Instrument Rating Checking Instruments & Equipment Lesson Plan
Instrument Rating • ACS Area VIII, Task A
The Checking Instruments and Equipment Lesson Plan Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with checking flight instruments and equipment during postflight.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Checking Instruments and Equipment:1:15Part 3, Checking Instruments and Equipment 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:
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- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
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Motivator:
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Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Internet connection (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
- Phone (for preflight briefing).
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Pilot Operating Handbook, Electronic Flight Bag.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Register for the WINGS Program.
- Basicmed.
- Medxpress System.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- If not previously discussed, provide expectations on time to train, ground instruction vs. flight instruction, and instructor/student availability.
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Part 2, Checking Instruments and Equipment:
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- Part 3, Checking Instruments and Equipment Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- 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).
- Register for the WINGS program if not done so already.
- Complete or review BasicMed requirements.
- Complete an electronic application for an FAA Medical Clearance, Medical Certificate, through the FAA's MedXPress system.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Instrument Rating Checking Instruments and Equipment Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with checking flight instruments and equipment during postflight
- References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
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IR.VIII.A.K1: Procedures for documenting in-flight/postflight discrepancies
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
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IR.VIII.A.R1: Performance and documentation of postflight inspection and aircraft discrepancies
Skills 1 ACS Element
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IR.VIII.A.S1: Conduct a postflight inspection and document discrepancies and servicing requirements, if any
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Checking Instruments and Equipment 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 Checking Instruments and Equipment prepares instrument pilots for more complex procedures, system failures, and real-world IFR decision-making.
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Closure:
- Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
- Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.