Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) • PTS Area I, Task A

The Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process Lesson Plan covers the instructional objectives required by FAA-S-8081-9E.

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process 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 learning process.
    • 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 the elements of the learning process by describing:

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Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process 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) Learning Process 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 I, Task A, and the Practical Test Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of the learning process by describing:
  • Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    • Compare major learning theories and show how each can influence instrument instruction. (CFII.I.A.1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the characteristics of learning and identify observable evidence that meaningful learning has occurred. (CFII.I.A.2)
    • Apply the principles of learning when setting readiness, exercise, effect, primacy, intensity, and recency conditions. (CFII.I.A.3)
    • Distinguish rote, understanding, application, and correlation, and design questions or tasks that assess each level. (CFII.I.A.4)
    • Explain how perception, insight, motivation, practice, feedback, plateaus, and habit formation affect learning physical instrument-flying skills. (CFII.I.A.5)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply memory formation, retention, recall, interference, and practical strategies that improve long-term retention. (CFII.I.A.6)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain positive, negative, and zero transfer, then connect prior knowledge to new instrument tasks without reinforcing an incorrect habit. (CFII.I.A.7)
  • Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Give the applicant a new instrument procedure and require a short instructional sequence that moves the learner beyond rote recall to understanding, application, and correlation.
    • Require purposeful practice, immediate and specific feedback, retrieval questions, and connections to prior learning.
    • Present a learning plateau, forgotten step, negative transfer, or weak motivation and assess whether the applicant diagnoses the learning barrier and adapts instruction appropriately.
  • 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) Learning Process Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Assign a learner who can recite an instrument procedure but cannot apply it when conditions change; require the applicant to diagnose the learning level and teach toward correlation. (CFII.I.A.1–A.4)
  • Introduce a physical-skill plateau, memory lapse, or negative transfer from earlier training and require an adapted practice and feedback plan. (CFII.I.A.5–A.7)
  • Conclude with evidence-based assessment of learner progress and an instructor self-critique.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process 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) Learning Process Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area I, Task A: Learning Process.
  • Area note: The evaluator shall select at least Tasks E, F, and G and one other Task.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-9.
  • Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of the learning process by describing:
Objective Elements 7 PTS Elements
  • CFII.I.A.1:
    Learning theories.
  • CFII.I.A.2:
    Characteristics of learning.
  • CFII.I.A.3:
    Principles of learning.
  • CFII.I.A.4:
    Levels of learning.
  • CFII.I.A.5:
    Learning physical skills.
  • CFII.I.A.6:
    Memory.
  • CFII.I.A.7:
    Transfer of learning.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Learning Process Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in learning process 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.