Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Instrument Rating • ACS Area II, Task C

The Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with conducting a preflight check on the aircraft's instruments necessary for an IFR flight.

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Flight Deck Layout:
    0:10
    Part 3, Checklist Philogophy and Usage:
    0:10
    Part 4, Airworthiness IFR Legalities:
    0:10
    Part 5, Navigation and Database Validity:
    0:10
    Part 6, Flight Deck Management / Workflow:
    0:10
    Part 7, Pre-Start / Initial Setup:
    0:10
    Part 8, Avionics Setup:
    0:10
    Part 9, Flight Instrument Check:
    0:10
    Part 10, Final Flight Deck Check:
    0:10
    Part 11, Go/No-Go Determination:
    0:10
    Part 12, Instrument Flight Deck Check Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 13, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • .
    • 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

  • Motivator:

    • .
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Materials

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Flight Deck Layout:
    • Introduce flight deck layout and organization.
    • Review primary vs supporting instruments.
    • Review navigation equipment and redundancy.
  • Part 3, Checklist Philosophy & Usage:
    • Review manufacturer checklist structure (POH/AFM).
    • Introduce checklist discipline and flow vs checklist usage.
    • Discuss consequences of skipped or rushed checks.
      • Identify 2 steps that if reversed, produce unintended results (for example, setting altimeter after alt static source opened).
  • Part 4, Airworthiness IFR Legalities:
    • Introduce required IFR equipment (91.205, etc.).
    • Discuss inoperative equipment considerations.
    • Review MEL/KOEL (if applicable).
    • Discuss go/no-go with missing equipment (see: scenario)
  • Part 5, Navigation & Database Validity:
    • Introduce database currency requirements.
    • Review navigation publication requirements.
    • Discuss consequences of outdated data.
    • Require student to verify database validity.
  • Part 6, Flight Deck Management / Workflow:
    • Introduce organization of cockpit for IFR workload.
    • Discuss task prioritization (aviate, navigate, communicate).
    • Review setup before engine start vs after.
  • Part 7, Pre-Start / Initial Setup:
    • Direct student to configure cockpit for IFR flight.
    • Require verbalization of setup priorities.
    • Monitor organization and scan flow.
    • Correct omissions only after student attempts identification.
  • Part 8, Avionics Setup:
    • Direct programming of navigation systems.
    • Require student to brief: Route, Frequencies, Backup navigation.
    • Monitor for: Data entry errors and Fixation.
  • Part 9, Flight Instrument Check:
    • Conduct an instrument cross-check.
    • Require student to: Identify instrument errors or flags, Confirm indications are logical, Monitor scan technique and interpretation.
  • Part 10, Final Flight Deck Check:
    • Require full checklist completion.
    • Require student to verbalize: Aircraft status, IFR readiness, Monitor division of attention inside/outside cockpit.
    • Introduce minor distraction if stable.
  • Part 11, Go/No-Go Determination:
    • Require student to make final decision.
    • Challenge decision with: Equipment issues, Database issues, Evaluate reasoning, not just answer
  • Part 12, Instrument Flight Deck Check Guided Sceneario:
    • .
  • Part 13, 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.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Related scenarios:
    • None
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
  • IR.II.C.K1:
    Purpose of performing an instrument flight deck check and how to detect possible defects.
  • IR.II.C.K2:
    IFR airworthiness, including aircraft inspection requirements and required equipment for IFR flight.
  • IR.II.C.K3:
    Required procedures, documentation, and limitations of flying with Inoperative equipment.
Risk Management 2 ACS Elements
  • IR.II.C.R1:
    Operating with Inoperative equipment.
  • IR.II.C.R2:
    Operating with outdated navigation publications or databases.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • IR.II.C.R1:
    Perform preflight inspection by following the checklist appropriate to the aircraft and determine if the aircraft is in a condition for safe instrument flight.
Instrument Rating Instrument Flight Deck Check Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Instrument Flight Deck Check 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 Deck Check prepares instrument pilots for more complex procedures, system failures, and real-world IFR decision-making.

  • Closure:

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