Flight Instructor for Airplane CategoryFAA-S-ACS-25
Area of Operation II
Technical Subject Areas
16 Tasks
Task A Human Factors
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant understands personal health, flight physiology, aeromedical and human factors, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Symptoms, recognition, causes, effects, and corrective actions associated with aeromedical and physiological issues, including:
a. Hypoxia
b. Hyperventilation
c. Middle ear and sinus problems
d. Spatial disorientation
e. Motion sickness
f. Carbon monoxide poisoning
g. Stress
h. Fatigue
i. Dehydration and nutrition
j. Hypothermia
k. Optical illusions
l. Dissolved nitrogen in the bloodstream after scuba dives
Regulations regarding use of alcohol and drugs.
Effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) to include using Crew Resource Management (CRM) or Single- Pilot Resource Management (SRM), as appropriate.
Risk Management
Aeromedical and physiological issues.
Hazardous attitudes.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Confirmation and expectation bias.
Skills
Associate the symptoms and effects for at least three of the conditions listed in K1a through K1l with the cause(s) and corrective action(s).
Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, for actual flight or a scenario given by the evaluator.
Task B Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance
References
AC 90-48; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant understands visual scanning and collision avoidance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate pilot-in-command skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Environmental conditions that degrade vision.
Vestibular and visual illusions.
“See and Avoid” responsibilities.
Visual scanning procedure and the importance of peripheral vision.
Aircraft blind spots and clearing procedures.
Visual cues of an impending mid-air collision.
Situations that create the greatest collision risk.
Division of attention inside and outside the aircraft.
Risk Management
Distractions to visual scanning.
Relaxed intermediate focal distance.
High volume operational environments.
Collision reaction time.
Use of a safety pilot.
Skills
Effectively scan using short regularly spaced eye movements.
Scan around physical obstructions.
Use appropriate visual scanning techniques.
Use electronic traffic alert systems, if available.
Task C Runway Incursion Avoidance
References
AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant understands runway incursion avoidance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Runway incursion definition.
Taxi instructions/clearances.
The importance of recording taxi instructions and reviewing taxi routes on the airport diagram.
Airport markings, signs, and lights including the importance of hold lines associated with runways.
Appropriate flight deck activities during taxiing, including taxi route planning, briefing the location of Hot Spots, communicating and coordinating with ATC.
Communication and operational procedures at uncontrolled airports.
Risk Management
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
Entering or crossing runways.
Night taxi operations.
Low visibility taxi operations.
Runway incursion after landing.
Operating on taxiways between parallel runways.
Skills
Deliver instruction on the elements and techniques for runway incursion avoidance.
Task D Principles of Flight
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands aerodynamics appropriate to the desired instructor certificate, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Airfoil design characteristics.
Airplane stability, maneuverability and controllability.
Turning tendency (e.g., torque, p-factor, spiraling slipstream, and gyroscopic precession).
Forces acting on an airplane.
Load factors in airplane design.
Wingtip vortices and appropriate precautions.
Risk Management
The basic aerodynamic principles of flight.
Skills
Deliver instruction on principles of flight, including at least three of the elements listed in K1 through K6.
Task E Aircraft Flight Controls and Operation of Systems
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands flight controls and systems on the airplane provided for the flight test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Note
If K1 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of all sub elements.
Knowledge
Airplane systems, including:
a. Primary flight controls
b. Secondary flight controls
c. Powerplant and propeller
d. Landing gear
e. Fuel, oil, and hydraulic
f. Electrical
g. Avionics
h. Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments
i. Environmental
j. Deicing and anti-icing
k. Water rudders (ASES, AMES)
l. Oxygen system
Indications of and procedures for managing system abnormalities or failures.
Risk Management
Detection of system malfunctions or failures.
Management of a system failure.
Monitoring and management of automated systems.
Providing instruction in unfamiliar aircraft or operating with unfamiliar flight display systems and avionics.
Skills
Operate at least three of the systems listed in K1a through K1l appropriately.
Task F Performance and Limitations
References
FAA-H-8083-1, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands aircraft performance and limitations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of charts, tables, and data to determine performance.
Factors affecting performance, including:
a. Atmospheric conditions
b. Pilot technique
c. Airplane configuration
d. Airport environment
e. Loading and weight and balance
Weight and balance terms, including: basic empty weight, maximum gross weight, arm, moment, reference datum, center of gravity (CG) and CG limits, and useful load.
Methods for computing CG.
Aerodynamics.
Risk Management
Use of performance charts, tables, and data.
Airplane limitations.
Possible differences between calculated performance and actual performance.
Exceeding weight limits.
Operating outside of CG limits.
Shifting, adding, and removing weight.
Skills
Use the appropriate airplane performance charts, tables, and data.
Compute the weight and balance, correct out-of-center of gravity loading errors and determine if the weight and balance remains within limits during all phases of flight.
Task G National Airspace System
References
14 CFR parts 71, 91, 93; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant understands the National Airspace System, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
Chart symbols.
Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.
Currency of publications.
Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
Risk Management
Various classes and types of airspace.
Skills
Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.
Task H Navigation Systems and Radar Services
References
AC 91-78; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant understands navigation systems and radar services, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Note
The evaluator should reference the manufacturer’s equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc.
Knowledge
Ground-based navigation (identification, orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, and signal integrity).
Satellite-based navigation (e.g., equipment, regulations, authorized use of databases, and Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)).
Radar assistance to visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft (e.g., operations, equipment, available services, traffic advisories).
Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
Risk Management
Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Limitations of the navigation system in use.
Loss of a navigation signal.
Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
Skills
Use an airborne electronic navigation system.
Determine the airplane's position using the navigation system.
Intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing.
Recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage.
Use proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services.
Task I Navigation and Cross-Country Flight Planning
References
14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25, NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts
Objective
To determine the applicant understands navigation and cross-country flight planning, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Note
Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option.
Knowledge
Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities.
Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, visual flight rules (VFR) cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.
Plotting a course.
Power setting selection.
Calculating:
a. Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed
b. Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)
c. Fuel requirements, including reserve
Elements of a VFR flight plan.
Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.
Procedures for activating and closing a VFR flight plan.
Magnetic compass errors.
Pilotage and dead reckoning.
Planned calculations versus actual results and required corrections.
Diversion and lost procedures.
Inflight intercept procedures.
Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
Chart symbols.
Risk Management
Pilot.
Aircraft.
Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
External pressures.
Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.
Fuel planning.
Skills
Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis to the first fuel stop.
Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative to airport, runway and taxiway closures; and other flight publications.
Create a navigation plan and simulate filing a VFR flight plan.
Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.
Task J 14 CFR and Publications
References
14 CFR parts 1, 61, 91; 49 CFR part 830; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands the Code of Federal Regulations and other relevant publications, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
14 CFR parts 1, 61, and 91.
Advisory Circulars, INFOs, and SAFOs.
Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards.
Pilot's Operating Handbooks or flight manuals.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Risk Management
Use of expired charts, manuals, or publications without current updates.
Skills
Teach at least one of the elements listed in K1 through K6.
Task K Endorsements and Logbook Entries
References
14 CFR part 61; AC 61-65; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective
To determine the applicant understands logbook entries and endorsements, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Required logbook entries for instruction given.
Required student pilot pre-solo knowledge test, solo endorsements, and logbook entries.
Other required pilot logbook endorsements (e.g., Class B Airspace, Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)).
Preparation of a recommendation for a pilot practical test, including appropriate logbook entry and relevant certificate/rating application for:
a. Initial pilot certification
b. Additional pilot certification
c. Additional aircraft qualification
Endorsement of a pilot logbook for the satisfactory completion of an FAA flight review.
Required flight instructor records.
Flight instructor renewal and reinstatement requirements.
Risk Management
Endorsements without appropriate limitations or expiration dates.
Skills
Describe and prepare logbook entries/endorsements required for at least two of the events specified in the elements or sub-elements of K1 through K5.
Task L Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)
References
AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM; USCG Navigation Rules
Objective
To determine the applicant understands water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
a. Size and location
b. Protected and unprotected areas
c. Surface wind
d. Direction and strength of water current
e. Floating and partially submerged debris
f. Sandbars, islands, and shoals
g. Vessel traffic and wakes
h. Direction and height of waves
i. Other characteristics specific to the area
Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
Operating restrictions at various bases.
Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
Naval vessel protection zones.
No wake zones.
Risk Management
Local conditions.
Impact of marine traffic.
Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.
Skills
Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.
Identify marine navigation aids.
Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
Task M Night Operations
References
AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands night operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Physiological aspects of vision related to night flying.
Lighting systems identifying airports, runways, taxiways and obstructions, as well as pilot controlled lighting.
Airplane equipment and lighting requirements for night operations.
Personal equipment essential for night flight.
Night orientation, navigation, chart reading techniques and methods for maintaining night vision effectiveness.
Use of instruments to verify the aircraft attitude at night.
Visual illusions at night.
Night taxi operations.
Interpretation of traffic position and direction based solely on position lights.
Risk Management
Inoperative equipment.
Weather considerations specific to night operations.
Collision hazards.
Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.
Runway incursion.
Night currency versus proficiency.
Skills
Teach at least one of the elements listed in K1 through K9.
Task N High Altitude Operations - Supplemental Oxygen
References
14 CFR part 91; AC 61-107; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/ AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight at higher altitudes where supplemental oxygen is required or recommended, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Regulatory requirements for supplemental oxygen use by flight crew and passengers.
Physiological factors, including:
a. Impairment
b. Symptoms of hypoxia
c. Time of useful consciousness (TUC)
Operational factors, including:
a. Characteristics, limitations, and applicability of continuous flow, demand, and pressure- demand oxygen systems
b. Differences between and identification of “aviator’s breathing oxygen” and other types of oxygen
c. Precautions when using supplemental oxygen systems
Risk Management
High altitude flight.
Use of supplemental oxygen.
Management of compressed gas containers.
Combustion hazards in an oxygen-rich environment.
Skills
Provide an adequate briefing on use of supplemental oxygen equipment.
Operate or simulate operation of the installed or portable oxygen equipment in the aircraft, if installed or available.
Determine the quantity of supplemental oxygen required in a scenario given by the evaluator.
Task O High Altitude Operations - Pressurization
References
AC 61-107; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands flight in pressurized aircraft at high altitudes, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Knowledge
Fundamental concepts of aircraft pressurization system, including failure modes.
Physiological factors, including:
a. Impairment
b. Symptoms of hypoxia
c. Time of useful consciousness (TUC)
d. Effects of rapid decompression on crew and passengers
Risk Management
High altitude flight.
Malfunction of pressurization system, if equipment is installed.
Skills
Operate the pressurization system, if equipment is installed.
Respond appropriately to simulated pressurization malfunctions, if equipment is installed.
Task P One Engine Inoperative (OEI) Performance (AMEL, AMES)
References
FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM
Objective
To determine the applicant understands elements related to multiengine performance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
Note
Evaluator assesses the applicant's knowledge of at least two knowledge elements from this Task.
Knowledge
Proficient use of appropriate performance charts, tables, graphs, or other data to determine airplane performance and limitations for all phases of flight.
Effects of exceeding limitations.
Effects of atmospheric conditions on performance.
Factors to be considered to determine required performance is within the airplane's single and multiengine cababilities.
Aerodynamics of OEI operation including:
a. Critical engine
b. Effects of bank angle on VMC
c. Zero side slip
d. Reasons for loss of directional control
The relationship between minimum control speed (VMC) and stall speed and the effect of density altitude on that relationship.
How to determine the best course of action after an engine failure.
Risk Management
Exceeding the critical angle of attack.
Loss of directional control.
Flying over terrain that exceeds the single engine service ceiling.
Fuel management.
Skills
Compute the expected single engine climb performance.