I'm starting my lesson plans and I'm going to do CFII as my initial. I was having a hard time figuring out where to start on lesson plans so i grabbed the Instrument/Comm jeppesen syllabus and started making them based off that so i could get them into a logical order. But i dont feel like im learning anything doing it that way because everything is lined up perfectly with the instrument/comm jepp book that goes with it, which leads me to my next question...is that textbook considered a reliable source on par with the FAA books? I dont want to get to the checkride and have the examiner see all my references were all back to that one book. Is there another way to approach this because it feels like im just copying right out of the syllabus and not getting much out of it... thanks

 

I used the jepp for my instrument rating as well, and it's a great text book, however I would highly recommend using the FAA Handbooks for developing lesson plans. If they question you on content, you point to the FAA handbooks and they really can't argue with you. In addition, these handbooks are available for free in PDF on the FAA website, so cutting and pasting illustrations for your lessons plans are a breeze. I would recommend though that you obtain these in hard copy for easy reference during the check ride.

As for lesson plans, keep it simple. I had 15 lesson plans for my CFII and 3 of those were duplicates from the CFIA. So in all only 12 specific to CFII. Don't be afraid to follow the same instructional order or even adopt a syllabus that you particularly like. Your not inventing the wheel here. It's okay to borrow ideas and concepts. What's important is that you research the material so that you have a command of the knowledge and can present it effectively. That being said, here's some advice. When it comes to Attitude Instrument Flying, stay away from Primary/Supporting method. Use the Control Performance Method. It's easier to explain, easier for a student to understand(in my opinion), and therefore easier on you during the checkride. Good luck!


Johnnysnow

 

Grab the Instrument PTS and create a lesson plan for each task, aslong as there aren't any duplicates from what you already have (ie engine starting, preflight, etc.) Jepp certainly is a good resource but use is as a secondary reference. Try to utilize the PHAK, FAA Instrment Procedures Book, and Instrument Flying Handbook as your primary resources.

I wouldn't deviate from the format of the lesson plans you used for your CFI-A unless a fed grumbled about it. You'll find the CFII probably to be a relatively easy checkride in comparison to the CFI initial.

 

Use one of the lesson plan formats from the FOI handbook. Also, be prepared to write a lesson plan during the oral part of the checkride. When I did my initial CFI with a Fed he gave me 30 minutes to prepare lesson plans on transition to high performance aircraft and spins. You should have all the reference material with you, just refer to the PHAK and Airplane Flying Handbook and knock out a couple of lesson plans. Then he had me teach one of the lessons (I don't think he was listening). During my CFII checkride with a DE, he gave me a lesson to prepare the night before the checkride. (He was listening when I taught the class to him. I would also use the control and performance method to teach basic aircraft instrument control but be prepared to explain the primary/support method, I'll bet you a jellyroll the examiner will ask about it.

 

The Jepp books are basically a "fluffed up" version of the FAA books. Whatever you find in there, will be in the FAA textbooks as well. I agree with the point someone else made about using the PTS to help develop lesson plans. I made the mistake of not doing that on the checkride, and I failed because I missed some TASKS. Check out my website for sample CFII lesson plans if you wish.

Carlos Roots - CFII Gold Seal, AGI - Home

 

Thanks a lot guys for all the info, big help. One more question...when your making your references to the FAA books do you put the chapters and page numbers and all or just the name of the book u took everything from?

 

Typically when listing references I just list the book, but if asked you better know where in the book it is. A well tabbed PHAK and FAR/AIM usually helps out.

 

here's another resource for you =)

The Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating, CFII

 

awesome, thanks again for the help guys!