Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson Lesson Plan

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

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

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson 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 maneuver lesson.
    • 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 selected maneuver by:

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Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson 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) Maneuver Lesson 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 IV, Task A, and the Practical Test Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the selected maneuver by:
  • Part 2, PTS Objective Instruction:
    • Use a lesson plan containing the objective, motivation, content sequence, risk controls, instructor and learner actions, completion standards, and assessment needed for an effective presentation. (CFII.IV.A.1)
    • State a clear, observable objective and the standard by which the maneuver will be judged. (CFII.IV.A.2)
    • Give an accurate and comprehensive oral description of the maneuver, including purpose, prerequisites, setup, references, control sequence, performance standards, risk controls, and associated common errors. (CFII.IV.A.3)
    • Select and use instructional aids that clarify the maneuver without distracting from the objective. (CFII.IV.A.4)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how to recognize, analyze, and correct each significant common error and identify when instructor intervention is required. (CFII.IV.A.5)
  • Part 3, Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Assign an instrument maneuver and require the applicant to present the lesson as though briefing a learner immediately before flight.
    • Require the applicant to connect every diagram, model, chart, or cockpit aid to a specific teaching point and verify learner understanding with questions or teach-back.
    • Introduce a learner misconception or planning error and assess whether the applicant diagnoses it, corrects it in learner-appropriate language, and revises the briefing before flight.
    • Evaluate technical accuracy, organization, time management, risk controls, positive transfer of aircraft control, intervention points, and completion 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.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Assign a specific instrument maneuver, learner experience level, aircraft or training device, and operational constraint; require a complete preflight lesson using an organized lesson plan. (CFII.IV.A.1–A.4)
  • Introduce one likely learner error and require recognition cues, causal analysis, correction, intervention criteria, and a method to verify understanding. (CFII.IV.A.5)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson 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) Maneuver Lesson Lesson Plan

Practical Test Standards

Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson Practical Test Standards

  • Source: FAA-S-8081-9E, Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Helicopter.
  • Area IV, Task A: Maneuver Lesson.
  • Area note: The evaluator shall select a maneuver from Areas of Operation VI through IX and ask the applicant to present a preflight lesson on that maneuver.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-15; FAA-S-ACS-8, FAA-S-ACS-14.
  • Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the selected maneuver by:
Objective Elements 5 PTS Elements
  • CFII.IV.A.1:
    Using a lesson plan that includes all essential items to make an effective and organized presentation.
  • CFII.IV.A.2:
    Stating the objective.
  • CFII.IV.A.3:
    Giving an accurate, comprehensive oral description of the maneuver, including the elements and associated common errors.
  • CFII.IV.A.4:
    Using instructional aids, as appropriate.
  • CFII.IV.A.5:
    Describing the recognition, analysis, and correction of common errors.
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Maneuver Lesson Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in maneuver lesson 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.