Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan

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

The Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan covers the instructional objectives required by FAA-S-8081-9E.

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment 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 checking instruments and equipment.
    • 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 related to checking instruments and equipment by describing:

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Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment 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) Checking Instruments and Equipment 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 X, Task A, and the Practical Test Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements related to checking instruments and equipment by describing:
  • Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the importance of identifying and noting improper operation of flight instruments, navigation equipment, displays, sensors, and supporting systems. (CFII.X.A.1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain why discrepancies, failures, intermittent indications, and suspected calibration errors must be recorded clearly and resolved before the equipment is relied upon for a subsequent IFR flight. (CFII.X.A.2)
  • Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Use observations from a completed instrument flight to distinguish normal system behavior, operational limitation, pilot setup error, intermittent malfunction, and a reportable discrepancy.
    • Have the applicant create a precise written discrepancy describing the affected equipment, phase of flight, indication, duration, configuration, related alerts, troubleshooting already performed, and whether the condition repeated.
    • Require the applicant to explain how the discrepancy affects IFR legality and operational suitability, and why an undocumented or vague write-up can expose the next pilot to an avoidable hazard.
    • Assess whether the applicant avoids unauthorized maintenance conclusions and instead communicates facts needed by the owner, operator, and authorized maintenance personnel.
  • 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) Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • After a simulated IFR flight, provide several observations including one setup error, one normal limitation, and one intermittent equipment fault; require the applicant to classify and explain each. (CFII.X.A.1)
  • Require a factual discrepancy entry and a defensible decision about returning the aircraft to IFR service. (CFII.X.A.2)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment 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) Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area X, Task A: Checking Instruments and Equipment.
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-8, FAA-S-ACS-14; Aircraft Flight Manual.
  • Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements related to checking instruments and equipment by describing:
Objective Elements 2 PTS Elements
  • CFII.X.A.1:
    Importance of noting instruments and navigation equipment for improper operation.
  • CFII.X.A.2:
    Reasons for making a written record of improper operation or failure and/or calibration of instruments prior to next IFR flight.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in checking instruments and equipment 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.