Introduction
Flight instructors may use this guide in the development of
lesson plans. The lessons are arranged in a logical learning
sequence and use the building-block technique. Each lesson
includes ground training appropriate to the flight portion of
the lesson. It is vitally important that the flight instructor brief
the student on the objective of the lesson and how it will be
accomplished. Debriefing the student’s performance is also
necessary to motivate further progress. To ensure steady
progress, student pilots should master the objective of each
lesson before advancing to the next lesson. Lessons should
be arranged to take advantage of each student’s knowledge
and skills.
Flight instructors must monitor progress closely during
training to guide student pilots in how to properly divide
their attention. The importance of this division of attention
or “cross-check” cannot be overemphasized. Cross-check and
proper instrument interpretation are essential components
of “attitude instrument flying” that enables student pilots to
accurately visualize the aircraft’s attitude at all times.
When possible, each lesson should incorporate radio
communications, basic navigation, and emergency procedures
so the student pilot is exposed to the entire IFR experience
with each flight. Cross-reference the Instrument Training
Lesson Guide with this handbook and the Instrument
Practical Test Standards for a comprehensive instrument
rating training program.
Lesson 1—Ground and flight evaluation
of student’s knowledge and performance
Aircraft systems
Aircraft performance
Preflight planning
Use of checklists
Basic flight maneuvers
Radio communications procedures
Navigation systems
Appendix B
Instrument Training Lesson Guide
Lesson 2—Preflight preparation and
flight by reference to instruments
Ground Training
Instrument system preflight procedures
Attitude instrument flying
Fundamental instrument skills
Instrument cross-check techniques
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Use of checklists
Fundamental instrument skills
Basic flight maneuvers
Instrument approach (demonstrated)
Postflight procedures
Lesson 3—Flight instruments and human
factors
Ground Training
Human factors
Flight instruments and systems
Aircraft systems
Navigation instruments and systems
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Radio communications
Checklist procedures
Attitude instrument flying
Fundamental instrument skills
Basic flight maneuvers
Spatial disorientation demonstration
Navigation systems
Postflight procedures
Lesson 4—Attitude instrument flying
Ground Training
Human factors
Flight instruments and systems
Aircraft systems
Navigation instruments and systems
Attitude instrument flying
Fundamental instrument skills
Basic flight maneuvers
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Attitude instrument flying
Fundamental instrument skills
Basic flight maneuvers
Spatial disorientation
Navigation
Postflight procedures
Lesson 5—Aerodynamic factors and
basic flight maneuvers
Ground Training
Basic aerodynamic factors
Basic instrument flight patterns
Emergency procedures
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Basic instrument flight patterns
Emergency procedures
Navigation
Postflight procedures
Lesson 6—Partial panel operations
Ground Training
ATC system
Flight instruments
Partial panel operations
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Basic instrument flight patterns
Emergency procedures
Partial panel practice
Navigation
Postflight procedures
Lesson 7—Recovery from unusual
attitudes
Ground Training
Attitude instrument flying
ATC system
NAS overview
Flight Training
Preflight
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Instrument takeoff
Navigation
Partial panel practice
Recovery from unusual attitudes
Postflight procedures
Lesson 8—Navigation systems
Ground Training
ATC clearances
Departure procedures
IFR en route charts
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Intercepting and tracking
Holding
Postflight procedures
Lesson 9—Review and practice
Ground Training
Aerodynamic factors
Flight instruments and systems
Attitude instrument flying
Navigation systems
NAS
ATC
Emergency procedures
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Review and practice as determined by the flight instructor
Instrument takeoff
Radio communications
Navigation systems
Emergency procedures
Postflight procedures
Lessons 10 through 19—Orientation,
intercepting, tracking, and holding using
each navigation system installed in the
aircraft
Ground Training
Preflight planning
Navigation systems
NAS
ATC
Emergencies
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Departure procedures
En route navigation
Terminal operations
Partial panel operation
Instrument approach
Missed approach
Approach to a landing
Postflight procedures
Lessons 20 and 21—Cross-country
flights
Ground Training
Preflight planning
Aircraft performance
Navigation systems
NAS
ATC
Emergencies
Flight Training
Emergency procedures
Partial panel operation
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Departure procedures
En route navigation
Terminal operations
Instrument approach
Missed approach
Approach to a landing
Postflight procedures
Lessons 22 and 23—Review and practice
Ground Training
Human factors
Aerodynamic factors
Flight instruments and systems
Attitude instrument flying
Basic flight maneuvers
Navigation systems
NAS
ATC
Emergency operations
Flight Training
Aircraft and instrument preflight inspection
Checklist procedures
Radio communications
Review and practice as determined by the flight instructor
Instrument takeoff
Partial panel operations
Unusual attitude recoveries
Radio communications
Navigation systems
Emergency procedures
Postflight procedures
Lessons 24 and subsequent—Practical
test preparation
Ground Training
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts
61, 71, 91, 95, and 97
Instrument Flying Handbook
Practical test standards
Administrative requirements
Equipment requirements
Applicant’s requirements
Flight Training
Review and practice until the student can consistently
perform all required tasks in accordance with the appropriate
practical test standards.
NOTE: It is the recommending instructor’s responsibility to
ensure that the applicant meets 14 CFR part 61 requirements
and is prepared for the practical test, including: training,
knowledge, experience, and the appropriate instructor
endorsements.