Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating (Airplane) • ACS Area II, Task B

The Instrument Rating (Airplane) Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan covers the operation, limitations, risk management, and practical use of flight instruments, navigation systems, automation, and electronic flight bags for IFR operations.

Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Pitot-Static Instrument System:
    0:35
    Part 3, Gyroscopic, Electronic, and Magnetic Instruments:
    0:45
    Part 4, Navigation Equipment:
    0:40
    Part 5, Electronic Flight Bags and Instrument Integration:
    0:25
    Part 6, Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 7, Application:
    0:30
    Part 8, Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 9, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to aircraft flight instruments and navigation 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.

  • Motivator:

    • Explain how proficiency in aircraft flight instruments and navigation equipment supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Materials

Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
    • Review the Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain that accurate interpretation and cross-check of flight and navigation instruments are fundamental to safe IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations.
    • Set expectations for understanding normal operation, limitations, operating modes, and failure indications.
  • Part 2, Pitot-Static Instrument System:
    • Teach and assess the operating characteristics, limitations, errors, abnormal indications, and failure modes of the aircraft's flight instruments and their associated systems. (IR.II.B.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the pitot-static instrument system and its associated instruments. (IR.II.B.K1a)
    • Review the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator:
      • Airspeed indicator:
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain airspeed indicator function.
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain airspeed indicator readings.
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain airspeed indicator malfunctions and anomalies.
      • Altimeter:
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain altimeter function.
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain altimeter readings.
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain altimeter malfunctions and anomalies.
      • Vertical speed indicator:
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain vertical speed indicator function.
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain vertical speed indicator readings.
        • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain vertical speed indicator malfunctions and anomalies.
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how pressure changes affect indications during climbs, descents, and level flight.
    • Present pitot-tube and static-port blockage scenarios; have the learner identify the affected indications and appropriate corrective action.
  • Part 3, Gyroscopic, Electronic, and Magnetic Instruments:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain gyroscopic, electrical, and vacuum instrument systems, including the attitude indicator, heading indicator, and turn coordinator. (IR.II.B.K1b)
    • Review the attitude and heading indicators:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain electrical systems and electronic flight instrument displays, including the PFD, MFD, transponder, and ADS-B. (IR.II.B.K1c)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain magnetic-compass operation, errors, and limitations. (IR.II.B.K1d)
    • Use vacuum, electrical, display, and gyro-failure scenarios to require recognition of unreliable indications and an orderly transition to available backup instruments.
  • Part 4, Navigation Equipment:
    • Teach and assess the operating characteristics, limitations, indications, required checks, database considerations, and failure modes of the aircraft's navigation equipment and installed automation. (IR.II.B.K2)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the operation, indications, limitations, and required checks for VHF navigation equipment, including VOR, DME, ILS, and marker beacon receivers and indicators. (IR.II.B.K2a)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the operation and management of RNAV, GPS, WAAS, FMS, and autopilot systems installed in the aircraft. (IR.II.B.K2b)
    • Demonstrate proper setup, mode awareness, source selection, CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) interpretation, integrity checks, and cross-checking against independent information.
  • Part 5, Electronic Flight Bags and Instrument Integration:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the appropriate use, limitations, power planning, data currency, mounting, and failure planning for an electronic flight bag, if used. (IR.II.B.K3)
    • Demonstrate a disciplined instrument cross-check and require the learner to integrate flight, navigation, and automation indications without fixating on a single source.
  • Part 6, Risk Management:
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply active monitoring and management of automated systems, including mode awareness and timely intervention. (IR.II.B.R1)
    • Distinguish approved navigation equipment and data from non-approved devices or advisory-only information. (IR.II.B.R2)
    • Evaluate flight and navigation instrument modes, misleading indications, and failure conditions. (IR.II.B.R3)
    • Manage EFB risks, including distraction, overheating, loss of power, mounting, and loss of connectivity or data. (IR.II.B.R4)
    • Verify navigation-database currency and applicability and explain the operational consequences of stale or incorrect data. (IR.II.B.R5)
  • Part 7, Application:
    • Require the learner to operate and manage the installed flight instruments and navigation equipment through normal and abnormal scenarios. (IR.II.B.S1)
    • Require the learner to operate and manage an applicant-supplied EFB, if used. (IR.II.B.S2)
    • Present pitot-static, electrical, vacuum, display, automation, navigation-source, and GPS-outage scenarios; require the learner to diagnose the condition, maintain control, select reliable information, and state an appropriate backup strategy.
  • Part 8, Guided Scenario(s):
  • Part 9, 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 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 Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • During an IFR departure, the attitude and heading indicators begin to disagree with the turn coordinator and magnetic compass. Which indications are reliable, what failure is most likely, and what immediate actions are appropriate?
  • While navigating with GPS (Global Positioning System), the system annunciates a loss of integrity. What equipment and information can the pilot use to maintain situational awareness and continue, amend, or discontinue the operation?
  • The primary flight display fails in instrument meteorological conditions:
    • Which standby instruments remain available?
    • How should the pilot reorganize the instrument cross-check and manage automation?
    • What information or assistance should the pilot request from air traffic control?
Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
  • Review the aircraft's flight instrument, navigation equipment, automation, and EFB operating guides and limitations.
  • Verify that applicable navigation databases are current and identify available backup equipment and power sources.
  • Complete or review AOPA's Transitioning to Other Airplanes Online Course, emphasizing unfamiliar aircraft systems and avionics.
  • Ask pertinent questions.
  • Demonstrate normal operation, mode awareness, instrument cross-check, failure recognition, and appropriate backup procedures during the lesson scenario.
Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating (Airplane) Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
Skills 2 ACS Elements
Instrument Rating Aircraft Flight Instruments & Navigation Equipment Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment develops the procedural discipline, instrument interpretation, and aircraft control required when outside visual references are limited or unavailable.
    • Cross-checking instruments, monitoring navigation performance and automation modes, and recognizing deviations early preserve situational awareness and safe margins.
    • Checklist use, workload management, database verification, and disciplined backup planning connect technical proficiency with sound instrument-flight judgment.
    • Continued practice with Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment prepares instrument pilots for more complex procedures, system failures, and real-world IFR decision-making.

  • Closure:

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