Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating (Airplane) • ACS Area VI, Task A

The Instrument Rating (Airplane) 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, Preparation and Planning:
    0:20
    Part 3, Non-Precision Approach Procedure:
    0:25
    Part 4, Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 5, Guided Scenario:
    0:10
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    1:35

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • Controlled flight into terrain or an unstable descent resulting from descent below minimums without the required visual references.
    • Discuss the approach procedures, minimums, navigation indications, weather, and operating environment involved in the event.
    • Relate similar personal experiences.
    • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.

  • Motivator:

    • A stable non-precision approach requires accurate navigation setup, disciplined altitude control, and an early decision to continue visually or execute the missed approach.

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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 (ACS).
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain that a stable non-precision approach depends on correct navigation setup, disciplined course and altitude control, and an early missed-approach decision when required visual references are unavailable.
    • Set expectations for configuration, energy management, automation monitoring, and compliance with each published altitude and procedure segment.
  • Part 2, Preparation and Planning:
    • Compare non-precision approach procedures and limitations, including Localizer Performance (LP) and Lateral Navigation (LNAV) minima. (IR.VI.A.K1)
    • Interpret RNAV approach indications, annunciations, and the level of service displayed by the installed navigation system. (IR.VI.A.K2)
    • Have the learner identify the ground-based or satellite-based navigation system, required equipment, operational status, frequencies, courses, minimums, and applicable notes for the selected approach. (IR.VI.A.K3)
    • Have the learner select, tune, identify, configure, and verify the navigation equipment before beginning the approach. (IR.VI.A.S3)
    • Have the learner identify inaccurate or inoperative flight instruments and determine the appropriate action. (IR.VI.A.S5)
    • Have the learner complete the applicable approach and aircraft checklists. (IR.VI.A.S7)
    • Have the learner determine the appropriate configuration and target airspeeds for the forecast meteorological and operating conditions. (IR.VI.A.S8)
    • Adjust the published MDA and visibility criteria for aircraft category, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), inoperative equipment, and inoperative visual aids. (IR.VI.A.S10)
  • Part 3, Non-Precision Approach Procedure:
    • Explain and demonstrate a stabilized non-precision approach, including energy management and descent planning. (IR.VI.A.K4)
    • Before reaching minimums, have the learner brief the expected airport and runway environment—including runway alignment, approach-lighting cues, threshold location, and where the required visual references are likely to appear—so the transition to visual flight is anticipated rather than surprising.
    • Have the learner accomplish the non-precision approach selected by the evaluator. (IR.VI.A.S1)
    • Establish two-way communications with ATC and use proper phraseology for each approach segment. (IR.VI.A.S2)
    • Comply with ATC or evaluator clearances and advise when unable to comply. (IR.VI.A.S4, IR.VI.A.S6)
    • Before the final approach segment, maintain altitude ±100 feet, heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, no more than ¾-scale CDI deflection, and accurate course tracking. (IR.VI.A.S9)
    • Establish a stabilized descent to the appropriate altitude. (IR.VI.A.S11)
    • On the final approach segment, maintain no more than ¾-scale CDI deflection, airspeed ±10 knots, and altitude at or above MDA +100/-0 feet until the VDP or MAP. (IR.VI.A.S12)
    • At the decision point, assess whether the required visual references are available and either continue for landing or initiate the missed approach. (IR.VI.A.S13)
    • Use installed graphical navigation displays to monitor position, wind drift, and situational awareness, and apply SRM or CRM throughout the approach. (IR.VI.A.S14, IR.VI.A.S15)
  • Part 4, Risk Management:
    • Have the learner identify and mitigate the risks of deviating from the assigned approach procedure. (IR.VI.A.R1)
    • Verify navigation-frequency selection and identification before relying on guidance. (IR.VI.A.R2)
    • Monitor automated navigation and autoflight systems for incorrect modes, sequencing, or unexpected behavior. (IR.VI.A.R3)
    • Manage aircraft configuration during the approach and any transition to a missed approach. (IR.VI.A.R4)
    • Recognize and correct an unstable approach or excessive descent rate, or discontinue the approach. (IR.VI.A.R5)
    • Reassess the approach as weather deteriorates and establish decision points before conditions become unsafe. (IR.VI.A.R6)
    • Prevent descent below MDA without the required visual references and aircraft position to continue safely. (IR.VI.A.R7)
  • Part 5, Guided Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario after completing the knowledge, procedure, and risk-management instruction.
    • Have the learner identify hazards, configure and brief the approach, make in-flight decisions, and explain when to continue, go missed, or discontinue the approach.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
    • Debrief the learner's navigation setup, procedure compliance, stabilized descent, minimum-altitude discipline, and missed-approach decision-making.
  • Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Integrated guided scenario for Instrument Rating (Airplane) Non Precision Approach.

Instrument Rating (Airplane) Non Precision Approach Guided Flight

Work through one integrated 72-decision guided scenario combining 5 linked lesson topics into a comprehensive training exercise.

72 Decisions5 TopicsIntegrated Guided ScenarioConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Instrument Rating Non-Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating (Airplane) 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 to Airmen (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.