Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan
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
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Flight Deck Layout:0:10Part 3, Checklist Philogophy and Usage:0:10Part 4, Airworthiness IFR Legalities:0:10Part 5, Navigation and Database Validity:0:10Part 6, Flight Deck Management / Workflow:0:10Part 7, Pre-Start / Initial Setup:0:10Part 8, Avionics Setup:0:10Part 9, Flight Instrument Check:0:10Part 10, Final Flight Deck Check:0:10Part 11, Go/No-Go Determination:0:10Part 12, Instrument Flight Deck Check Guided Scenario:0:20Part 13, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research a mishap case study:
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- 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 a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
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Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- 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:
- Aircraft cockpit or procedural trainer.
- Pilot Operating Handbook, Electronic Flight Bag.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Aircraft Weather and Atmosphere Supplement.
- Mountain Flying Supplement.
- Pilot Logbooks Supplement.
- Air Masses and Weather Fronts Supplement.
- Clouds in the Aviation Environment Supplement.
- Turbulence Supplement.
- Thunderstorms Supplement.
- Microbursts Supplement.
- Icing in the Aviation Environment Supplement.
- Aviation Fog Supplement.
- Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) Supplement.
- Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) Supplement.
- Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) Supplement.
- Surface Analysis Chart Supplement.
- Winds and Temperatures Aloft Supplement.
- Convective Outlook Supplement.
- In-Flight Weather Advisories Supplement.
- Pilot Reports Supplement.
- Preflight Briefing Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Advisory Circular (91-92) Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check 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.
- 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 manufacturer checklist structure (POH/AFM).
- Introduce checklist discipline and flow vs checklist usage.
- Discuss consequences of skipped or rushed checks.
- Identify 2 steps that if reversed, produce unintended results (for example, setting altimeter after alt static source opened).
- Part 4, Airworthiness IFR Legalities:
- Introduce required IFR equipment (91.205, etc.).
- Discuss inoperative equipment considerations.
- Review MEL/KOEL (if applicable).
- Discuss go/no-go with missing equipment (see: scenario)
- Part 5, Navigation & Database Validity:
- Introduce database currency requirements.
- Review navigation publication requirements.
- Discuss consequences of outdated data.
- Require student to verify database validity.
- Part 6, Flight Deck Management / Workflow:
- Introduce organization of cockpit for IFR workload.
- Discuss task prioritization (aviate, navigate, communicate).
- Review setup before engine start vs after.
- Part 7, Pre-Start / Initial Setup:
- Direct student to configure cockpit 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 programming of navigation systems.
- Require student to brief: Route, Frequencies, Backup navigation.
- Monitor for: Data entry errors and Fixation.
- Part 9, Flight Instrument Check:
- Conduct an instrument cross-check.
- Require student to: Identify instrument errors or flags, Confirm indications are logical, Monitor scan technique and interpretation.
- Part 10, Final Flight Deck Check:
- Require full checklist completion.
- Require student to verbalize: Aircraft status, IFR readiness, Monitor division of attention inside/outside cockpit.
- Introduce minor distraction if stable.
- Part 11, Go/No-Go Determination:
- Require student to make final decision.
- Challenge decision with: Equipment issues, Database issues, Evaluate reasoning, not just answer
- Part 12, Instrument Flight Deck Check Guided Sceneario:
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- Part 13, Lesson Conclusion:
- 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)
- Related scenarios:
- None
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete a personal weather minimums worksheet.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Weather or Not Thunderstorm Challenge.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with conducting a preflight check on the aircraft's instruments necessary for an IFR flight.
- References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91.21-1; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Instrument Rating - Instrument Flight Deck Check Knowledge:
The applicant must demonstrate understanding of:.-
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.
Instrument Rating - Instrument Flight Deck Check Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:.-
IR.II.C.R1:
Operating with Inoperative equipment.
Instrument Rating - Instrument Flight Deck Check Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:.-
IR.II.C.R1:
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
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Re-Motivation:
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.