Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) Lesson Plan

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

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

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) 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 nonprecision instrument approach (npa).
    • 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) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) 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) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) 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 A, 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.A.1: Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of a nonprecision instrument approach by describing—
      • CFII.VIII.A.1a: selection of the appropriate instrument approach procedure chart.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1b: pertinent information on the selected instrument approach chart.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1c: radio communications with ATC and compliance with ATC clearances, instructions, and procedures.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1d: appropriate aircraft configuration, airspeed, and checklist items.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1e: selection, tuning, identification, and determination of operational status of ground and aircraft navigation equipment.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1f: adjustments applied to the published MDA and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1g: maintenance of altitude, airspeed, and track, where applicable.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1h: establishment and maintenance of an appropriate rate of descent during the final approach segment.
      • CFII.VIII.A.1i: factors that should be considered in determining whether: (1) the approach should be continued straight-in to a landing; (2) a circling approach to a landing should be made; or (3) a missed approach should be performed.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.A.2: Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to a nonprecision instrument approach by describing—
      • CFII.VIII.A.2a: failure to have essential knowledge of the information on the instrument approach chart.
      • CFII.VIII.A.2b: incorrect communications procedures or noncompliance with ATC clearances or instructions.
      • CFII.VIII.A.2c: failure to accomplish checklist items.
      • CFII.VIII.A.2d: faulty basic instrument flying technique.
      • CFII.VIII.A.2e: inappropriate descent below the MDA.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.A.3: Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a nonprecision instrument approach from an instructional standpoint.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.A.4: Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to a nonprecision instrument approach.
    • Explain, demonstrate, and assess CFII.VIII.A.5: Exhibits instructional knowledge on the uses of the MFD and other graphical navigational displays, if installed, to monitor position, track, wind drift, and other parameters to maintain desired flightpath.
  • 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) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a learner a lesson involving nonprecision instrument approach (npa) while maintaining an organized lesson flow and appropriate learner participation.
  • Require the applicant to explain or demonstrate CFII.VIII.A.1: Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of a nonprecision instrument 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) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) 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) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area VIII, Task A: Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA).
  • 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.
  • Task note: The evaluator has discretion to have the applicant perform a landing or a missed approach at the completion of each approach.
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA -H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-ACS-8, FAA-S-ACS-14; IAP; AIM. The evaluator has discretion to have the applicant perform a landing or a missed approach at the completion of each approach.
  • Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 5 PTS Elements
  • CFII.VIII.A.1:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of a nonprecision instrument approach by describing—
    • CFII.VIII.A.1a:
      selection of the appropriate instrument approach procedure chart.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1b:
      pertinent information on the selected instrument approach chart.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1c:
      radio communications with ATC and compliance with ATC clearances, instructions, and procedures.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1d:
      appropriate aircraft configuration, airspeed, and checklist items.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1e:
      selection, tuning, identification, and determination of operational status of ground and aircraft navigation equipment.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1f:
      adjustments applied to the published MDA and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1g:
      maintenance of altitude, airspeed, and track, where applicable.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1h:
      establishment and maintenance of an appropriate rate of descent during the final approach segment.
    • CFII.VIII.A.1i:
      factors that should be considered in determining whether: (1) the approach should be continued straight-in to a landing; (2) a circling approach to a landing should be made; or (3) a missed approach should be performed.
  • CFII.VIII.A.2:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to a nonprecision instrument approach by describing—
    • CFII.VIII.A.2a:
      failure to have essential knowledge of the information on the instrument approach chart.
    • CFII.VIII.A.2b:
      incorrect communications procedures or noncompliance with ATC clearances or instructions.
    • CFII.VIII.A.2c:
      failure to accomplish checklist items.
    • CFII.VIII.A.2d:
      faulty basic instrument flying technique.
    • CFII.VIII.A.2e:
      inappropriate descent below the MDA.
  • CFII.VIII.A.3:
    Demonstrates and simultaneously explains a nonprecision instrument approach from an instructional standpoint.
  • CFII.VIII.A.4:
    Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to a nonprecision instrument approach.
  • CFII.VIII.A.5:
    Exhibits instructional knowledge on the uses of the MFD and other graphical navigational displays, if installed, to monitor position, track, wind drift, and other parameters to maintain desired flightpath.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in nonprecision instrument approach (npa) 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.