Flight Instructor Lesson Plans

By Konstantinos Rossidis
December 1st 2020
LESSON 1: INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT

Dual—ground: 1.0, flight 0.5

Objective:
Introduce student to preflight inspection, flight in a light aircraft,
and the four fundamentals of aircraft control.
Discussion topics:
• Fitness for flight (IM SAFE)
• Positive exchange of flight controls
• Required certificates and documents for pilot and aircraft
• Airplane logbooks and required inspections
• Aircraft fuel system
• Aircraft electrical system
• Location of emergency equipment
• Use of checklists
• Weather briefing basics
Introduce:
• Starting procedures
• Radio communications
• Taxiing
• Before takeoff check
• Normal and crosswind takeoff and climb
• Effect and use of primary flight controls and trim
• Collision avoidance procedures
• Parking and securing aircraft
Completion standards:
• Display understanding of aircraft systems, use of checklists,
preflight, and post flight procedures
• Demonstrate understanding of aircraft control
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 3 of the Airplane Flying Handbook.
LESSON 2: FOUR FUNDAMENTALS OF FLIGHT

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0

Objective:
Introduce student to aeronautical decision-making, takeoff,
straight and level flight, turns, and landings.
Discussion topics:
• Aeronautical Decision Making?
• Cockpit management?
• Weather factors
• Aircraft airworthiness
Review:
• Engine starting
• Use of checklists
• Before takeoff check
• Visual scanning and collision avoidance
• Parking and securing aircraft
Introduce:
• Crosswind taxi
• Normal takeoff
• Straight and level flight to include use of trim
• Aircraft configuration changes
• Speeds associated with use of flaps
• Normal approach and landing
Completion standards:
• Smooth engine start (no excessive engaging of starter)
• Student can explain run-up procedures using checklist
• Increased proficiency with preflight procedures and ground
operations
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 3, page 3 of the Airplane Flying Handbook.
LESSON 3: INTEGRATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTION

Dual—ground: 0.3, flight: 1.0

Objective:
Develop student's ability to apply coordinated control inputs and
introduce the relationship between attitude and aircraft
instruments.
Discussion topics:
• Collision-avoidance procedures
• Flight instruments and their purpose
• Required medical and pilot documents
Review:
• Taxiing techniques
• Straight and level flight
• Turns
• Climbs and descents
• Normal approach and landing
Introduce:
• Crosswind takeoff
• Constant airspeed climb
• Constant airspeed descent
• Turns to headings
• Traffic pattern entry and procedure
• Crosswind landings
Completion standards:
• Ability to taxi in varying conditions without assistance
• Student understands the concept of coordinated flight and
can fly the aircraft in a coordinated matter with minimal
instructor assistance
• Student can conduct a stabilized approach and landing with
instructor's assistance
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 3 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical
Knowledge: Aerodynamics of Flight.
LESSON 4: SLOW FLIGHT AND STALL RECOVERY

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0

Objective:
Introduce student to slow flight and stall characteristics.
Discussion topics:
• Fundamentals of slow flight and stalls
• Spin awareness
Review:
• Constant airspeed climb and descent
• Turns to headings
• Practice area familiarization
Introduce:
• Flight at various airspeeds from cruise to slow flight
• Maneuvering during slow flight emphasizing correct use of
rudder to negate increased adverse yaw at slow airspeeds
• Power-off stalls and recovery
• Power-on stalls and recovery
Completion standards:
• Demonstration of understanding of stall and recovery
concept
• Demonstrates understanding of slow-flight concept through
flight at minimum controllable airspeed
• Altitude, heading, and airspeed at or near PTS standards
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 6, Emergency procedures, Aeronautical
Information Manual.
Review emergency procedures and checklists, Pilot's Operating
Handbook
LESSON 5: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0

Objective:
To gain an understanding of emergency operations and to
increase understanding of slow flight and stall recovery
Discussion topics:
• Types of possible emergencies
• Use of all available resources in an emergency situation
Review:
• Human factors and symptoms
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Stall recovery
Introduce:
• Systems and equipment malfunctions
• Emergency procedures using both memory items and use of
checklists
• Emergency descent
• Emergency approach and landing
Completion standards:
• Display increased proficiency with control of airplane
• Perform unassisted takeoffs
• Demonstrate basic understanding of emergency operations
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 6, Ground Reference Maneuvers and Chapter 9,
pages 1-2 on steep turns, Airplane Flying Handbook
Read the November 2001 AOPA Flight Training article "Training
Topics: Checkride"
LESSON 6: STEEP TURNS AND GROUND REFERENCE
MANEUVERS

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0

Objective:
Introduce student to performance maneuvers
Discussion topics:
• Steep turns
• Fundamentals of ground reference maneuvers
• wake turbulence avoidance
Review:
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Emergency procedures
Introduce:
• Steep turns
• Rectangular course
• S-turns
• Turns around a point
Completion standards:
• Ability to maintain specific ground track during ground-
reference maneuvers
• Altitude, airspeed, and heading within PTS standards during
straight and level flight
Suggested student homework assignments:
Review previously assigned reading, research the answers to any
questions, and be prepared to discuss them during the preflight
ground briefing of the review lesson.
Diagram ground reference maneuvers showing wind corrections
at different positions during the maneuvers.
LESSON 7: MANEUVERS REVIEW

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.2, simulated

instrument: 0.3
Objective:
Review material learned in previous lessons and increase comfort
level with the airplane in various flight regimes
Discussion topics:
• Pilot-in-command (PIC) responsibility and authority
• Elements of basic instrument maneuvers
Review:
• Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings
• Stall recoveries
• Steep turns
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Ground reference maneuvers
• Emergency procedures
Introduce:
• Flight by reference to instruments
Completion standards:
• Demonstrate increased proficiency during maneuvers
• Altitude, airspeed, and heading within within PTS standards
during straight and level flight
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the ASF Operations at Nontowered Airports Safety Advisor
or Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor, as appropriate
to the airport where the lesson will take place.
Review ASF Safety Hot Spot: Operations at Nontowered Airports.
LESSON 8: TRAFFIC PATTERN REVIEW

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0

Objective: Review and perfect traffic pattern
operations, practice takeoffs and landings
Discussion topics:
• Traffic pattern operations and radio phraseology
Review:
• Normal and crosswind takeoff and climb
• Traffic pattern operations
• Normal and crosswind approach and landing
Introduce:
• Traffic pattern engine-out procedures
• Controlled/uncontrolled field operations
Completion standards:
• Ability to perform takeoffs and landings with no instructor
input
• Stays within traffic pattern and maintains adequate ground
track
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Federal Aviation Regulations on student pilot solo
requirements.
Airport/Facilities Directory data on airport at which solo will occur.
Practice getting weather briefings and evaluating suitability of
conditions.
LESSON 9: PRE-SOLO REVIEW

Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 1.0, simulated

instrument: 0.3
Objective:
Determine that the student is ready for the first solo flight
Discussion topics:
• Present presolo quiz and correct to 100%
• Weak areas on quiz
Review:
• Operation of systems
• Preflight inspection
• Engine starting
• Radio communications
• Normal and crosswind taxiing
• Before-takeoff check
• Normal and crosswind takeoff
• Climbing and descending turns
• Straight-and-level flight
• Turns to headings
• Stalls and recovery
• Spin awareness
• Steep turns
• Ground reference maneuvers
• Systems and equipment malfunctions
• Emergency procedures
• Traffic patterns
• Forward slips to landing
• Go-arounds from rejected landings
• Normal and crosswind approach and landing
• PIC responsibility and authority
 • Flight by reference to instruments
Introduce:
• Flight at slow airspeeds with realistic distractions
Completion standards:
• Presolo exam completed with 80%
• Demonstrate readiness for solo flight in the traffic pattern
• Indicates good understanding of local airport and airspace
rules, as well as systems and equipment malfunctions
• Demonstrate mature PIC decision-making and authority
Suggested student homework assignments:
None
LESSON 10: FIRST SOLO

Dual—ground: 0.3, flight: 0.5

Solo—0.5
Objective:
Student demonstrates control of airplane without assistance of
on-board instructor
Discussion topics:
• Student questions
• Endorse logbook and Student Pilot Certificate
Review:
• Traffic pattern communications and operations
• Traffic pattern emergency procedures
Introduce:
• Radio communications
• Taxiing
• Before-takeoff check
• Normal takeoffs and climbs
• Traffic patterns
• Normal approaches and landings
• After-landing procedures
• Parking and securing
Completion standards:
• Student's ability to conduct a safe solo flight in the traffic
pattern. At no time will the safety of flight be in question.
Suggested student homework assignments:
None
LESSON 11: STAGE CHECK

Dual—ground: 0.3, flight: 1.5, simulated

instrument: 0.3
Objective:
Determine that the student can safely depart the traffic pattern,
conduct solo flights in the practice area, and return to the airport
and land with no instructor assistance.
Discussion topics:
• Boundaries of local practice area
• Solo dispatch criteria; limitations placed in student's logbook
Review:
• Airworthiness criteria
• Human factors checklist
• Preflight procedures
• Runway incursion avoidance
• Wake turbulence avoidance
• Collision avoidance
• Normal and crosswind takeoff and climb
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Power-off stall and recovery
• Power-on stall and recovery
• Systems and equipment malfunctions
• En route emergency procedures
• Emergency approach and landing
• Traffic patterns
• Normal and crosswind approach and landings
• Go-around
• Postflight procedures
• Forward slips
• Flight by reference to instruments
Completion standards:
• Instructor determines if student is able to competently
conduct solo flights in the practice area
• Altitude within 150 feet, airspeed within 10 knots, heading
within 15 degrees
• Demonstrate ability to depart airport, find local practice area,
and return to airport with no instructor assistance
Suggested student homework assignments:
Review POH
Research in AIM any flight operations questions that arose during
solo.
LESSON 12: SOLO PRACTICE

Dual—ground: 0.5 Solo—1.0

Objective:
To review flight maneuvers and allow student to feel comfortable
when soloing the airplane.
Discussion topics:
• Dispatch procedures
• Weight and balance computations
• Performance computations
• Aeronautical decision making
• PIC authority and responsibility
Review:
• Normal and crosswind takeoff and climb
• Radio communications
• Traffic patterns
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Steep turns
• Power-off stall and recovery
• Ground reference maneuvers
• Normal and crosswind approach and landing
Completion standards:
• Successful flight to and return from practice area (otherwise,
he gets lost?)
• Altitude, airspeed, heading within or approaching PTS
standards
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 5 and Chapter 8 passages on performance
takeoffs and performance landings in the Airplane Flying
Handbook.
Review POH procedures for short and soft-field operations.
Begin becoming familiar with the task's practical test requirements
in the Practical Test Standards
LESSON 13: PERFORMANCE TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.0

Objective:
Introduce student to varying runway conditions and develop skill
during takeoff and landing.
Discussion topics:
• Performance computation
• Elements related to performance takeoffs and landings
Review:
• Flight at slow airspeeds with realistic distractions
• Recognition and recovery from low-level stalls forward slips
Introduce:
• Short-field takeoff and climb
• Soft-field takeoff and climb
• Short-field approach and landing
• Soft-field approach and landing
• Completion standards:
◦ Student understanding of the need to use performance
takeoffs and landings
◦ Student demonstration of the correct procedure to be
used under simulated or actual conditions
• Suggested student homework assignments:

Read the September 1996 AOPA Pilot magazine article Skill
Sharpening: A Solo Syllabus

Read the May 10,2002 Training Tips article in the AOPA
ePilot Student Newsletter: Making the Most of Your Solo
Flights
LESSON 14: SOLO PRACTICE

Dual—ground: 0.2
Solo—1.0
Objective:
To increase student proficiency with solo takeoffs and landings
Discussion topics:
• Solo traffic pattern procedures
Review:
• Radio communications
• Taxiing
• Before-takeoff check
• Normal takeoff and climb
• Traffic patterns
• Normal approach and landing
• After-landing procedures
• Parking and securing
Completion standards:
• Use of correct takeoff techniques. Rotation speed within 5
knots
• Stabilized approach to landing. Final approach speed within
5 knots
• Smooth landing within 300 feet of desired touchdown
location
• Judgment-executes go-around if necessary
Suggested student homework assignments:
Study Chapter 14 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical
Knowledge.
Read the May 1997 AOPA Pilot article Navigation Necessities
LESSON 15: NAVIGATION

Dual—ground: 0.5, flight: 1.5, simulated

instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Introduction to use of aircraft's navigation systems
Discussion topics:
• Use of VOR system to include identification and tracking
VOR signals
• Use of all available resources in the aircraft
Review:
• Performance takeoffs and landings
• Flight by reference to instruments
Introduce:
• VOR orientation and tracking
• ADF orientation and homing
• GPS orientation and tracking
• Emergency descents using radio aids or radar vectors
• Use of airplane navigation systems in emergency situations
Completion standards:
• Demonstrate basic understanding of use of aircraft
navigation systems
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the November 7, 2003, Training Tips article in the AOPA
ePilot Student Newsletter: Checking that Checkpoint.
Study cruise performance and fuel consumption calculations as
given in the performance charts in your Pilot's Operating
Handbook.
Review airspace in Chapter 3 of the Aeronautical Information
Manual.
LESSON 16: INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-COUNTRY
FLIGHT

Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 2.0, simulated

instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Introduction to cross-country flying procedures to include flight
planning, pilotage, and dead reckoning; diversion to an alternate
airport; and lost procedures
Discussion topics:
• Use of flight publications
• Route selection and flight planning
• Airspace rules
• Weather information
• Fuel requirements
• Performance limitations
• Navigation log
• Opening and closing flight plans
• Weight and balance computation
• Cockpit management
• Aeronautical decision making
Review:
• VOR orientation and tracking
• ADF orientation and homing
• GPS orientation and tracking
• Emergency procedures
• Flight by reference to instruments
Introduce:
• Setting cruise power and fuel mixture
• Estimating in-flight visibility
• Computing groundspeed, ETA, and fuel consumption
 • Obtaining in-flight weather information
• Operations at unfamiliar airports
• Position fix by navigation facilities
• Use of Approach Control and Departure Control
Completion standards:
• Demonstrate the skill to control the aircraft during a cross-
country flight and make necessary corrections to ensure
proper course
• Arrive at ETA within 3 minutes (recalculating groundspeed
based on changed winds, if necessary)
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read "Flying's Forgotten 5 Percent," an article on night flying from
the September 2004 AOPA Flight Training available online.
Review ASF Safety Hot Spot: Flying Night VFR.
LESSON 17: INTRODUCTION TO NIGHT FLIGHT

Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 1.0

Objective:
Introduce the student to the basics of and preparations for flying
at night.
Discussion topics:
• Preparation techniques for night flying
• Visual illusions
• Night scanning techniques and collision avoidance
• Night flying regulations
• Airport lighting
Introduce (night flight):
• Normal and crosswind takeoff and climb
• Power-off stalls and recovery
• Power-on stalls and recovery
• Steep turns
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• VFR navigation
• Normal and crosswind approach and landing
• Emergency procedures
Completion standards:
• Complete five takeoffs and landings at night under varying
conditions (landing light off, runway lights off)
• Demonstration of ability to return to airport using all available
resources
• Altitude within 150 feet, airspeed within 10 knots, heading
within 10 degrees
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read the January 2001 AOPA Pilot article Into the Heart of
Darkness.
Familiarization with the night flying requirements for private pilots
in the Federal Aviation Regulations.
LESSON 18: NIGHT CROSS-COUNTRY

Dual—ground: 1.0, flight: 2.0, simulated

instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Introduce student to basics of navigation at night, and help to
prepare the student for solo cross-country flight.
Discussion topics:
• Sectional charts
• Flight publications
• Route selection and basic navigation procedures
• Weather information
• Fuel and performance requirements
• Weight and balance
• Navigation log
• FAA flight plan
• Cockpit management
• Aeronautical decision making
• Aeromedical factors
• Night VFR fuel requirements
Review:
• Emergency operations
• Lost procedures
• Night operations
Completion standards:
• Demonstrate ability to safely perform a cross-country flight
as the sole occupant of the airplane
• Demonstrate complete flight planning skills
• Altitude within 100 feet, airspeed within 10 knots, heading
within 10 degrees
• Suggested student homework assignments:

Read the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Advisor: Do
the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots.

Read the January 27, 2006 AOPA ePilot Student
Newsletter's Training Tips article "Solo Limitations."

Practice obtaining weather briefings and making go/no-go
decisions based on the information provided.
LESSON 19: SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY

Dual—ground: 0.5
Solo—2.5
Objective:
Use of previously gained knowledge to complete a solo cross-
country flight.
Discussion topics:
Solo cross-country briefing
Required documents and endorsements
Determining performance and weight and balance
Basic VFR weather minimums
Airspace rules
En route communications
ATC services
En route weather information
Lost procedures
Emergency operations
Diversions
ATC light signals
Aeronautical decision making
Cockpit management
Review:
Computing groundspeed, ETA, and fuel requirements
Use of dead reckoning
VOR interception and tracking
Use of navigation log
Filing and opening and closing FAA flight plan
Completion standards:
Demonstrate accurate planning and conduct of a solo cross-
country flight using the three common methods of navigation
Suggested student homework assignments:
Read Chapter 12, Airport Operations, of the Pilot's Handbook of
Aeronautical Knowledge.
Read the June 28, 2002 AOPA ePilot Student Newsletter's
Training Tips article Unplanned Diversions.
Review the source materials for which links are given in the article
listed above.
LESSON 20: LONG-DISTANCE SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY

Dual—ground: 0.5 Solo—3.0

Objective:
Further develop solo cross-country flying skills
Discussion topics:
• Solo cross-country briefing
• Required documents and endorsements
• Determining performance and weight and balance
• Basic VFR weather minimums
• Airspace rules
• En route communications
• ATC services
• En route weather information
• Lost procedures
• Emergency operations
• Diversions
• Aeronautical decision making
Review:
• Computing groundspeed, ETA, and fuel requirements
• Use of dead-reckoning
• VOR interception and tracking
• Use of navigation log
• Filing and opening and closing FAA flight plan
Completion standards:
1. Successful flight in accordance with FAR 61.109(a)(5)(ii)
Suggested student homework assignments:
Review Practical Test Standards and be sure that maneuvers will
be practiced to tolerances equal to or exceeding the
requirements, and to become familiar with the flight-testing
process.
Use the valuable resources of the AOPA Flight Training Web site's
Flight Test Prep page to answer frequently asked questions and
sharpen your knowledge.
LESSON 21: PRACTICAL TEST PREPARATION

Dual—ground: 0.3, flight: 1.5, simulated

instrument: 0.5
Objective:
Determine proficiency level
Discussion topics:
• Applicable performance criteria
• Applicable rules
Review:
• Minimum equipment list
• Cross-country flight planning
• Airplane logbook entries
• Preflight inspection
• Cockpit management
• Engine starting
• Radio communications
• Airport and runway markings and lighting
• Normal and crosswind taxiing
• Before-takeoff check
• Short-field takeoff and climb
• Soft-field takeoff and climb
• Navigation procedures
• Diversion procedures
• Steep turns
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Stalls and recovery
• Emergency procedures
• Flight by reference to instruments
• Pilot in command authority and responsibility
• Cockpit resource management
 • Aeronautical decision making
• Traffic patterns
• Short-field approach and landing
• Soft-field approach and landing
• Forward slip to landing
• Go-around
• After-landing procedures
• Post-flight procedures
Completion standards:
• Demonstrates mastery of designated maneuvers and
knowledge items
• Altitude, heading, and airspeed meet or exceed PTS
standards
Suggested student homework assignments:
Verify that aeronautical experience requirements in the federal
aviation regulations have been, or will be, met for the desired pilot
certificate at the end of the training program.
Review operating speeds for your aircraft, systems information
and emergency procedures in the Pilot's Operating handbook.
LESSON 22: SOLO PRACTICAL TEST PREPARATION

Dual—ground: 0.2
Solo—2.5
Objective: Further development of flight skills through individual
practice Discussion topics:
• Maneuvers and procedures in preparation for practical test
Review:
• Short-field takeoffs and landings
• Soft-field takeoffs and landings
• Steep turns
• Maneuvering during slow flight
• Stalls and recovery
• Forward slip to landing
• Radio communications
• Ground reference maneuvers
Completion standards:
• Ability to perform required maneuvers to standards higher
than the PTS