Flight Instructor (Airplane) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area XIII, Task B

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

Flight Instructor (Airplane) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) 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 VMC Demonstration (AMEL (Airplane Multiengine Land), AMES (Airplane Multiengine Sea)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands VMC demonstration, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) 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 XIII, Task B, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands VMC demonstration, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain that the VMC demonstration develops recognition of impending directional-control loss and emphasizes prompt recovery, rather than determining an exact VMC. (AI.XIII.B.K1)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the manufacturer-recommended setup, entry, recognition cues, recovery sequence, and termination criteria for the maneuver. (AI.XIII.B.K2)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the factors that increase or decrease VMC and distinguish loss of directional control from an aerodynamic stall. (AI.XIII.B.K3)
    • Distinguish VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE), including their operational uses and limitations. (AI.XIII.B.K4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how asymmetric thrust, insufficient rudder authority, bank angle, sideslip, and decreasing airspeed lead to directional-control loss below VMC. (AI.XIII.B.K5)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply recognition, prevention, and correction of common VMC-demonstration errors. (AI.XIII.B.K6)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Verify the airplane is configured in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and that each configuration change produces the intended performance and controllability effect. (AI.XIII.B.R1)
    • Control the risks of maneuvering with one engine inoperative through altitude selection, clearing, defined recovery cues, conservative bank limits, and prompt power reduction. (AI.XIII.B.R2)
    • Manage distractions and task prioritization while maintaining directional control, situational awareness, orientation, and readiness to terminate the maneuver. (AI.XIII.B.R3)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations or, when none are provided, at an appropriate safe single-engine speed (VSSE/VYSE), including: (AI.XIII.B.S1)
      • Landing gear retracted (AI.XIII.B.S1a)
      • Flaps set for takeoff (AI.XIII.B.S1b)
      • Cowl flaps set for takeoff (AI.XIII.B.S1c)
      • Trim set for takeoff (AI.XIII.B.S1d)
      • Propellers set for high revolutions per minute (rpm) (AI.XIII.B.S1e)
      • Power on critical engine reduced to idle and propeller windmilling (AI.XIII.B.S1f)
      • Power on operating engine set to takeoff or maximum available power (AI.XIII.B.S1g)
    • Establish a single-engine climb attitude at approximately 10 knots above VSSE. (AI.XIII.B.S2)
    • Establish the manufacturer-recommended bank toward the operating engine, not exceeding 5°, for best performance and controllability. (AI.XIII.B.S3)
    • Increase pitch slowly to reduce airspeed at approximately 1 knot per second while increasing rudder pressure as required to maintain directional control. (AI.XIII.B.S4)
    • Recognize and initiate recovery at the first indication of directional-control loss, stall warning, or buffet. (AI.XIII.B.S5)
    • Recover promptly by reducing operating-engine power sufficiently and decreasing angle of attack as necessary to regain airspeed and directional control without adding power on the simulated failed engine. (AI.XIII.B.S6)
    • Complete the initial recovery within 20° of the entry heading. (AI.XIII.B.S7)
    • Advance operating-engine power smoothly and accelerate to VSSE/VYSE, as appropriate, within ±5 knots. (AI.XIII.B.S8)
    • Analyze common errors, demonstrate effective corrections, and assess the applicant's ability to teach those corrections. (AI.XIII.B.S9)
    • 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) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) while maintaining an organized lesson flow and an appropriate level of learner participation.
  • Require the instructor applicant to brief configuration, altitude, clearing, recovery cues, transfer-of-control procedures, and conservative termination criteria before beginning the maneuver. (AI.XIII.B.R1) (AI.XIII.B.R2) (AI.XIII.B.R3)
  • Have the applicant teach the complete VMC demonstration from setup through recognition and recovery, while preventing an actual loss of control and explaining each aerodynamic cue and control input. (AI.XIII.B.S1) (AI.XIII.B.S2) (AI.XIII.B.S3) (AI.XIII.B.S4) (AI.XIII.B.S5) (AI.XIII.B.S6) (AI.XIII.B.S7) (AI.XIII.B.S8)
  • 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) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) 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) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must assess all Tasks.
  • Task B: VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES).
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands VMC demonstration, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM
Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.XIII.B.K1:
    Purpose of the maneuver.
  • AI.XIII.B.K2:
    Proper procedures for maneuver entry and safe recovery.
  • AI.XIII.B.K3:
    Factors affecting VMC and how VMC differs from stall speed (VS).
  • AI.XIII.B.K4:
    VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
  • AI.XIII.B.K5:
    Cause of loss of directional control at airspeeds below VMC.
  • AI.XIII.B.K6:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
  • AI.XIII.B.R1:
    Configuring the airplane.
  • AI.XIII.B.R2:
    Maneuvering with one engine inoperative.
  • AI.XIII.B.R3:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 9 ACS Elements
  • AI.XIII.B.S1:
    Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, in the absence of the manufacturer’s recommendations, then at safe single-engine speed (VSSE/VYSE), as appropriate, and:
    • AI.XIII.B.S1a:
      Landing gear retracted
    • AI.XIII.B.S1b:
      Flaps set for takeoff
    • AI.XIII.B.S1c:
      Cowl flaps set for takeoff
    • AI.XIII.B.S1d:
      Trim set for takeoff
    • AI.XIII.B.S1e:
      Propellers set for high revolutions per minute (rpm)
    • AI.XIII.B.S1f:
      Power on critical engine reduced to idle and propeller windmilling
    • AI.XIII.B.S1g:
      Power on operating engine set to takeoff or maximum available power
  • AI.XIII.B.S2:
    Establish a single-engine climb attitude with the airspeed at approximately 10 knots above VSSE.
  • AI.XIII.B.S3:
    Establish a bank angle not to exceed 5° toward the operating engine, as required for best performance and controllability.
  • AI.XIII.B.S4:
    Increase the pitch attitude slowly to reduce the airspeed at approximately 1 knot per second while applying increased rudder pressure as needed to maintain directional control.
  • AI.XIII.B.S5:
    Recognize and recover at the first indication of loss of directional control, stall warning, or buffet.
  • AI.XIII.B.S6:
    Recover promptly by simultaneously reducing power sufficiently on the operating engine, decreasing the angle of attack as necessary to regain airspeed and directional control, and without adding power on the simulated failed engine.
  • AI.XIII.B.S7:
    Recover within 20° of entry heading.
  • AI.XIII.B.S8:
    Advance power smoothly on the operating engine and accelerate to VSSE/VYSE, as appropriate, ±5 knots during recovery.
  • AI.XIII.B.S9:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES) 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.