Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Air Traffic Control Clearances Lesson Plan
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) • PTS Area V, Task A
The Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Air Traffic Control Clearances Lesson Plan covers the instructional objectives required by FAA-S-8081-9E.
Introduction
Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:0:45Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:0:30Part 4, Guided Scenario:0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00Attention Getter:
- Present an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) teaching scenario in which safety or learner understanding depends on effective instruction in air traffic control clearances.
- Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the outcome.
Motivator:
- To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of air traffic control clearances by describing:
Materials
Required Materials:
- Writing instrument and instructional surface.
- FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
- Lesson plan, student training record, and applicable instructor records.
Optional Materials:
- Model-specific Pilot's Operating Handbook or Airplane Flight Manual (POH/AFM).
- Current IFR charts, procedures, weather information, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), and electronic flight bag, as applicable.
- Airplane, approved aviation training device, cockpit procedures trainer, or classroom teaching aids, as appropriate.
Reference Materials:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Practical Test Standards (PTS).
- Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
- Instrument Flying Handbook.
- Task references: 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) part 91; FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-ACS-8, FAA-S-ACS-14.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's preparation.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Present the attention getter and motivator.
- Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain Area of Operation V, Task A, and the Practical Test Standards.
- State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of air traffic control clearances by describing:
- Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
- Have the learner use a concrete example to explain how pilot and controller responsibilities change among clearance delivery, ground, tower, departure, en route, approach, and uncontrolled-field operations, including release and clearance-void-time responsibilities. (CFII.V.A.1)
- Demonstrate receiving and copying a clearance with aircraft control and radio monitoring protected, an organized shorthand method, and immediate identification of missing or ambiguous information. (CFII.V.A.2)
- Before acceptance, require the learner to evaluate whether the aircraft, pilot, fuel, weather, equipment, route, altitude, and timing permit compliance; request an amended clearance when they do not. (CFII.V.A.3)
- Practice complete and timely readbacks of routes, altitudes, headings, frequencies, transponder codes, hold-short instructions, and clearance limits using standard phraseology and correction of any hearback discrepancy. (CFII.V.A.4)
- Require the learner to interpret the clearance as an operational plan, compare it with charts and expected routing, identify changes or hazards, and request clarification, verification, or amendment before acting on uncertainty. (CFII.V.A.5)
- Have the learner configure and independently verify communication and navigation frequencies, route and altitude data, transponder settings, and automation modes needed to comply, while maintaining aircraft control and situational awareness. (CFII.V.A.6)
- Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
- Give a realistic IFR clearance and require the instructor applicant to receive, copy, read back, interpret, configure for, and comply with it while explaining each step and maintaining aircraft control.
- Amend the route, altitude, frequency, or clearance limit and assess workload management, verification, automation setup, and the decision to accept, clarify, or negotiate the change.
- Require timely correction of readback/hearback errors, route discontinuities, incorrect frequencies or modes, and any clearance that cannot be safely or legally accepted.
- Part 4, Guided Scenario:
- Lead the guided scenario and evaluate organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable PTS objective.
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- Review the 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.
Guided Scenario(s)
- Assign an IFR departure with a route that differs from the filed or expected clearance and require the instructor applicant to teach controller and pilot responsibilities, including any release or clearance void time. (CFII.V.A.1)
- Have the learner receive, copy, read back, interpret, and configure the aircraft for the clearance, then explain whether it can be accepted and complied with safely and legally. (CFII.V.A.2–A.6)
- Issue an amended route, altitude, or frequency during a high-workload phase and require aircraft control, exact readback, independent verification, correct equipment setup, and clarification or negotiation when needed.
- Introduce a realistic error, such as an omitted route segment, incorrect altitude, unresolved discontinuity, or readback/hearback mismatch, and require timely instructor intervention and correction.
- Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to every PTS objective element.
Student Actions
- Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
- Teach every applicable PTS objective accurately and in learner-appropriate language.
- Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach risks associated with the task.
- Explain or demonstrate applicable procedures while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
- Use effective questions, check understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Practical Test Standards
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Air Traffic Control Clearances Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
- Area V, Task A: Air Traffic Control Clearances.
- Area note: The evaluator shall select at least one Task.
- References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-ACS-8, FAA-S-ACS-14.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of air traffic control clearances by describing:
Objective Elements 6 PTS Elements
-
CFII.V.A.1: Pilot and controller responsibilities to include tower, en route control, and clearance void times. -
CFII.V.A.2: Correct and timely copying of an ATC clearance. -
CFII.V.A.3: Ability to comply with the clearance. -
CFII.V.A.4: Correct and timely read-back of an ATC clearance, using standard phraseology. -
CFII.V.A.5: Correct interpretation of an ATC clearance and, when necessary, request for clarification, verification, or change. -
CFII.V.A.6: Setting of communication and navigation frequencies in compliance with an ATC clearance.
Conclusion
Re-Motivation:
- Effective instruction in air traffic control clearances builds sound instrument 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.