Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan
Instrument Rating • ACS Area IV, Task A
The Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing basic flight maneuvers solely by reference to instruments.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Instrument Flight:0:10Part 3, Instrument Flight Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- Discuss airspace in training or typical operating area.
- Relate similar personal experiences.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Sectional chart.
- Chart Supplement, U.S.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- National Transportation Safety Board Regulations Supplement.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Complete Special Awareness Training.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Spatial Disorientation and Illusions in Flight Supplement.
- Aeronautical Decision Making Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Explain that effective communication supports safety, compliance, situational awareness, and workload management in all phases of flight.
- Set expectations for standard phraseology, timely interpretation of instructions, and appropriate response to abnormal or emergency situations.
- Part 2, Instrument Flight:
- Introduce National Transportation Safety Board.
- Discuss pilot responsibilities for accident and incident reporting.
- Differentiate between routine operational issues and occurrences requiring NTSB notification or reporting.
- Part 3, Instrument Flight Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Present a realistic operating scenario requiring the student to select frequencies, make proper radio calls, and comply with instructions.
- Introduce a communication failure and require the student to apply lost communication procedures and interpret light gun signals.
- Require the student to identify runway lighting cues and explain their operational significance.
- Challenge the student to identify risks, prioritize tasks, and determine whether emergency declaration is warranted.
- Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Debrief the student's understanding of communications procedures, light signals, runway lighting systems, and associated risk management.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
- Complete Special Awareness Training.
Airman Certification Standards
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing basic flight maneuvers solely by reference to instruments
- References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
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IR.IV.A.K2: Interpretation, operation, and limitations of pitch, bank, and power instruments. -
IR.IV.A.K3: Normal and abnormal instrument indications and operations.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
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IR.IV.A.R1: Situations that can affect physiology and degrade instrument cross-check. -
IR.IV.A.R2: -
IR.IV.A.R3:
Skills 2 ACS Elements
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IR.IV.A.S1: Maintain altitude ±100 feet during level flight, selected headings ±107deg;, airspeed ±10 knots, and bank angles ±5° during turns. -
IR.IV.A.S2: Use proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and apply the appropriate pitch, bank, power, and trim corrections when applicable.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Instrument Flight 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 prepares instrument pilots for more complex procedures, system failures, and real-world IFR decision-making.
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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.