Stage 2 • Build the knowledge
Flight Instructor Instrument (Airplane) Syllabus
Follow the actual training sequence below. Every phase is available without an account; an account adds progress tracking rather than unlocking the reading.
Public study path
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The syllabus, lesson plans, and linked study material are public. Creating an account adds saved progress, quiz history, assignments, and a continue-where-you-left-off experience.
Complete sequence
10 syllabus phases
Open a phase to see its ordered training steps. Risk management is included throughout the syllabus and appears again as an integrated phase where the approved syllabus calls for it.
1
Instructor Foundations
Develop the learning, communication, teaching, assessment, professionalism, and lesson-planning habits required of an instrument instructor.
- Learning Process
- Human Behavior and Effective Communication
- Teaching Process
- Teaching Methods
- Critique and Evaluation
- Flight Instructor Characteristics and Responsibilities
- Planning Instructional Activity
2
Instrument Instructor Responsibilities and Technical Knowledge
Establish IFR regulatory and recordkeeping responsibilities, aeromedical judgment, and instructional command of instruments and navigation equipment.
- Regulations and Publications Related to IFR Operations
- Logbook Entries Related to Instrument Instruction
- Aeromedical Factors
- Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment
3
Preflight Preparation
Teach weather analysis, IFR cross-country planning, and a disciplined instrument flight deck check before flight.
- Weather Information
- Cross-Country Flight Planning
- Instrument Flight Deck Check
4
Preflight Lesson Preparation
Prepare and present an organized maneuver lesson before teaching it in flight.
- Maneuver Lesson
5
ATC Clearances and IFR Procedures
Teach accurate receipt, interpretation, readback, and execution of IFR clearances and procedures.
- Air Traffic Control Clearances
- Compliance with Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures and Clearances
6
Flight by Reference to Instruments
Build precise instructional control from straight-and-level flight through airspeed changes, turns, climbs, descents, compass turns, steep turns, and unusual-attitude recovery.
- Straight-and-Level Flight
- Change of Airspeed in Straight-and-Level and Turning Flight
- Turns
- Constant Airspeed Climbs and Descents
- Constant Rate Climbs and Descents
- Timed Turns to Magnetic Compass Headings
- Steep Turns
- Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes
7
Navigation and Holding
Teach interception, tracking, DME arcs, and holding after basic instrument control is established.
- Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs
- Holding Procedures
8
Instrument Approach Instruction
Teach nonprecision and precision approaches, missed approaches, circling, and landing from a straight-in approach.
- Nonprecision Instrument Approach (NPA)
- Precision Instrument Approach (PA)
- Missed Approach
- Circling Approach (Airplane)
- Landing from a Straight-In Approach
9
Abnormal and Emergency Instrument Operations
Teach lost communications and partial-panel operations, followed by multiengine instrument emergencies when applicable.
- Loss of Communications
- Approach with Loss of Primary Flight Instrument Indicators
- Engine Failure During Straight-and-Level Flight and Turns (Multiengine) (if applicable)
- Instrument Approach—One Engine Inoperative (Multiengine) (if applicable)
10
Postflight Procedures
Complete postflight checks of instruments and equipment and identify discrepancies requiring follow-up.
- Checking Instruments and Equipment
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