Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating • ACS Area VI, Task B

The Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.

Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Precision Approach:
    0:10
    Part 3, Precision Approach Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    1:35

  • 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.

  • Motivator:

Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Materials

Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

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, Precision Approaches:
    • .
  • Part 3, Precision Approaches Guided Scenario(s):
  • 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.
Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

Loading scenario details...

Loading...
Decision 1
0%

Scenario Complete

Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating Precision Approach Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.
  • See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
  • References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 90-105, AC 90-107; AIM; 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); Terminal Procedures Publications.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
  • IR.VI.B.K1:
    Procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of Inoperative equipment.
  • IR.VI.B.K2:
    Navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation.
  • IR.VI.B.K3:
    Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).
  • IR.VI.B.K4:
    A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
  • IR.VI.B.R1:
    Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.
  • IR.VI.B.R2:
    Selecting a navigation frequency.
  • IR.VI.B.R3:
    Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
  • IR.VI.B.R4:
    Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.
  • IR.VI.B.R5:
    An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.
  • IR.VI.B.R6:
    Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
  • IR.VI.B.R7:
    Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.
Skills 17 ACS Elements
  • IR.VI.B.S1:
    Accomplish the precision instrument approach(es) selected by the evaluator.
  • IR.VI.B.S2:
    Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.
  • IR.VI.B.S3:
    Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.
  • IR.VI.B.S4:
    Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator.
  • IR.VI.B.S5:
    Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.
  • IR.VI.B.S6:
    Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.
  • IR.VI.B.S7:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • IR.VI.B.S8:
    Establish the appropriate aircraft configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.
  • IR.VI.B.S9:
    Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±10°, airspeed ±10 knots, no more than 3/4 scale CDI deflection, and accurately track radials, courses, or bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.
  • IR.VI.B.S10:
    Adjust the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, to account for NOTAMS, inoperative aircraft or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment.
  • IR.VI.B.S11:
    Establish a predetermined rate of descent at the point where vertical guidance begins, which approximates that required for the aircraft to follow the vertical guidance.
  • IR.VI.B.S12:
    Maintain a stabilized final approach from the Final Approach Fix (FAF) to DA/DH allowing no more than 3/4-scale deflection of either the vertical or lateral guidance indications and maintain the desired airspeed ±10 knots.
  • IR.VI.B.S13:
    Immediately initiate the missed approach procedure when at the DA/DH, and the required visual references for the runway are not unmistakably visible and identifiable.
  • IR.VI.B.S14:
    Transition to a normal landing approach (missed approach for seaplanes) only when the airplane is in a position from which a descent to a landing on the runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvering.
  • IR.VI.B.S15:
    Maintain a stabilized visual flight path from the DA/DH to the runway aiming point where a normal landing may be accomplished within the touchdown zone.
  • IR.VI.B.S16:
    Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness.
  • IR.VI.B.S17:
    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Instrument Rating Precision Approach Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Precision Approach requires disciplined planning, stabilized energy management, and precise control from the approach through touchdown and rollout.
    • Evaluating wind, runway conditions, obstacles, aircraft performance, and personal limitations helps pilots recognize when an approach remains safe and when a timely go-around is required.
    • Consistent airspeed control, runway alignment, traffic scanning, communication, and checklist discipline integrate aircraft handling with sound operational judgment.
    • Continued practice with Precision Approach prepares instrument pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.