Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating • ACS Area II, Task C

The Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with conducting a preflight check on the aircraft's instruments necessary for an IFR flight.

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Flight Deck Layout:
    0:10
    Part 3, Checklist Philosophy & Usage:
    0:10
    Part 4, Airworthiness IFR Legalities:
    0:10
    Part 5, Navigation & Database Validity:
    0:10
    Part 6, Flight Deck Management / Workflow:
    0:10
    Part 7, Pre-Start / Initial Setup:
    0:10
    Part 8, Avionics Setup:
    0:10
    Part 9, Flight Instrument Check:
    0:10
    Part 10, Final Flight Deck Check:
    0:10
    Part 11, Go/No-Go Determination:
    0:10
    Part 12, Instrument Flight Deck Check Guided Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 13, 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 instrument flight deck check.
    • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident, accident, or mishap.
    • Relate similar personal experiences involving the same type of event.
    • Consider incorporating the case study into the guided scenario.

  • Motivator:

    • Explain how proficiency in instrument flight deck check supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Materials

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Flight Deck Layout:
    • Introduce flight deck layout and organization.
    • Review primary vs supporting instruments.
    • Review navigation equipment and redundancy.
  • Part 3, Checklist Philosophy & Usage:
    • Review the manufacturer checklist structure in the POH/AFM.
    • Distinguish a cockpit flow from checklist verification and explain when each is used.
    • Discuss consequences of skipped or rushed checks.
      • Identify two steps that, if reversed, produce unintended results (for example, setting the altimeter after opening the alternate static source).
  • Part 4, Airworthiness IFR Legalities:
    • Review IFR airworthiness, including required inspections and equipment under 14 CFR § 91.205. (IR.II.C.K2)
    • Cover required procedures, documentation, and limitations of flying with inoperative equipment. (IR.II.C.K3)
    • Review MEL/KOEL (if applicable).
    • Discuss risk management for operating with inoperative equipment. (IR.II.C.R1)
    • Discuss a go/no-go decision involving missing or inoperative equipment in the guided scenario.
  • Part 5, Navigation & Database Validity:
    • Introduce database currency requirements.
    • Review navigation publication requirements.
    • Discuss risk management for operating with outdated navigation publications or databases. (IR.II.C.R2)
    • Require the learner to verify database currency, coverage, and suitability for the planned operation.
  • Part 6, Flight Deck Management / Workflow:
    • Introduce organization of the flight deck for IFR workload.
    • Discuss task prioritization (aviate, navigate, communicate).
    • Review setup before engine start vs after.
  • Part 7, Pre-Start / Initial Setup:
    • Direct the learner to configure the flight deck for IFR flight.
    • Require verbalization of setup priorities.
    • Monitor organization and scan flow.
    • Correct omissions only after student attempts identification.
  • Part 8, Avionics Setup:
    • Direct the learner to program and verify the applicable navigation systems.
    • Require the learner to brief the route, frequencies, navigation source, and backup navigation.
    • Monitor for data-entry errors, incorrect source or mode selection, and fixation.
  • Part 9, Flight Instrument Check:
    • Cover the purpose of performing an instrument flight deck check and how to detect possible defects. (IR.II.C.K1)
    • Conduct an instrument cross-check.
    • Require the learner to identify instrument errors or flags, confirm that indications are logical, and demonstrate an effective scan and interpretation.
  • Part 10, Final Flight Deck Check:
    • Introduce, demonstrate, and assess the learner's ability to perform the preflight inspection by following the checklist appropriate to the aircraft and determining whether the aircraft is in a condition for safe instrument flight. (IR.II.C.S1)
    • Require full checklist completion.
    • Require the learner to verbalize aircraft status and IFR readiness while maintaining an appropriate division of attention inside and outside the flight deck.
    • Introduce a minor distraction if conditions are stable.
  • Part 11, Go/No-Go Determination:
    • Require the learner to make and explain the final decision.
    • Challenge the decision with equipment and database issues; evaluate the learner's reasoning, not only the answer.
  • Part 12, Instrument Flight Deck Check Guided Scenario:
    • Present a realistic instrument flight deck check scenario and have the learner identify hazards, make appropriate decisions, and explain the proposed course of action.
  • Part 13, 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.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Before an IFR departure, a database-currency discrepancy and an inoperative flight-deck component are discovered. Have the learner complete the appropriate checklist, determine IFR airworthiness, identify the governing procedures and documentation, assess the risks, and make and defend a go/no-go decision.
  • Related scenarios:
    • None
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
  • IR.II.C.K1:
    Purpose of performing an instrument flight deck check and how to detect possible defects.
  • IR.II.C.K2:
    IFR airworthiness, including aircraft inspection requirements and required equipment for IFR flight.
  • IR.II.C.K3:
    Required procedures, documentation, and limitations of flying with Inoperative equipment.
Risk Management 2 ACS Elements
  • IR.II.C.R1:
    Operating with Inoperative equipment.
  • IR.II.C.R2:
    Operating with outdated navigation publications or databases.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • IR.II.C.S1:
    Perform preflight inspection by following the checklist appropriate to the aircraft and determine if the aircraft is in a condition for safe instrument flight.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Instrument Flight Deck Check 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 Instrument Flight Deck Check 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.