Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Teaching Methods Lesson Plan

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

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

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Teaching Methods 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 teaching methods.
    • 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 teaching methods by describing:

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Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Teaching Methods 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) Teaching Methods 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 D, and the Practical Test Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of teaching methods by describing:
  • Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    • Organize material from known to unknown, simple to complex, and concrete to abstract around a clear objective and logical sequence. (CFII.I.D.1)
    • Plan and deliver a focused lecture that gains attention, supports understanding, and checks learner comprehension. (CFII.I.D.2)
    • Use cooperative or group learning with defined roles, shared objectives, accountability, and an effective debrief. (CFII.I.D.3)
    • Conduct a guided discussion using purposeful questions, active listening, follow-up prompts, and a clear summary. (CFII.I.D.4)
    • Apply the explanation, demonstration, learner performance, instructor supervision, and evaluation sequence of the demonstration-performance method. (CFII.I.D.5)
    • Select and manage computer-based training that supports the objective, provides feedback, and does not substitute activity for learning. (CFII.I.D.6)
    • Build scenario-based training around realistic decisions, consequences, risk management, learner choices, and a structured debrief. (CFII.I.D.7)
  • Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Assign one instrument-training objective and require the applicant to justify which teaching method or combination of methods best serves the learner and environment.
    • Have the applicant teach a short segment using lecture or guided discussion, a demonstration-performance segment, and a scenario-based decision followed by debriefing.
    • Change the class size, learner experience, equipment availability, or instructional setting and assess whether the applicant adapts the method while preserving the objective and assessment standard.
  • 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) Teaching Methods Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Give the applicant an instrument-training objective and learner profile, then require organized content and a justified combination of lecture, discussion, demonstration-performance, computer-based, cooperative, or scenario-based methods. (CFII.I.D.1–D.7)
  • Alter one instructional constraint and require the applicant to adapt the method without reducing learner participation or assessment quality.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Teaching Methods 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) Teaching Methods Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Teaching Methods Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area I, Task D: Teaching Methods.
  • 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 teaching methods by describing:
Objective Elements 7 PTS Elements
  • CFII.I.D.1:
    Material organization.
  • CFII.I.D.2:
    The lecture method.
  • CFII.I.D.3:
    The cooperative or group learning method.
  • CFII.I.D.4:
    The guided discussion method.
  • CFII.I.D.5:
    The demonstration-performance method.
  • CFII.I.D.6:
    Computer-based training method.
  • CFII.I.D.7:
    Scenario-based training method.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Teaching Methods Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in teaching methods 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.