Instrument Rating Checking Instruments & Equipment Lesson Plan
Instrument Rating • ACS Area VIII, Task A
The Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with checking flight instruments and equipment during postflight.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Checking Instruments and Equipment:1:30Part 3, Checking Instruments and Equipment Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to checking instruments and equipment.
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
- Explain how proficiency in checking instruments and equipment supports safe and effective flight operations.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Aircraft postflight checklist or manufacturer-approved checklist.
- Aircraft discrepancy form, maintenance log entry example, or operator reporting form.
- Internet connection (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
- Phone (for preflight briefing).
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Pilot Operating Handbook, Electronic Flight Bag.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Register for the WINGS Program.
- Basicmed.
- Medxpress System.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- If not previously discussed, provide expectations on time to train, ground instruction vs. flight instruction, and instructor/student availability.
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Part 2, Checking Instruments and Equipment:
- Explain the purpose and scope of a systematic postflight inspection, including the relationship between observations made in flight and findings made after shutdown.
- Teach and assess procedures for recording in-flight and postflight discrepancies using clear, specific, and operationally useful descriptions. (IR.VIII.A.K1)
- Discuss how incomplete inspections, vague discrepancy descriptions, normalization of abnormal indications, and failure to communicate an aircraft condition can expose the next flight to avoidable risk. (IR.VIII.A.R1)
- Demonstrate and assess a postflight inspection appropriate to the aircraft, including checking for damage, leaks, abnormal wear or heat, contamination, servicing needs, unsecured components, and indications of instrument or equipment malfunction. (IR.VIII.A.S1)
- Have the learner distinguish an observation from a diagnosis and practice documenting the observed condition, when it occurred, the affected indication or equipment, and any relevant operating circumstances.
- Explain how to report discrepancies and servicing requirements through the operator's or owner's approved process and when the aircraft should not be returned to service pending evaluation by an appropriately authorized person.
- Part 3, Checking Instruments and Equipment Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead the guided scenario and require the learner to inspect the aircraft, identify relevant findings, decide how each finding should be handled, and prepare an appropriate discrepancy entry.
- Part 4, 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.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Review the aircraft postflight checklist and the process used to report discrepancies and servicing requirements.
- Prepare a sample discrepancy entry from an assigned in-flight or postflight observation without diagnosing the cause.
- Register for the WINGS program if not done so already.
- Complete or review BasicMed requirements.
- Complete an electronic application for an FAA Medical Clearance, Medical Certificate, through the FAA's MedXPress system.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Instrument Rating Checking Instruments and Equipment Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with checking flight instruments and equipment during postflight
- References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
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IR.VIII.A.K1: Procedures for documenting in-flight/postflight discrepancies.
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
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IR.VIII.A.R1: Performance and documentation of postflight inspection and aircraft discrepancies.
Skills 1 ACS Element
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IR.VIII.A.S1: Conduct a postflight inspection and document discrepancies and servicing requirements, if any.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Checking Instruments and Equipment develops the procedural discipline, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control required when outside visual references are limited or unavailable.
- Cross-checking instruments, anticipating clearances, monitoring navigation performance, and recognizing deviations early preserve situational awareness and safe margins.
- Accurate communication, checklist use, workload management, and timely missed-approach or alternate decisions connect technical proficiency with sound instrument-flight judgment.
- Continued practice with Checking Instruments and Equipment prepares instrument pilots for more complex procedures, system failures, and real-world IFR decision-making.
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Closure:
- Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
- Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.