Instrument Training Lesson Guide

Introduction

Flight instructors may use this guide in the development of lesson plans. The lessons are arranged in a logical learning sequence and use the building-block technique. Each lesson includes ground training appropriate to the flight portion of the lesson. It is vitally important that the flight instructor brief the student on the objective of the lesson and how it will be accomplished. Debriefing the student’s performance is also necessary to motivate further progress. To ensure steady progress, student pilots should master the objective of each lesson before advancing to the next lesson. Lessons should be arranged to take advantage of each student’s knowledge and skills.

Flight instructors must monitor progress closely during training to guide student pilots in how to properly divide their attention. The importance of this division of attention or “cross-check” cannot be overemphasized. Cross-check and proper instrument interpretation are essential components of “attitude instrument flying” that enables student pilots to accurately visualize the aircraft’s attitude at all times.

When possible, each lesson should incorporate radio communications, basic navigation, and emergency procedures so the student pilot is exposed to the entire IFR experience with each flight. Cross-reference the Instrument Training Lesson Guide with this handbook and the Instrument Practical Test Standards for a comprehensive instrument rating training program.

Lesson 1—Ground and flight evaluation of student’s knowledge and performance

• Aircraft systems
• Aircraft performance
• Preflight planning
• Use of checklists
• Basic flight maneuvers
• Radio communications procedures
• Navigation systems

Lesson 2—Preflight preparation and flight by reference to instruments

Ground Training

• Instrument system preflight procedures
• Attitude instrument flying
• Fundamental instrument skills
• Instrument cross-check techniques

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Use of checklists
• Fundamental instrument skills
• Basic flight maneuvers
• Instrument approach (demonstrated)
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 3—Flight instruments and human factors

Ground Training

• Human factors
• Flight instruments and systems
• Aircraft systems
• Navigation instruments and systems

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Radio communications
• Checklist procedures
• Attitude instrument flying
• Fundamental instrument skills
• Basic flight maneuvers
• Spatial disorientation demonstration
• Navigation systems
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 4—Attitude instrument flying

Ground Training

Human factors

Flight instruments and systems

• Aircraft systems
• Navigation instruments and systems
• Attitude instrument flying
• Fundamental instrument skills
• Basic flight maneuvers

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Attitude instrument flying
• Fundamental instrument skills
• Basic flight maneuvers
• Spatial disorientation
• Navigation
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 5—Aerodynamic factors and basic flight maneuvers

Ground Training

• Basic aerodynamic factors
• Basic instrument flight patterns
• Emergency procedures

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Basic instrument flight patterns
• Emergency procedures
• Navigation
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 6—Partial panel operations

Ground Training

• ATC system
• Flight instruments
• Partial panel operations

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Basic instrument flight patterns
• Emergency procedures
• Partial panel practice
• Navigation
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 7—Recovery from unusual attitudes

Ground Training

• Attitude instrument flying
• ATC system
• NAS overview

Flight Training

• Preflight
• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Instrument takeoff
• Navigation
• Partial panel practice
• Recovery from unusual attitudes
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 8—Navigation systems

Ground Training

• ATC clearances
• Departure procedures
• IFR en route charts

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Intercepting and tracking
• Holding
• Postflight procedures

Lesson 9—Review and practice

Ground Training

• Aerodynamic factors
• Flight instruments and systems
• Attitude instrument flying
• Navigation systems
• NAS
• ATC
• Emergency procedures

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Review and practice as determined by the flight instructor

• Instrument takeoff
• Radio communications
• Navigation systems
• Emergency procedures
• Postflight procedures

Lessons 10 through 19—Orientation, intercepting, tracking, and holding using each navigation system installed in the aircraft

Ground Training

• Preflight planning
• Navigation systems
• NAS
• ATC
• Emergencies

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Departure procedures
• En route navigation
• Terminal operations
• Partial panel operation
• Instrument approach
• Missed approach
• Approach to a landing
• Postflight procedures

Lessons 20 and 21—Cross-country flights

Ground Training

• Preflight planning
• Aircraft performance
• Navigation systems
• NAS
• ATC
• Emergencies

Flight Training

• Emergency procedures
• Partial panel operation
• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Departure procedures
• En route navigation
• Terminal operations
• Instrument approach
• Missed approach
• Approach to a landing
• Postflight procedures

Lessons 22 and 23—Review and practice

Ground Training

• Human factors
• Aerodynamic factors
• Flight instruments and systems
• Attitude instrument flying
• Basic flight maneuvers
• Navigation systems
• NAS
• ATC
• Emergency operations

Flight Training

• Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
• Checklist procedures
• Radio communications
• Review and practice as determined by the flight instructor
• Instrument takeoff
• Partial panel operations
• Unusual attitude recoveries
• Radio communications
• Navigation systems
• Emergency procedures
• Postflight procedures

Lessons 24 and subsequent—Practical test preparation

Ground Training

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 61, 71, 91, 95, and 97

• Practical test standards
• Administrative requirements
• Equipment requirements
• Applicant’s requirements

Flight Training

Review and practice until the student can consistently perform all required tasks in accordance with the appropriate practical test standards.

NOTE: It is the recommending instructor’s responsibility to ensure that the applicant meets 14 CFR part 61 requirements and is prepared for the practical test, including: training, knowledge, experience, and the appropriate instructor endorsements.