Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Circling Approach (Airplane) Lesson Plan

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

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

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Circling Approach (Airplane) 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 teaching scenario in which safety or learner understanding depends on effective instruction in circling approach (airplane).
    • 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) Circling Approach (Airplane) 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, 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) Circling Approach (Airplane) 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.
    • Review Area of Operation VIII, Task D, and the Practical Test Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant:
  • Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.D.1: Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of a circling approach by describing—
      • CFII.VIII.D.1a: selection of the appropriate circling approach maneuver considering the maneuvering capabilities of the aircraft.
      • CFII.VIII.D.1b: circling approach minimums on the selected instrument approach chart.
      • CFII.VIII.D.1c: compliance with advisories, clearance instructions, and/or restrictions.
      • CFII.VIII.D.1d: importance of flying a circling approach pattern that does not exceed the published visibility criteria.
      • CFII.VIII.D.1e: maintenance of an altitude no lower than the circling MDA until in a position from which a descent to a normal landing can be made.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.D.2: Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to a circling approach by describing—
      • CFII.VIII.D.2a: failure to have essential knowledge of the circling approach information on the instrument approach chart.
      • CFII.VIII.D.2b: failure to adhere to the published MDA and visibility criteria during the circling approach maneuver.
      • CFII.VIII.D.2c: inappropriate pilot technique during transition from the circling maneuver to the landing approach.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.D.3: Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a circling approach from an instructional standpoint.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.D.4: Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to a circling approach.
  • Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Require technically accurate explanation, demonstration where appropriate, recognition and correction of common errors, and effective transfer of aircraft control.
    • Emphasize risk identification, intervention points, checklist discipline, and discontinue criteria throughout the lesson.
  • 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) Circling Approach (Airplane) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving circling approach (airplane) while maintaining an organized lesson flow and appropriate learner participation.
  • Require the applicant to explain or demonstrate CFII.VIII.D.1: Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of a circling approach by describing—, as appropriate to the training environment.
  • Introduce a realistic learner error, misconception, change in conditions, equipment limitation, or external pressure and require the instructor applicant to adapt the lesson.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to every PTS objective element.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Circling Approach (Airplane) 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) Circling Approach (Airplane) Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Circling Approach (Airplane) Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area VIII, Task D: Circling Approach (Airplane).
  • Area note: The evaluator shall select Tasks A and B, to be combined with Task C, D, or E. At least one nonprecision approach procedure shall be accomplished without the use of the gyroscopic heading and attitude indicators under simulated instrument conditions. Circling approaches are not applicable to helicopters.
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-ACS-8; IAP; AIM.
  • Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 4 PTS Elements
  • CFII.VIII.D.1:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of a circling approach by describing—
    • CFII.VIII.D.1a:
      selection of the appropriate circling approach maneuver considering the maneuvering capabilities of the aircraft.
    • CFII.VIII.D.1b:
      circling approach minimums on the selected instrument approach chart.
    • CFII.VIII.D.1c:
      compliance with advisories, clearance instructions, and/or restrictions.
    • CFII.VIII.D.1d:
      importance of flying a circling approach pattern that does not exceed the published visibility criteria.
    • CFII.VIII.D.1e:
      maintenance of an altitude no lower than the circling MDA until in a position from which a descent to a normal landing can be made.
  • CFII.VIII.D.2:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to a circling approach by describing—
    • CFII.VIII.D.2a:
      failure to have essential knowledge of the circling approach information on the instrument approach chart.
    • CFII.VIII.D.2b:
      failure to adhere to the published MDA and visibility criteria during the circling approach maneuver.
    • CFII.VIII.D.2c:
      inappropriate pilot technique during transition from the circling maneuver to the landing approach.
  • CFII.VIII.D.3:
    Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a circling approach from an instructional standpoint.
  • CFII.VIII.D.4:
    Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to a circling approach.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Circling Approach (Airplane) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in circling approach (airplane) 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.