Flight Instructor (Airplane) Weather Information Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area III, Task C

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

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Weather Information 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 weather Information.
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

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

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Weather Information 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, Notices to Airmen (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) Weather Information 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 III, Task C, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands weather information, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Teach how to obtain, evaluate, and cross-check authoritative weather data from sources such as the National Weather Service, Aviation Weather Center, and Flight Service. (AI.III.C.K1)
    • Teach interpretation and operational use of acceptable weather products for departure, en route, and arrival planning, including: (AI.III.C.K2)
      • Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP) (AI.III.C.K2a)
      • Surface Analysis Chart and Ceiling and Visibility products (AI.III.C.K2b)
      • Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) (AI.III.C.K2c)
      • Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) (AI.III.C.K2d)
      • Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB) (AI.III.C.K2e)
      • Convective Outlook (AC) (AI.III.C.K2f)
      • Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET (AI.III.C.K2g)
    • Relate meteorology to departure, en route, alternate, and destination conditions for VFR flight, including expected climate and the following hazards: (AI.III.C.K3)
      • Atmospheric composition and stability (AI.III.C.K3a)
      • Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.) (AI.III.C.K3b)
      • Temperature and heat exchange (AI.III.C.K3c)
      • Moisture/precipitation (AI.III.C.K3d)
      • Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts (AI.III.C.K3e)
      • Clouds (AI.III.C.K3f)
      • Turbulence (AI.III.C.K3g)
      • Thunderstorms and microbursts (AI.III.C.K3h)
      • Icing and freezing level information (AI.III.C.K3i)
      • Fog/mist (AI.III.C.K3j)
      • Frost (AI.III.C.K3k)
      • Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.) (AI.III.C.K3l)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply interpretation and limitations of flight-deck displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, including latency, age, coverage, resolution, and the difference between strategic and tactical use. (AI.III.C.K4)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Use current and forecast information to make and continually reevaluate go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including: (AI.III.C.R1)
      • Circumstances that would make diversion prudent (AI.III.C.R1a)
      • Personal weather minimums (AI.III.C.R1b)
      • Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft (AI.III.C.R1c)
    • Identify the operational uses and limitations of each weather source before relying on it for a decision, including: (AI.III.C.R2)
      • Installed onboard weather equipment (AI.III.C.R2a)
      • Aviation weather reports and forecasts (AI.III.C.R2b)
      • Inflight weather resources (AI.III.C.R2c)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess use of available aviation-weather resources to obtain a complete and appropriate briefing. (AI.III.C.S1)
    • Analyze the operational implications of at least three conditions from K3a through K3l using actual or evaluator-provided weather. (AI.III.C.S2)
    • Correlate observations, forecasts, advisories, trends, route and terrain considerations, aircraft capability, and personal minimums to make and defend a go/no-go decision. (AI.III.C.S3)
    • 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) Weather Information Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving weather Information while maintaining an organized lesson flow and an appropriate level of learner participation.
  • Assign a VFR flight with marginal or changing weather and require the applicant to establish personal minimums, identify diversion triggers, and explain the limitations of available reports, forecasts, onboard weather, and inflight resources. (AI.III.C.R1) (AI.III.C.R2)
  • Have the applicant obtain and teach a complete briefing, analyze at least three relevant meteorological conditions, and guide the learner to an evidence-based go/no-go decision that is reevaluated as the scenario changes. (AI.III.C.S1) (AI.III.C.S2) (AI.III.C.S3)
  • 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) Weather Information 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) Weather Information Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Weather Information Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must select at least one Task from this Area of Operation.
  • Task C: Weather Information.
  • Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
  • Note: If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands weather information, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • AI.III.C.K1:
    Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
  • AI.III.C.K2:
    Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as:
    • AI.III.C.K2a:
      Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
    • AI.III.C.K2b:
      Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)
    • AI.III.C.K2c:
      Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
    • AI.III.C.K2d:
      Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
    • AI.III.C.K2e:
      Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)
    • AI.III.C.K2f:
      Convective Outlook (AC)
    • AI.III.C.K2g:
      Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET
  • AI.III.C.K3:
    Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
    • AI.III.C.K3a:
      Atmospheric composition and stability
    • AI.III.C.K3b:
      Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)
    • AI.III.C.K3c:
      Temperature and heat exchange
    • AI.III.C.K3d:
      Moisture/precipitation
    • AI.III.C.K3e:
      Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts
    • AI.III.C.K3f:
      Clouds
    • AI.III.C.K3g:
      Turbulence
    • AI.III.C.K3h:
      Thunderstorms and microbursts
    • AI.III.C.K3i:
      Icing and freezing level information
    • AI.III.C.K3j:
      Fog/mist
    • AI.III.C.K3k:
      Frost
    • AI.III.C.K3l:
      Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
  • AI.III.C.K4:
    Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.
Risk Management 2 ACS Elements
  • AI.III.C.R1:
    Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
    • AI.III.C.R1a:
      Circumstances that would make diversion prudent
    • AI.III.C.R1b:
      Personal weather minimums
    • AI.III.C.R1c:
      Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
  • AI.III.C.R2:
    Use and limitations of:
    • AI.III.C.R2a:
      Installed onboard weather equipment
    • AI.III.C.R2b:
      Aviation weather reports and forecasts
    • AI.III.C.R2c:
      Inflight weather resources
Skills 3 ACS Elements
  • AI.III.C.S1:
    Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
  • AI.III.C.S2:
    Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.
  • AI.III.C.S3:
    Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Weather Information Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in weather Information 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.