CFI Training
12-03-2008, 08:46 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: CFII
Posts: 139
CFI Training
I will be working towards my CFI and don't understand how the training is structured for the CFI certificate. Im having trouble actually putting into words what my question is so let me just ask these questions..... How does a CFI know what to instruct?
For a PPL in 61.105(b)5 for instance, a CFI needs to train a student in the "aeronautical knowledge" of radio communications procedures. How does the CFI know what to instruct in regards to "radio communications procedures?"
What directs a CFI when he/she is putting together a syllabus for a private pilot besides 61.105 and 61.107? Anything?
According to 61.107b(1)ix the CFI would need to give flight training on "basic instrument maneuvers" what are basic instrument maneuvers per the FAA?
It just seems very gray to me. And Im not sure where CFI's get specific direction in regards to making their lesson plans.
Sorry these questions are a little scattered and disorganized.
For a PPL in 61.105(b)5 for instance, a CFI needs to train a student in the "aeronautical knowledge" of radio communications procedures. How does the CFI know what to instruct in regards to "radio communications procedures?"
What directs a CFI when he/she is putting together a syllabus for a private pilot besides 61.105 and 61.107? Anything?
According to 61.107b(1)ix the CFI would need to give flight training on "basic instrument maneuvers" what are basic instrument maneuvers per the FAA?
It just seems very gray to me. And Im not sure where CFI's get specific direction in regards to making their lesson plans.
Sorry these questions are a little scattered and disorganized.
12-03-2008, 08:58 AM
#2
Moderator
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: ATP, CFI etc.
Posts: 6,056
Syllabus making is aimed at making someone able to pass the Practical Test Standards for their rating or certificate. A syllabus is designed to make them competent to reach a standard of performance, and to do the tasks set forth.
In addition there are certain aeronautical experience requirements that have to be met, signoffs that must be granted, written tests that must be passed, there is a medical exam and so forth. It's a little more complicated than signing up in college for a course in some subject and then you just learn about one thing. Maybe that's why it is confusing to you. Flying brings alot of different skills togther for one purpose. These may be minimal requirements but they are aimed at making one ready to acheive to the PTS standards as well.
Getting warm? Or are you more concerned with how to write an individual lesson?
While the
In addition there are certain aeronautical experience requirements that have to be met, signoffs that must be granted, written tests that must be passed, there is a medical exam and so forth. It's a little more complicated than signing up in college for a course in some subject and then you just learn about one thing. Maybe that's why it is confusing to you. Flying brings alot of different skills togther for one purpose. These may be minimal requirements but they are aimed at making one ready to acheive to the PTS standards as well.
Getting warm? Or are you more concerned with how to write an individual lesson?
While the
12-03-2008, 09:26 AM
#3
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,227
There are two good sources for that...
1. The PTS for the rating in question. As a CFI applicant, you will need to buy, read, and know the contents of all applicable PTS's for that specific CFI rating.
2. Existing Lesson Plans. Either photocopy another CFI's binder or buy ready-made lesson plans.
You can also research and develop your own lesson plans, but it helps to have someone else's for guidance. The various FAA pubs provide good source material: Aeronuatical Knowledge Handbook, Instrument Flying Handbook, Instructor Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook.
You can get this stuff at most pilot shops. You can also download the the FAA stuff from their website for free.
1. The PTS for the rating in question. As a CFI applicant, you will need to buy, read, and know the contents of all applicable PTS's for that specific CFI rating.
2. Existing Lesson Plans. Either photocopy another CFI's binder or buy ready-made lesson plans.
You can also research and develop your own lesson plans, but it helps to have someone else's for guidance. The various FAA pubs provide good source material: Aeronuatical Knowledge Handbook, Instrument Flying Handbook, Instructor Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook.
You can get this stuff at most pilot shops. You can also download the the FAA stuff from their website for free.
12-03-2008, 09:35 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: CFII
Posts: 139
Perhaps my question is more aimed at a specific lesson. Suppose I am giving a private student a lesson on aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is a broad topic. How do I know what to cover, common sense aside.
Common sense would agree with rickair7777. Research all the materials he mentioned and develop a lesson based on that. Even better, would be to purchase/download pre-made lessons. But if you were going to design your own (why would you except maybe for training) how do you know you've covered what the FAA wants you to cover on aerodynamics?
Common sense would agree with rickair7777. Research all the materials he mentioned and develop a lesson based on that. Even better, would be to purchase/download pre-made lessons. But if you were going to design your own (why would you except maybe for training) how do you know you've covered what the FAA wants you to cover on aerodynamics?
Last edited by sellener; 12-03-2008 at 09:41 AM.
12-03-2008, 09:53 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 778
Originally Posted by sellener
Perhaps my question is more aimed at a specific lesson. Suppose I am giving a private student a lesson on aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is a broad topic. How do I know what to cover, common sense aside.
Lesson Objective
Content
Schedule
Equipment
Instructor's Actions
Student's Actions
Completion Standards
You can change up the lesson plan however you want though to make it work for you. The lesson plan is simply a guide for you to use to keep you on track.
When explaining subjects to students, I typically follow the "what, why, and how" method.
What: what is it the student is learning about?
Why: why is it the student needs to know understand the subject? (PTS, mastery of the airplane, etc.)
How: how is it the maneuver is accomplished, or how does the subject matter work?
Keep it simple when you describe things to your students as well. Start with what the student knows and then progress into what he or she doesn't know. Go from simple to complex.
The Airplane Flying Handbook and the Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge are both great resources for subject guidance.
Hope at least some of this helps.
12-03-2008, 10:40 AM
#6
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Position: Left Seat King Air 90
Posts: 5
[quote=sellener;510786]I will be working towards my CFI and don't understand how the training is structured for the CFI certificate. Im having trouble actually putting into words what my question is so let me just ask these questions..... How does a CFI know what to instruct?
Sellener,
Don't get caught up in all of the rhetoric of CFI training. Any CFI syllabus or even the CFI PTS is designed to pass a CFI check ride with the FAA. As an experienced CFI, I can tell you that training for a CFI ride is a far cry from actually training a student. For now you should only focus on passing the check ride. After you have passed that milestone and are actually working as an instructor you may then start refining your teaching style. Most CFIs are going to be good, bad, or mediocre based on their inherant teaching abilities and attitude, not their training. For lack of a better cliche: You either have it or you don't.
Sellener,
Don't get caught up in all of the rhetoric of CFI training. Any CFI syllabus or even the CFI PTS is designed to pass a CFI check ride with the FAA. As an experienced CFI, I can tell you that training for a CFI ride is a far cry from actually training a student. For now you should only focus on passing the check ride. After you have passed that milestone and are actually working as an instructor you may then start refining your teaching style. Most CFIs are going to be good, bad, or mediocre based on their inherant teaching abilities and attitude, not their training. For lack of a better cliche: You either have it or you don't.
12-04-2008, 04:39 AM
#7
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
The format of lesson plans is for training you to be a CFI. As mentioned above, there are two worlds of a CFI, the one where you're being trained, and the other side of the fence when you start teaching.
I can tell you once I got my CFI, and finally my CFI-I, my lesson plans have collected a lot of dust. I use the FAR's and PTS as my check-list of things to be completed, then procede with each knowledge item and procedure. Usually the order works out very well. I also only introduce one manuever at a time, and slowly start stacking the deck. After awhile you develope a sense of what each individual student can absorb, and change your style to fit that persons personality and motivation. While I had 12-ish students at one point, that does become a handful, but it was a great time and I really enjoyed it.
I can tell you once I got my CFI, and finally my CFI-I, my lesson plans have collected a lot of dust. I use the FAR's and PTS as my check-list of things to be completed, then procede with each knowledge item and procedure. Usually the order works out very well. I also only introduce one manuever at a time, and slowly start stacking the deck. After awhile you develope a sense of what each individual student can absorb, and change your style to fit that persons personality and motivation. While I had 12-ish students at one point, that does become a handful, but it was a great time and I really enjoyed it.
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