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Course Name:
ALC-654: NAFI MentorLIVE - Right Seat Readiness
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Aeronautical Proficiency Training, LLC
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Summary:

New flight instructors, those who are returning to flight instruction after a break, as well as active CFIs, have similar responsibilities. All instructors have an obligation to determine their readiness to instruct and also to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.  

Preparing to flight instruct can be daunting or exciting, or a little of both. Creating a written plan and developing time allocations establishes a commitment to the process with greater likelihood of completion. 

There are many documents to consider for a CFI’s study list. Examples include:

  • The FAR/AIM  - the index provides a list of recommended content for readers pursuing various certificates and ratings
  • The Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical knowledge - both free online
  • Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS)
  • Advisory Circulars – the most up-to-date version of AC61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors  can be found online at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/ along with other ACs that may be particularly useful in teaching
  •  Chart Supplements – formerly the A/FDs

·  Texts on aviation instruction such as scenario based training

Depending upon his or her needs, reading manuals and practicing the use of aviation tools may also be part of an individual’s study list. Transceivers, personal locator beacons, E6Bs, Ipads and aviation apps are examples of items to consider. Websites offer content to assist flight instructors in their teaching preparations. The FAA provides a practice site for the Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) using the Training and Documentation link on the iacra.faa.gov homepage.  Numerous vendors such as Sporty’s, King Schools, AOPA, Gleim and others offer courses and dozens of providers post YouTube videos online that demonstrate and explain aviation concepts and maneuvers.  The FAA provides hundreds of courses online at the www.faasafety.gov website which can be used both for preparation and as part of a flight instructor’s curriculum for pilot learners.

A flight instructor should be quite familiar with any aircraft that he or she will be using for instruction. Familiarity includes the pilot operating handbook/aircraft flight manual, aircraft characteristics, aircraft logbooks, and in particular the avionics which may vary dramatically from what was originally installed in the aircraft.

Numerous changes that affect flight instruction have been implemented in the past several years.  Recent changes include: 

·  CFIs can validate student pilot and remote pilot small UAS certificate applications.  Issuing student certificates is no longer the province of an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) 

·  Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) have replaced the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for most examinations.  The ACS added Risk Management as an element in addition to Knowledge and Skills, showing what the applicant must consider, know & do.  The ACS also updated the definition of slow flight (now further from a stall) , changed requirements relating to stalls (cues of the impending stall should be announced) and added emergency descent to the private pilot Skills requirement

·  As of January 13, 2020 candidates no longer receive a knowledge exam result with a raised seal. ACS codes have replaced PLT codes for incorrect exam answers. DPEs can access the exam results online.  In general, online access to IACRA is necessary in order to begin a practical examination unless the candidate has brought a paper copy of the 8710-1 signed by the recommending instructor    

·  Technology-related changes include now-common ipads, aviation apps, weather sources for pilot self-briefings and aviation training devices.  Electronic logbooks are also becoming commonplace, although entries should be carefully reviewed by CFIs for accuracy prior to signing. Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast requirements apply equally to aircraft used for training, recreational and business use.

·  BasicMed was signed into law on July 15, 2016 and is available to flight instructors. Per AOPA, by September 2020 more than 54,000 pilots were flying under BasicMed. This represents over 8% of active pilots. https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/pilots/medical/basicmed

·  The FAA has become softer and gentler with the Compliance Program, a revamped method for working with pilots who have unintentional deviations resulting from things like flawed systems and procedures, simple mistakes, lack of understanding, or diminished skills. In many cases these deviations now result in remedial training with flight instructors rather than FAA re-examination

·  Flight instructors are required to take initial (within 60 days) and annual recurrent TSA security awareness training. It is also important that flight instructors comply with TSA requirements and independently verify U.S. citizenship (or TSA approval for non-U.S. citizens) before flight training begins, with certain exceptions. An initial ‘discovery’ flight can be conducted without citizenship verification. 

Mentors are a valuable resource for any pilot including flight instructors. Many experienced CFIs are happy to share their expertise and training materials with other instructors. Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) are another resource and can answer CFI questions.

Effective flight training practice involves creating a plan and establishing lesson objectives for each flight. For example, flying a scenario-based mock check ride with a mentor CFI in observer mode.  Review and demonstrate all maneuvers and emergency procedures. Debrief the flight using the collaborative critique method in which a flight is reviewed with the training pilot taking the lead and both parties providing input on learning points, strengths and areas for further development. Ground training practice and preparation is as important as flight. Review and update lesson plans to insure compliance with current ACS/PTS requirements. Role play presentations. Consider attending a ground school course as needed.   

While knowledge and skills are being updated another preparatory question arises – how to find students and begin teaching? The answer is unique to each CFI and depends on a variety of factors.  One choice may be to begin limited activity such as flight reviews and IPCs, teaching ground school, or instructing for one certificate level or rating. Joining the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offers opportunity to instruct as a volunteer. Marketing can be done through social media, speaking at aviation events, via flight schools, posting on FBO bulletin boards and contacting flying club members

After a CFI begins instructing it is important to not only maintain up-to-date knowledge but to continue developing as a professional. Suggestions include joining a professional organization such as NAFI which offers numerous development opportunities, attending CFI seminars and webinars, volunteering, signing up for airman testing changes at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/ and participating in FAA CFI/DPE Forums.

There are numerous ways for CFI to renew their certificates and several involve professional development. Common certificate renewal methods include:

  • Maintain an 80% first-time student pass rate – minimum 5 recommendations in preceding 24 months
  • Complete FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor requirements
  • Earn or renew a Master CFI designation
  • Complete an industry sponsored Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic
  • Provide flight training to at least 5 pilots totaling 15 flight credits under the FAA WINGS program
  • Take a Practical Test (check ride) for an additional CFI rating

Whether starting up, starting over or currently active, flight instructors will benefit from thorough preparation. Self study, using mentors, continuous practice and ongoing development apply to all CFIs.