Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan
The Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing basic flight maneuvers solely by reference to instruments.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan Introduction
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Instrument Flight:0:10Part 3, Instrument Flight Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research a mishap case study:
- Discuss airspace in training or typical operating area.
- Relate similar personal experiences.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
- Research a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Sectional chart.
- Chart Supplement, U.S.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- ATC light signals Supplement.
- Communications Avionics Supplement.
- Radar Assistance Supplement.
- Lost Communications Supplement.
- National Transportation Safety Board Supplement.
- Radio Communications Supplement.
- Runway Status Lighting Systems Supplement.
- Transponder Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 71.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 93.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Explain that effective communication supports safety, compliance, situational awareness, and workload management in all phases of flight.
- Set expectations for standard phraseology, timely interpretation of instructions, and appropriate response to abnormal or emergency situations.
- Part 2, Instrument Flight:
- Introduce National Transportation Safety Board.
- Discuss pilot responsibilities for accident and incident reporting.
- Differentiate between routine operational issues and occurrences requiring NTSB notification or reporting.
- Part 3, Instrument Flight Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Present a realistic operating scenario requiring the student to select frequencies, make proper radio calls, and comply with instructions.
- Introduce a communication failure and require the student to apply lost communication procedures and interpret light gun signals.
- Require the student to identify runway lighting cues and explain their operational significance.
- Challenge the student to identify risks, prioritize tasks, and determine whether emergency declaration is warranted.
- Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Debrief the student's understanding of communications procedures, light signals, runway lighting systems, and associated risk management.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)
- Related scenarios:
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
- Complete Special Awareness Training.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing basic flight maneuvers solely by reference to instruments
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Instrument Rating - Instrument Flight Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:-
IR.IV.A.K2:
Interpretation, operation, and limitations of pitch, bank, and power instruments. -
IR.IV.A.K3:
Normal and abnormal instrument indications and operations.
Instrument Rating - Instrument Flight Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:-
IR.IV.A.R1:
Situations that can affect physiology and degrade instrument cross-check. -
IR.IV.A.R2:
Spatial disorientation and optical illusions. -
IR.IV.A.R3:
Flying unfamiliar aircraft or operating with unfamiliar flight display systems and avionics.
Instrument Rating - Instrument Flight Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
IR.IV.A.S1:
Maintain altitude ±100 feet during level flight, selected headings ±107deg;, airspeed ±10 knots, and bank angles ±5° during turns. -
IR.IV.A.S2:
Use proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and apply the appropriate pitch, bank, power, and trim corrections when applicable.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- With a foundation on the requirements to meet certification standards, students can envision a path to certification completion.
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.