Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) • PTS Area VI, Task E

The Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan covers the instructional objectives required by FAA-S-8081-9E.

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    0:45
    Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 4, Guided Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) teaching scenario in which safety or learner understanding depends on effective instruction in constant rate climbs and descents.
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine that the applicant:

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Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

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:

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

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 VI, Task E, and the Practical Test Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant:
  • Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    • Teach entries, stabilization, and level-offs for constant-rate climbs and descents using full-panel and partial-panel references. (CFII.VI.E.1)
      • procedure using full panel and partial panel for an entry into a constant rate climb or descent. (CFII.VI.E.1a)
      • a stabilized constant rate straight climb or climbing turn, using the vertical speed indicator. (CFII.VI.E.1b)
      • a level-off from a constant rate straight climb or climbing turn. (CFII.VI.E.1c)
      • an entry into a constant rate straight descent or descending turn. (CFII.VI.E.1d)
      • a stabilized constant rate straight descent or descending turn using the vertical speed indicator. (CFII.VI.E.1e)
      • level-off from a constant rate straight descent or descending turn. (CFII.VI.E.1f)
    • Teach the recognition, consequences, and correction of common constant-rate climb and descent errors. (CFII.VI.E.2)
      • failure to use a proper power setting and pitch attitude. (CFII.VI.E.2a)
      • improper correction of vertical rate, airspeed, heading, or rate-of-turn errors. (CFII.VI.E.2b)
      • uncoordinated use of controls. (CFII.VI.E.2c)
      • improper trim control. (CFII.VI.E.2d)
    • Demonstrate and simultaneously explain constant-rate climbs and descents. (CFII.VI.E.3)
    • Analyze and correct simulated learner errors during constant-rate climbs and descents. (CFII.VI.E.4)
  • Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Have the applicant demonstrate straight and turning entries, use pitch and power to establish a selected vertical rate while monitoring airspeed, and lead level-offs accurately.
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the vertical speed indicator as a trend and performance instrument subject to lag, not as the sole pitch reference; repeat representative maneuvers partial panel.
    • Introduce an incorrect pitch or power setting, vertical-rate chasing, poor correction of airspeed or turn rate, uncoordinated input, or trim error and assess diagnosis and correction. (CFII.VI.E.2, E.4)
  • 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.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Use an ATC climb and descent assignment with specified vertical rates, heading changes, and level-off altitudes, first full panel and then partial panel. (CFII.VI.E.1, E.3)
  • Introduce one pitch, power, vertical-rate, coordination, or trim error and require diagnosis, coaching, and reassessment. (CFII.VI.E.2, E.4)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to every PTS objective.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

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.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area VI, Task E: Constant Rate Climbs and Descents.
  • Area note: The evaluator shall select Task H and at least one other Task. The applicant shall select either the primary and supporting or the control and performance method for teaching this Area of Operation.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-ACS-8, FAA-S-ACS-14.
  • Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 4 PTS Elements
  • CFII.VI.E.1:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge of constant rate climbs and descents by describing—
    • CFII.VI.E.1a:
      procedure using full panel and partial panel for an entry into a constant rate climb or descent.
    • CFII.VI.E.1b:
      a stabilized constant rate straight climb or climbing turn, using the vertical speed indicator.
    • CFII.VI.E.1c:
      a level-off from a constant rate straight climb or climbing turn.
    • CFII.VI.E.1d:
      an entry into a constant rate straight descent or descending turn.
    • CFII.VI.E.1e:
      a stabilized constant rate straight descent or descending turn using the vertical speed indicator.
    • CFII.VI.E.1f:
      level-off from a constant rate straight descent or descending turn.
  • CFII.VI.E.2:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to constant rate climbs and descents by describing—
    • CFII.VI.E.2a:
      failure to use a proper power setting and pitch attitude.
    • CFII.VI.E.2b:
      improper correction of vertical rate, airspeed, heading, or rate-of-turn errors.
    • CFII.VI.E.2c:
      uncoordinated use of controls.
    • CFII.VI.E.2d:
      improper trim control.
  • CFII.VI.E.3:
    Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a constant rate climb and a constant rate descent from an instructional standpoint.
  • CFII.VI.E.4:
    Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to constant rate climbs and descents.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Constant Rate Climbs and Descents Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in constant rate climbs and descents 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.