Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating • ACS Area VI, Task A

The Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing non-precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.

Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Non-Precision Approach:
    0:10
    Part 3, Non-Precision Approach Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    1:35

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present 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.

  • Motivator:

Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Materials

Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach 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, Non-Precision Approaches:
    • .
  • Part 3, Non-Precision Approaches Guided Scenario(s):
  • 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 Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Related scenarios:
Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Student Actions

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Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating Non-Non-Precision Approach Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating Non-Non-Precision Approach Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing non-precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.
  • Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 120-108; AIM; 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); Terminal Procedures Publications.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • IR.VI.A.K1:
    Procedures and limitations associated with a nonprecision approach, including the differences between Localizer Performance (LP) and Lateral Navigation (LNAV) approach guidance.
  • IR.VI.A.K2:
    Navigation system indications and annunciations expected during an area navigation (RNAV) approach.
  • IR.VI.A.K3:
    Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems used for a non-precision approach.
  • IR.VI.A.K4:
    A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
  • IR.VI.A.R1:
    Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.
  • IR.VI.A.R2:
    Selecting a navigation frequency.
  • IR.VI.A.R3:
    Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
  • IR.VI.A.R4:
    Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.
  • IR.VI.A.R5:
    An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.
  • IR.VI.A.R6:
    Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
  • IR.VI.A.R7:
    Operating below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without proper visual references.
Skills 15 ACS Elements
  • IR.VI.A.S1:
    Accomplish the non-precision instrument approaches selected by the evaluator.
  • IR.VI.A.S2:
    Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.
  • IR.VI.A.S3:
    Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.
  • IR.VI.A.S4:
    Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator.
  • IR.VI.A.S5:
    Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.
  • IR.VI.A.S6:
    Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.
  • IR.VI.A.S7:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • IR.VI.A.S8:
    Establish the appropriate aircraft configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.
  • IR.VI.A.S9:
    Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, no more than 3/4 scale CDI deflection, and accurately track radials, courses, or bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.
  • IR.VI.A.S10:
    Adjust the published MDA and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, for factors that include Notices of Air Missions (NOTAMs), inoperative aircraft or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment, etc..
  • IR.VI.A.S11:
    Establish a stabilized descent to the appropriate altitude.
  • IR.VI.A.S12:
    For the final approach segment, maintain no more than 3/4 scale CDI deflection, airspeed ±10 knots, and altitude, if applicable, above MDA +100/-0 feet to the Visual Descent Point (VDP) or missed approach point (MAP).
  • IR.VI.A.S13:
    Assess if the required visual references are available, and either initiate the missed approach procedure or continue for landing.
  • IR.VI.A.S14:
    Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness.
  • IR.VI.A.S15:
    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Non Precision Approach requires disciplined planning, stabilized energy management, and precise control from the approach through touchdown and rollout.
    • Evaluating wind, runway conditions, obstacles, aircraft performance, and personal limitations helps pilots recognize when an approach remains safe and when a timely go-around is required.
    • Consistent airspeed control, runway alignment, traffic scanning, communication, and checklist discipline integrate aircraft handling with sound operational judgment.
    • Continued practice with Non Precision Approach prepares instrument pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.