Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area XI, Task A

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    0:25
    Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in straight-and-Level Flight.
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands attitude instrument flying during straight-and-level flight, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction, solely by reference to instruments.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Materials

  • Required Materials:

    • Writing instrument and instructional surface.
    • FAA-S-ACS-25, Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards.
    • Lesson plan, student training record, and applicable instructor records.

  • Optional Materials:

    • Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM).
    • Manufacturer-approved checklist and performance data.
    • Current charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
    • Airplane, cockpit procedures trainer, approved training device, or classroom teaching aids, as appropriate.

  • Reference Materials:

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation XI, Task A, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands attitude instrument flying during straight-and-level flight, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction, solely by reference to instruments.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.XI.A.K1: Flight instruments as they relate to:
      • AI.XI.A.K1a: a. Instrument limitations and potential errors
      • AI.XI.A.K1b: b. Indication of the aircraft attitude
      • AI.XI.A.K1c: c. Function and operation
      • AI.XI.A.K1d: d. Proper instrument cross-check techniques
    • Explain, teach, and assess learner understanding of AI.XI.A.K2: Common errors related to this Task.
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R1: Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R2: When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R3: Collision hazards.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R4: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R5: Fixation and omission.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R6: Instrument Interpretation.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R7: Control application solely by reference to instruments.
    • Teach the learner to identify, assess, and mitigate AI.XI.A.R8: Trimming the aircraft.
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.XI.A.S1: Maintain straight-and-level flight using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated control application.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.XI.A.S2: Maintain altitude ±100 feet, heading ±10°, and airspeed ±10 knots.
    • Demonstrate and provide instruction on AI.XI.A.S3: Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
    • Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
  • Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving straight-and-Level Flight while maintaining an organized lesson flow and an appropriate level of learner participation.
  • Ask the instructor applicant to identify hazards, including AI.XI.A.R1: Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings, and teach how each risk will be controlled.
  • Require the instructor applicant to explain, demonstrate, or coach the learner through AI.XI.A.S1: Maintain straight-and-level flight using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated control application, as appropriate to the task and training environment.
  • Introduce a realistic learner error, misconception, change in operating conditions, or external pressure and require the instructor applicant to adapt the lesson.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
  • Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
  • Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
  • Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must select at least one Task from this Area of Operation.
  • Task A: Straight-and-Level Flight.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands attitude instrument flying during straight-and-level flight, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction, solely by reference to instruments.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/ AFM
Knowledge 2 ACS Elements
  • AI.XI.A.K1:
    Flight instruments as they relate to:
    • AI.XI.A.K1a:
      a. Instrument limitations and potential errors
    • AI.XI.A.K1b:
      b. Indication of the aircraft attitude
    • AI.XI.A.K1c:
      c. Function and operation
    • AI.XI.A.K1d:
      d. Proper instrument cross-check techniques
  • AI.XI.A.K2:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 8 ACS Elements
  • AI.XI.A.R1:
    Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings.
  • AI.XI.A.R2:
    When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
  • AI.XI.A.R3:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.XI.A.R4:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • AI.XI.A.R5:
    Fixation and omission.
  • AI.XI.A.R6:
    Instrument Interpretation.
  • AI.XI.A.R7:
    Control application solely by reference to instruments.
  • AI.XI.A.R8:
    Trimming the aircraft.
Skills 3 ACS Elements
  • AI.XI.A.S1:
    Maintain straight-and-level flight using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated control application.
  • AI.XI.A.S2:
    Maintain altitude ±100 feet, heading ±10°, and airspeed ±10 knots.
  • AI.XI.A.S3:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Straight-and-Level Flight Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in straight-and-Level Flight helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.