Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Planning Instructional Activity Lesson Plan
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) • PTS Area I, Task G
The Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Planning Instructional Activity 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 planning instructional activity.
- 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 planning instructional activity 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: FAA-H-8083-9.
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 G, and the Practical Test Standards.
- State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of planning instructional activity by describing:
- Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
- Develop observable course objectives and standards aligned with applicable certification requirements and learner needs. (CFII.I.G.1)
- Sequence instruction as building blocks in which prerequisite knowledge and skills support increasingly complex performance. (CFII.I.G.2)
- Develop a flexible training syllabus that organizes objectives, content, stage checks, completion standards, and realistic time while preserving continuity. (CFII.I.G.3)
- Explain and apply the purpose and characteristics of a lesson plan, including objective, content, equipment, instructor and learner actions, assessment, and completion standards. (CFII.I.G.4)
- Develop a realistic scenario-based lesson with clear objectives, decision points, consequences, risk-management opportunities, and a structured debrief. (CFII.I.G.5)
- Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
- Give the applicant a learner goal and applicable certification standard, then require a short course outline with measurable objectives, prerequisite building blocks, stage sequencing, and completion standards.
- Require one lesson plan drawn from the syllabus, with content and activities that fit the allotted time and directly support its objective.
- Convert the lesson into a scenario that requires meaningful learner decisions without obscuring the skill or knowledge being assessed.
- Change learner progress or training availability and assess whether the applicant revises the plan while preserving regulatory coverage, continuity, and standards.
- 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)
- Provide a learner objective, experience level, aircraft or training device, and time constraint; require a sequenced syllabus segment with measurable objectives and standards. (CFII.I.G.1–G.3)
- Require a complete lesson plan and convert it into a decision-rich scenario with realistic consequences and debriefing. (CFII.I.G.4, G.5)
- Introduce a delay or learning deficiency and assess whether the applicant adapts the plan without omitting required coverage.
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) Planning Instructional Activity Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
- Area I, Task G: Planning Instructional Activity.
- 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 planning instructional activity by describing:
Objective Elements 5 PTS Elements
-
CFII.I.G.1: Developing objectives and standards for a course of training. -
CFII.I.G.2: Theory of building blocks of learning. -
CFII.I.G.3: Requirements for developing a training syllabus. -
CFII.I.G.4: Purpose and characteristics of a lesson plan. -
CFII.I.G.5: How a scenario-based lesson is developed.
Conclusion
Re-Motivation:
- Effective instruction in planning instructional activity 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.