CFI Instrument Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-9B, June 2001

I. Fundamentals of Instructing

F. Flight Instructor Characterisitcs and Responsibilities

1. Aviation instructor responsibilities
   a. Providing adequate instruction
   1) Helping students learn
   a) Learning should be an enjoyable experience
   b) Learning should be interesting
   c) Objectives in study for a practical test should come from the appropriate PTS
   d) Measures to accomplish a positive and efficient learning experience
   i) Devise a plan of action
   ii) Create positive student-instructor relationship
   iii) Present information and guidance effectively
   iv) Transfer responsibility to student as learning occurs
   v) Evaluate student learning to measure teaching effectiveness
   2) Analyze student's personality, thinking, ability, background, interests and temperament to individualize instruction
   a) For student who thinks quickly but hesitates to act due to lack of confidence, direct instruction to developing self-confidence
   b) Slow student may be assigned more easily attained sub-goals
   c) For overconfident fast learners instructor should constantly raise the standard of performance for each lesson, demanding greater effort
   d) Instructor serves as a practical psychologist
   b. Establishing standards of performance
   1) Continuously evaluate effectiveness and standard of learning and performance achieved by students
   2) Ernest student does not resent reasonable standards that are fairly and consistently applied
   c. Emphasizing the positive
   1) Success depends largely on ability to present instruction so that student develops a positive image of aviation
   2) Student's negative self-concept inhibits the perceptual process
   3) Good first lesson: present pre-flight inspection to familiarize student with airplane and its components and conduct perfectly normal flight to a nearby airport and return, pointing out the ease with which the trip was made
2. Flight instructor responsibilities
   a. Providing student pilot evaluation and supervision
   
   1) Evaluation of student piloting ability
   a) Based on established standards of performance suitably modified for student's experience and stage of development
   b) Consider student's mastery of the elements involved in a maneuver as well as the overall performance
   c) Keep student informed of progress
   2) Pilot supervision
   a) Most important flight instructor responsibility is to provide guidance and restraint with respect to student solo operations
   b) Require first solo flight to consist of landings to a full stop so that flight may be stopped if warranted by unexpected conditions or poor performance
   b. Preparing practical test recomendations and endorsements
   
   1) Flight instructor making practical test recommendation should require applicant seeking a certificate or rating to thoroughly demonstrate the appropriate knowledge and skill level required in the applicable PTS
   2) 14 CFR part 61 grants instructor authority and responsibility for endorsing student pilot certificates and logbook for solo and solo cross-country flights
   3) Endorsements are further explained in AC 61-65
   4) Any time a flight instructor gives ground or flight training, a logbook entry is required
   5) Keep record of endorsements for at least three years
   6) Assist applicant in correctly completing FAA Form 8710-1
   c. Determining requirements for conducting additional training and endorsement requirements
   1) AC 61-98, Currency and Additional Qualification Requirements for Certified Pilots, - information regarding flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, transfer training
   2) Flight reviews
   a) Intended to be an industry-managed, FAA-monitored currency program
   b) An instructional service to assess a pilot's knowledge and skills
   c) No person may act as PIC unless flight review has been accomplished within the peceding 24 calendar months
   d) AC 61-98 Chapter 1 and Appendices 1 and 2 provide guidance
   3) Instrument proficiency check
   a) Required (14 CFR part 61.57), in order to maintain instrument flight privileges, of instrument rated pilots who have not met currency requirements in the preceding six months nor for six months thereafter
   b) AC 61-98 provides guidance
   c) Require pilots to meet the criteria in the Instrument Rating PTS
   d) Flight instructor must hold instrument rating on instructor certificate appropriate to aircraft being flown
   e) Part of all of the check may be in a FTD or simulator that meets 14 CFR section 141.41 requirements (local FSDO must approve each device or simulator)
   4) Aircraft checkouts/transitions
   a) High performance
   b) Tailwheel
   c) High altitude capable aircraft
   d) Instructor must be fully qualified in and thoroughly familiar with aircraft to be used
   e) Record in own logbook exact extent of the checkout
3. Professionalism as an instructor
   a. Important personal characteristics
   1) Sincerity - be straightforward and honest
   2) Acceptance of the student
   3) Personal appearance and habits
   a) Neat, clean, appropriately dressed
   b) Exercise common courtesy
   4) Demeanor - calm, thoughtful and disciplined
   5) Advocate and observe all regulations and safety practices
   6) Use proper language
   7) Be alert to opportunities to improve own qualifications, effectiveness and services
   b. Methods to minimize student frustration
   1) Motivate students
   2) Keep students informed
   3) Approach students as individuals
   4) Give credit when due
   5) Criticize constructively
   6) Be consistent
   7) Admit errors

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