DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 085 558 CE 000 738

TITLE Flight Instructor: Practical Test Guide (Part 61Revised).

INSTITUTION Federal Aviation Administration (DOT), Washington,D.C. Flight Standards Service.

REPORT NO AC-61-58PUB DATE 73NOTE 25p.AVAILABLE FROM Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing

Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 (Stock Number5011-00067, $0.40)

EDRS PRICE MF-$0.65 HC-$3.29DESCRIPTORS *Aircraft Pilots; Aviation Technology;

*Certification; *Flight Training; Teacher Education;*Tests

ABSTRACTThe guide has been prepared to assist instructor

applicants in preparing for the practical test for a FlightInstructor Certificate. It contains information on the scope,standards, and administration of the new instructor practical test. Asuggested Applicant's Test Checklist is included. Aspects of the oraltest are preparation of flight lesson plan, evaluation of studentflight performance, effective preflight and postflight instruction,flight instructor responsibilities and certifying procedures, andperformance and analysis of standard flight training procedures andmaneuvers. The flight test is concerned with the conduct of a flightlesson, analysis and correction of student pilot flight errors, andperformance and analysis of standard flight training procedures andmaneuvers. (MS)

FILMED FROM BEST AVAILABLE COPY

AC M-58

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.EDUCATION & WELFARENATIONAL INSTITUTE OF

EDUCATIONTHIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN REPRODUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED E ROMTHE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIGIN:.T.NG IT POINTS OF VIEW OR OPiNiON!ST:.TED DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL NATIONAL INSTiTUTE OF

.E D,rATION POSITION OR POLICY I

-.1111111111WNTES 13*

197-3,

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

COLeN

t-PRACTICAL TEST GUIDEc\

co [Part 61 Revised]C)1:2)1-U FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

AirplaneSingle-engineMultiengine

RotorcraftHelicopterGyroplane

Glider

InstrumentAirplaneHelicopter

1973

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATIONFlight Standards Service

PREFACE

Part 61 (revised) of the Federal AviationRegulations, effective November 1, 1973, es-tablishes a new concept of pilot training andcertification requirements. To provide atransition to these revised requirements, Part61 (revised) permits an applicant, untilNovember 1, 1974, to meet either the previousrequirements or those contained in Part 61(revised). Advisory Circular 61-14A, FlightInstructor Practical Test Guide, Revised 1969,outlines the previous requirements.

This guide has been prepared by the FlightStandards Service of the Federal Aviation Ad-ministration to assist instructor applicants inpreparing for the practical test for a FlightInstructor Certificate bearing the ratingsspecified in Part 61 (revised)1. It containsinformation on the scope, standards, and ad-ministration of the new instructor practicaltest. A suggested test checklist is includedfor the use of thosc who may find it to behelpful.

In addition to providing help to the appli-cant and his instructor, this guide will beuseful to the FAA Inspector in the conductand standardization of practical tests.

S

III

This guide provides information andguidance on the portions of the flight instruc-tor practical test which cover flight instructingprocedures; however, the applicant shouldrefer to the private, commercial, and instru-ment flight test guides appropriate to theinstructor rating he seeks (category and/orclass), for guidance in the performance offlight training procedures and maneuvers.Additionally, it is recommended that the ap-plicant preparing for the flight instructorpractical test use and be familiar with theapplicable Federal Aviation Regulations; theFAA Airman's Information Manual; AC61-16A, Flight Instructor's Handbook; andAC 61-21, Flight Training Handbook; AC61-13, Basic Helicopter Handbook; or AC61-27B, Instrument Flying Handbook; andother pertinent advisory circulars.

Comments regarding this guide may be di-rected to the Department of Transportation,Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Stand-girds Technical Division, P.O. Box 25082,

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125.

IV

APPLICANT'S TEST CHECKLIST

(Suggested)

APPOINTMENT WITH INSPECTOR

Name

Time/Date

ACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT WITHDUAL CONTROLS

Aircraft Documents:Airworthiness CertificateRegistration CertificateOperating LimitationsOwner's Manual/Aircraft Flight Manual

Aircraft Maintenance Records:Airworthiness Inspections

FCC Station License

INSTRUCTOR MATERIAL

Lesson PlanViewLimiting DeviceAircraft Checklist

PERSONAL RECORDSPilot CertificateMedical CertificateSigned RecommendationWritten Test ResultsLogbookNotice of Disapproval (if applicable)Approved School Graduation Certificate (if

applicable)FCC Radiotelephone Operator Permit

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CONTENTS

Page

Preface III

Applicant's Test ChecklistGeneral Information 1

ORAL TEST

I. Preparation of Flight Lesson Plan 7

II. Evaluation of Student Flight Per-formance 8

III. Effective Preflight and Post-flight Instruction 10

IV. Flight Instructor Responsibilitiesand Certifying Procedures 11

V. Performance and Analysis ofStandard Flight Training Pro-cedures and Maneuvers 12

FLIGHT TESTI. Conduct of Flight Lesson 15

II. Analysis and Correction of Stu-dent Pilot Flight Errors 16

III. Performance and Analysis ofStandard Flight Training Pro-cedures and Maneuvers 17

VII

GENERAL INFORMATIONPART 61 (REVISED) CONCEPT

Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulationshas been revised to reflect the increasing com-plexity of the modern aircraft and its flightenvironment. In the past, applicants couldmeet airman certification requirements bypassing a written test and developing theability to perform the maneuvers listed forthe flight test. The new concept requires thatapplicants he trained in and show competencyin the pilot operations required by Part 61(revised), rather than merely performing cer-tain flight maneuvers.

The pilot operations in which competencyis required are normal operations necessary tothe practical use of aircraft. Part 61 (revised)does not prescribe the procedures and maneu-vers to be used by flight instructors for teach,ing these operations. The instructor is re-

sponsible for selecting appropriate trainingprocedures and maneuvers which will helphis student understand the basic principles in-volved in performing the pilot operations.Those training maneuvers are described inFAA approved training manuals and flight testguides for each certification or rating area.

Under this concept it is increasingly im-portant for every flight instructor to know thepurposes of, and how to perform correctly,each flight training procedure or maneuver.He must know their use in flight training andthe training limitations of each. He must beable to select and use them effectively on thebasis of his own evaluation of the aptitude.background, and deficiencies of the studentinvolved.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST

The night instructor practical test will con-sist c' an oral and a flight test on the subjectsspecified by subparagraphs (1) through (5)of § 61.187(a), of Part 61 (revised), and onthe performance and analysis of standard flighttraining procedures and maneuvers appro-priate to the instructor rating sought. Withthe exception of demonstrations of spins andautorotative descentstotouchdown, the flighttraining procedures and maneuvers the in-structor applicant may be asked to demonstratewill be selected by the Inspector at the time ofthe test. These are contained in the FAAPrivate, Commercial, and Instrument FlightTest Guides appropriate to the categoryand/or class rating sought.

USE OF THIS GUIDE

In outlining the subjects (indicated byRoman numerals) to be covered on the oral

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and flight portions of the flight instructorpractical test, this guide serves only to imple-ment and explain the test requirements of therevised §§ 61.183(e) and 61.187. The guidecontains the Objective of each required sub-ject and provides a Description and Accept-able Performance Guidelines.

The Objective states briefly the purposeof presenting each subject required on thepractical test.

The Description explains how each sub-ject required on the practical test shouldbe presented and describes the perform-ance which will best fulfill the objectiveof the subject.

The Acceptable Performance Guide-lines include the factors which will betaken into account by the Inspector indeciding whether the applicant has metthe objective of the subject.

The instructor applicant's flight performancewill be evaluated on his judgment, knowledge,accuracy, and smoothness, and on his analysisof flight training procedures and maneuvers.Failure to exercise proper vigilance or to takepositive action to ensure that the flight areahas been adequately cleared for conflictingtraffic shall be disqualifying.

The instructor applicant will be expectedto know the meaning and significance of theaircraft performance speeds important to the

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pilot and be able to readily determine thesespeeds for the aircraft used for the flight test.These speeds include:

V stalling speed or minimum steadyflight speed in landing configura-tion.

Vy speed for the best rate-of-climb.

Vx speed for the best angle-of-climb.

design maneuvering speed..

never exceed speed.

maximum landing gear extendedspeed.

V( e maximum flap extended speed.V,, minimum control speed with critical

engine inoperative.

V, critical engine failure speed.

V2 takeoff safety speed.

An applicant familiar with the "new con-cept" implemented by the flight test guidesfor flight tests leading to the issuance of pilotcertificates should note that the Flight In-structor Practical Test Guide differs fromthese in that its test items are specifically re-quired rather than optionally selected by theInspector conducting the test. Only underPerformance and Analysis of Standard FlightTraining Procedures and Maneuvers is theInspector authorized to select or "sample"items.

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INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST'PREREQUISITES

An applicant for a flight instructor practicaltest is required by the Federal Aviation Regu-lations to have:

1. Passed the required-flight instructorwritten test/s within 24 months beforethe date he takes the practical test;

2. A commercial pilot or airline trans-port pilot certificate with an aircraftrating appropriate to the flight instructorrating sought;

3. An instrument rating, if applying foran airplane or an instrument instructorrating;

4. The aeronautical experience and in-struction required for a flight instructorcertificate with the rating sought;

5. A first or second class medical cer-tificate issued within the past 12 months;

6. Reached the age of 18 years; and

7. A written statement from an instructorwho meets the requirements of § 61.187(b) certifying that he has given theapplicant flight instruction in the sub-jects required by § 61.187(a) and thathe has found the applicant competent topass a practical test on these subjects.

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AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREDFOR THE PRACTICAL TEST

The instructor applicant must provide a cer-tificated aircraft for the practical test whichis appropriate for the procedures and maneu-vers pertinent to the rating sought:

1. The aircraft shall have fully function-ing dual controls;

2. The aircraft shall be capable of all ofthe flight operations required for the in-structor rating sought and have no op-erating limitations which prohibit theperformance of those operations. If anairplane or instrument instructor ratingis sought, the aircraft must also have ap-propriate flight instruments for the con-trol of the aircraft during instrumentcor.Jitions. Appropriate flight instru-ments are considered to be those outlined in FAR Part 91 for flight underinstrument flight rules.

3. For an instrument instructor rating,the aircraft must be equipped as pro-vided in AC 61-56, Instrument PilotAirplane Flight Test Guide, or AC 61-64,Instrument PilotHelicopter Flight TestGuide, as appropriate; and

4. For all other instructor ratings, theaircraft must meet the requirements forthe private and rommercial pilot flighttests with the appropriate category andclass ratings.

b

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

PRACTICAL TEST

Oral Test

I. PREPARATION OF FLIGHT LESSON PLAN

ObjectiveTo determine that the instructor applicant

can devise and organize an effective flightlesson appropriate to the background, flightexperience, and ability of a specific student.

1. Description The instructor applicantwill be requested to prepare, after he reportsfor the test, a lesson for a student with thebackground, flight experience, and abilityspecified by the Inspector. A previously pre-pared lesson plan will not be accepted. Thelesson plan should include at least:

a. The student's name and date of thelesson;

b. The lesson subject (assigned by theInspector) ;

c. Objectives of the lesson;

d. Flight elements involved;

e. Schedule of training within lesson;

f. Equipment to be used;

g. Instructor's actions;

h. Student's actions;

i. Evaluation standards.

The assigned lesson will be appropriate tothe flight instructor rating sought and consistentirely or primarily of dual flight instruction.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe instructor applicant shall be able to pre-pare, in not more than 20 minutes, a flightlesson appropriate to the described student.The lesson plan shall be appropriate to theassumed backgroUnd, flight experience, andability of the student and in sufficient detailto realistically prescribe the training proposed.The evaluation standards for completion of thelesson shall match the lesson objective. Thelesson should be capable of accomplishmentwithin 30 minutes to 1 hour of flight time.

II. EVALUATION OF STUDENT FLIGHTPERFORMANCE

Objective

To determine that the instructor appilcantcan evaluate a student pilot's competency anddecide when he is ready for more advancedinstruction, solo operating privileges, or aflight test recommendation.

1. Description The instructor applicantwill be asked to describe in detail his pro-

I

cedure and standards for determining when astudeni lie has instructed is ready to receive.2 more advanced stage of instruction, receivean endorsement for first solo or solo cross-country flight, or, receive a flight test recom-mendation. Specifically, this may includeevaluations leading to any of the following:

a. Initial takeoff and landing instruction;

b. Certificate endorsement for first solo;

c. Certificate endorsement for solo in

additional tape of aircraft;

d. Certificate endorsement for first solocross-country;

e. Logbook endorsement for continuingsolo operations;

f. Logbook endorsement for a specificcross-country flight;

g. Recommendation for a flight test fora pilot certificate, instrument rating, oradditional aircraft rating.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe evaluation standards which the instructorapplicant proposes to use for determiningwhen to issue any of the authorizations orendorsements listed in the Description aboveshall be appropriate to the operating privilegesto be extended. These standards must besufficient to establish the student's ability toconduct the operations involved safely, under

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normal flight conditions and situations, andto cope with foreseeable emergencies.

III. EFFECTIVE PREFLIGHT AND POST-FLIGHT INSTRUCTION

Objective

To determine that the instructor applicantcan conduct effective preflight briefings andpostflight critiques for each flight lesson.

1. Description The instructor applicantwill be required to discuss the function andbenefits of thorough preflight briefings andpostflight critiques and to outline the generalcoverage to be expected for this instruction.In addition, he will be asked to present to theInspector, as he would to a student, a pre-flight briefing appropriate to the lesson planhe has developed under Oral Test, Subject Iand a postflight critique following his presenta-tion of the lesson under Flight Test, Subject Iof this guide.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe instructor applicant shall know the pur.pose and content of effective preflight briefingsand postflight critiques and be able to relatethem to the lesson plan prepared for thelesson invoked. He shall be able not only todescribe this instruction, but also to give

briefings and critiques effectively to the In-spector acting in the role of a student.

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IV. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIESAND CERTIFYING PROCEDURES

Objective

To determine that the instructor applicantknows the responsibilities of a certificatedflight instructor and the procedures for makingthe authorized certifications and endorsements.

1. Description The instructor applicantwill be asked to describe the responsibilitiesof a flight instructor regarding his students,and the execution of endorsements on thestudents' certificates and logbooks. In addi-tion to providing correct, adequate flight andground instruction and exercising responsi-bility toward his students and other pilotswith whom he comes in contact, the followingspecific actions will be covered, The instruc-tor applicant shall know how to enter andattest to the following:

a. A logbook entry for each period offlight instruction;

b. A logbook entry or other certificationof ground instruction given;

c. Endorsement of a Student Pilot Cer-tificate for first solo flight, including theappropriate logbook entry ;

d. Endorsement of a Student Pilot Cer-tificate for solo in an additional make andmodel of aircraft, including the appro-priate logbook entry;

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e. Endorsement of a Student Pilot Cer-tificate for first solo cross-country flight,including the appropriate logbook entry;f. Endorsement of a student logbook forcontinuing solo flights (as required with-in the past 90 days) ;g. Endorsement of a student logbook fora specific solo cross-country flight, whichmay include enroute stops;

h. Endorsement of a student logbook forrepeated solo flights over a specifiedcourse;

i. Execution of a recommendation for apilot flight test, including the appropriatelogbook entry; andj. Endorsement of a pilot logbook forsatisfactory completion of a biennial flightreview.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe instructor applicant shall be aware of hisresponsibility for giving correct, effective andconscientious instruction, and the importanceof fostering student motivation. He shall beable to describe and demonstrate the accurateexecution of each of the above listed items.

V. PERFORMANCE AND ANALYSIS OFSTANDARD FLIGHT TRAINING PROCEDURESAND MANEUVERS

ObjectiveTo determine that the instructor applicant

is familiar with the objectives, performance,

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z

and use of each standard flight training pro-cedure or maneuver which he will be au-thorized to teach.

I. Description The instructor applicantwill be requested to describe in detail the ob-jectives, correct performance, common studentcrrors, and use in pilot training of flight pro-cedures and maneuvers selected from theflight test guides appropriate to the instructorrating sought. The Inspector will questionthe applicant sufficiently to determine that hehas personal experience in performing theprocedures and maneuvers he describes.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe instructor applicant's descriptions andanswers to specific questions shall be accurateand complete. His discussions shall show thathe has personally performed each of thestandard procedures and maneuvers involvedand has correctly analysed the elements in-volved in then. performance and in theireffective use in training.

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FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

PRACTICAL TEST

Flight'7est

I. CONDUCT OF FLIGHT LESSON

ObjectiveTo determine that the instructor applicant

can effectively administer the flight lesson hehas Owned under Oral Test Subject I.

1. Description The instructor applicantwill be requested to conduct the flight lessonhe has planned with the Inspector assumingthe role of the student. The applicant will beexpected to administer the lesson just as hewould for a student, including the preflightbriefing and postflight critique. The In-spector may ask the applicant to omit portionsof the lesson to expedite the test and mayterminate the demonstration when he is satis-fied with the applicant's competence.

7. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe instructor applicant shall administer thelesson as planned but shall modify his planif the assumed student's performance war-rants special instruction on some point, repeti-tion is needed to reinforce understanding, orprogress is more rapid than expected. The

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instruction shall be correct, to the point, andfree from surplus information and guidance.

II. ANALYSIS AND CORRECTION OFSTUDENT PILOT FLIGHT ERRORS

ObjectiveTo determine that the instructor applicant

can diagnose student pilot flight errors ac-curately and make appropriate, effectivecorrections.

1. Description The Inspector, acting asa student with the specified flight experience,will perform flight maneuvers selected fromthe flight test guides pertinent to the instruc-tor rating sought. He will ask the instructorapplicant to appraise his performance andcorrect any errors he detects in the mannerhe finds most effective. The applicant willbe expected to analyse the errors he detectsand make corrections appropriate to the per-formance of a student with the specified flightexperience. He should he prepared to ex-plain to the Inspector the errors he detectsand give the reasons for the corrective actionhe selects. This flight test item may involvethe maneuver in the planned lesson or maybe other training manuevers.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe instructor applicant shall make accurateobservations and analyses of flight errors andshall recommend corrective action appropriateto the student's assumed ability. Consistently

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correcting errors which are beyond thestudent's ability to recognize without explana-tion, or which are non-existent is indicativeof a poor performance. The recommendedcorrective action must be understandable tothe student and effective in correcting boththe error and any misunderstanJing whichmay have caused it.

III. PERFORMANCE AND ANALYSIS OFSTANDARD FLIGHT TRAINING PROCE-DURES AND MANEUVERS

ObjectiveTo determine that the instructor applicant

can perform, analyse, and apply each standardflight training procedure or maneuver to theappropriate pilot operation.

To determine that the airplane and gliderinstructor applicant can competently recoverfrom incipient or fully developed spins andthat the helicopter instructor applicant cansafely accomplish touchdowns from autorota-tive descents.

1. Description The instructor applicantwill be requested to perform flight proceduresor maneuvers selected from the flight test

guides pertinent to the instructor rating sought.He will be asked to explain the elements in-volved in any of these procedures or maneuversand their relation and importance to the conrect performance of the whole procedure or

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maneuver. He will also be asked to point outcommon errors in student performance andsuggest the most effective corrective action.

During flight tests in airplanes and gliders,the instructor applicant may be asked to

demonstrate that he can recognize and recoverfrom spin situations which might be en-countered in poorly executed maneuvers dur-ing student training flights. (At the discre-tion of the Inspector conducting the test, alogbook record attesting to the spin competencyof the applicant may be accepted in lieuof the demonstration. The logbook recordshall be certified by the flight instructor whoconducted the spin instruction. Glider ap-plicants may demonstrate spin competency ineither gliders or airplanes.) If the Inspectorplaces the airplane or glider in such a spinsituation, the applicant should inform theInspector that he is taking control, thenpromptly recover and return to normal levelflight.

During flight tests in helicopters, the instruc-tor applicant may be asked to accomplish atouchdown from the autorotative descentdemonstration as might be necessary in theevent of power failure during student train-ing flights. (At the discretion of the Inspec-tor conducting the test, a logbook recordattesting to the competency of the applicantin accomplishing touchdowns from auto-rotative descents may be accepted in lieu ofthe demonstration. The logbook record shall

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be certified by the flight instructor who con-ducted the touchdown from autorotativedescent instruction.) If the Inspector re-quests that the touchdown be made, the ap-plicant should continue the autorotativedescent, flare, and touchdown in a level at-titude, maintaining positive directional control.

2. Acceptable Performance GuidelinesThe assigned flight procedures and maneuversshall be performed to the standards in thepertinent flight test guides.

When a spin demonstration is performed,the applicant shall recognize a spin situationand take prompt, positive control to recoverwith a minimum loss of altitude.

When a touchdown from an autorotativedescent is performed, the applicant shall makea proper flare and a timely and effective pitchpull. He shall touch down smoothly at a safespeed, in a level attitude while maintainingpositive directional control.

For sale by the Superintendent of DocumentsU.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

]'rice: 40 cents. Stock Number 5011-00067

* U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1973 0-520-147

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