establish and maintain straight and level flight, trim as needed (engage autopilot, or leave it alone if engaged)
o Establish the typical cruise power setting ______RPM and speed ______KTS
o Establish radio contact on the current frequency. If unable dial 121.5 and declare an emergency.
o Set transponder 7700
o Climb if unable to establish radio contact.
o Explain situation, tell them you have gone to a pinch hitter course.
o Give altitude and approximate fuel remaining
o Request to be vectored (directions) to the closest airport
o Request help to guide the plane to the airport
o Don’t rush
o Use GUMPS
o Let the plane fly, relax
o Approach power setting ______RPM and speed ______KTS