CFI/II Lesson Plans

[LavMan]

My initial CFI oral involved having 9 (niner) books open on the table. I ended up referencing each one. The lesson plans were involved, were written by me, and took all of 6 hours to put together. Well, 6 hours and a 12er of beer afterwards with my friends.

It was well worth it.

Wow, they let you do that? Wish I could have. I had to use my small nogging. That is cool, though. Kudos to you.

 

[ALIMBO]

Well today's flight was fairly good. It seems that the flying isnt going to be an issue its the teaching.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Just verbalize everything you do as you perform the manevuers. If you make a mistake on the checkride, explain how that's an error a student may make and explain why it can happen. Just keep talkin...pointing things out.

 

[ALIMBO]

Thats what I did and it was pretty smooth by talking it out loud I was able to fly better and recognize mistakes before they happened and right when they did. Your best critic is yourself they say. Its the damn ground I need work on. Once I can realize how to say the ******************** Im thinking in a logical manner Ill be set.

 

[Princedietrich]

That's one of the trickiest parts of instructing. In essence, you have to dumb yourself down. It's important to remember that a particular concept or terminology may make perfect sense to you, but to a student who is just starting out it will sound like an opera performed backwards in Klingon.

Keep making eye contact with the student so that you can adapt quickly as soon as you see the "what the hell are you talking about" look.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

When you start teaching private students, you'll see how overwhelmed a student is with even basic concepts. You don't have to teach rocket science the first few lessons. This will help foster your confidence and shape your abilities as an instructor.

No need to explain the complexity of something initially. It's important to keep the building blocks of learning in their proper order. Simple explanations should suffice. You should also ensure that they study, study, study. Too many students think it's all about throwing the controls around in the air and having a ball. Make sure you emphasize the ground aspect of training. Successful training begins with a sound knowledge of how to perform a manuever, including all of the effects and variables to consider.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Most of all keep the whole training aspect FUN!

Learning to fly should be a thrilling experience. Not too many people can fly a plane. You'll see how amazed and good a student feels when they begin to acquire some of the fundamental skills.

Remember, you might be able to hold altitiude and heading during windy conditions while copying ATIS or reading a map, but this is too overwhelming for the student. Early on, you'll need to pick up ATIS, make most of the calls, working the rudder during landing (there's always a x-wind) practice, etc., until the student can handle these things.

You don't want to intimidate students or make them think that flying requires some form of superhuman abilites. A lot of people think youve got to be a math and phsycis wizard, which is hardly true.

You need to also be a psychologist in a sense. A lot of students learn differently and it's your duty to figure out how the student learns best. Find out a little about who they are and what type of work they do. It's easier for them to understand concepts when you relate them to things within their own understanding.

The FOI may seem like a drag to read, but it really presents a very insightful window into how one can teach effectively.

 

[ALIMBO]

It will take time but Im gettin the hang of it.

 

[ALIMBO]

I cant believe people wanted me to do a flight today.

 

[ALIMBO]

No thanks

KDPA 191516Z 01016KT 1SM -SN BR SCT007 OVC010 M01/M03 A2974 RMK AO2 P0000 RVRNO

KDPA 191130Z 1912/2012 06015G24KT 1SM -SN SCT006 OVC012 TEMPO 1912/1914 1/2SM SN VV004 FM191400 05015G24KT 3SM -SN SCT008 OVC020 TEMPO 1914/1916 1SM -SN FM191600 05015G24KT 5SM -SN SCT008 OVC020 FM191800 03012G20KT 6SM -SHSN SCT015 BKN025 OVC050 FM200000 04010KT P6SM SCT015 OVC025 FM200600 07007KT P6SM SCT020 BKN035

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I instructed out of there many many moons ago. Great little airport if you go WEST.

 

[ALIMBO]

For holds how do you teach entry methods? 70 110 rule or the 90 degree rule? I learned the 70 110 rule and I was getting yelled about using it.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

There are so many methods to teach holds. Most importantly, you should strive to remain on the holding side as it offers the greatest buffer of protection. Although they are technically recommendations, they should be performed as presented in the AIM during the checkride.

One trick is to hold your hand and fingers out in such a way as to create an approximate 70 degree cut with your thumb and pointer finger superimposed upon the DG. Think of making the "L" sign with either hand. Left hand for right teardrop (70 degrees) or right hand for a left 70 degree devision.

As far as recipricals go, heres a quick way to figure them out.

ADD 2 to the first digit
SUBRACT 2 from the second digit

For instance:

Say you need to quickly know the reciprical of say 045 degrees.

Add 2 to 0

Subtract 2 from 4

045 becomes 225

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Holding...

...and then some.

Here's the FAA handbook on Holding Criteria.


FAA Gospel on Holding Patterns



.

 

[great cornholio]

For holds how do you teach entry methods? 70 110 rule or the 90 degree rule? I learned the 70 110 rule and I was getting yelled about using it.

You can have them draw the hold and then pick somewhere for the present pos of the a/c and have them draw a line to the hold and try all 3 methods and then have them pick the one that looked like it would be easiest to fly (least steep turn on entry)

The thumb trick above works good. Its an easy thing that can be used right in the plane. I'll expand on it some so maybe it is easier to understand. Its been over 6 years since I've CFI'd and don't really think about it too much these days, but from what I remember this is the right way to do it, but you might wanna double check on your own to make sure I didn't get it backwards.

1. This only works when you are going direct to the VOR, NDB, FIX that you are holding on.

2. Figure out which hand to use. For VOR holds use the right hand for right turn holds and the left had for left turn holds. For NDB holds its opposite use the right hand for left turn holds and the left hand for right turn holds.

3. Hold your fingers together and let your thumb just kind of hang out...the natural position of you fingers and thumb work pretty close to the angles needed for the hold figuring out.

4. Hold your hand in front of the DG with your thumb joint pretty much in the middle of the DG.

5. Find you holding radial or bearing on the DG. If its in between your thumb and index finger its a teardrop entry. If its behind (covered up) by your fingers its a parallel entry. If its under your thumb (bottom half of DG) then its a direct entry.

The hardest thing about CFI'ing is making sure you student understands what you are saying. You have to be able to dumb stuff down and also be able to explain everything about 10 different ways because each person learns different so what works awesome for one student might fail miserably with the next. The other thing is you have to earn your student's trust. This is mainly done with your attitude and confidence level. Even if you aren't 100% sure of the answer to a student's question you have to let them know that and make sure that you know where to find the answer. They will understand that you can't possibly know everything and that as long as you can find the answer within a small amount of time they will be happy...plus it shows them where to find information which will come in handy for them for the rest of their flying days.

Now to the attitude part. I've been reading what you've been saying on FI for a while now and have come up with a conclusion of how you will be...you might be totally different in real life, but this is how you come across on FI. You seem like you think you know it all and are cocky...plus looking for short cuts to make it easy on yourself. None of those are good attitudes to have. They won't do you nor your student's any favors. You need to realize that you are always learning...and you need to be confident not cocky...plus short cuts only hurt you in the long run. Over the past few weeks I've noticed that it seems that your attitude is changing towards the better and I hope you keep changing it. Getting a hold on this now will help you more than anything else you do flying wise.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

That doesn't look too bad except for maybe the gusts. When I did my CFII training 141, we had a couple of days where it was solid IFR and easily 200 1/2. We did a bunch of ILS' literally down to minimums and some of the other CFII candidates had to go missed on a few attempts, as the lights didn't appear.

Not sure how much actual you have, but often when its solid IFR and down to minimums, the air is super smooth and accordingly, the plane is MUCH easier to fly in terms of holding your needles.

If you can get some dual in actual, take every opportunity. This is where it really counts. Flying in the end is about operating safely in an IFR environment. Get comfortable in it with a CFII, not with a student.

No thanks

KDPA 191516Z 01016KT 1SM -SN BR SCT007 OVC010 M01/M03 A2974 RMK AO2 P0000 RVRNO

KDPA 191130Z 1912/2012 06015G24KT 1SM -SN SCT006 OVC012 TEMPO 1912/1914 1/2SM SN VV004 FM191400 05015G24KT 3SM -SN SCT008 OVC020 TEMPO 1914/1916 1SM -SN FM191600 05015G24KT 5SM -SN SCT008 OVC020 FM191800 03012G20KT 6SM -SHSN SCT015 BKN025 OVC050 FM200000 04010KT P6SM SCT015 OVC025 FM200600 07007KT P6SM SCT020 BKN035

 

[ALIMBO]

Thanks guys yes I know I do come across cocky on the board but in real life its totally not me. Im just getting a little upset with this one teacher in particular because he nit picks me and never finds anything to say and even went to the extent of saying that if I ever got hired at this school that he would never give me an instrument student. WTF? Now when I go to some of the other instructors they say im doing just fine with were I'm at and to not worry too much about this individuals opinion because he likes to think of himself as being the God of flying. Well thats fine and all but I can't argue with the man too much because ultimatly he knows better than I do at this point. So I kind of just take it all in and if I don't like it I say ok, its not worth losing a potential job lead. Hey amish ya I would love to fly in weather down to mins but with the temp. we saw the other day we would picked up loads of ice.

 

[avbug]

Thanks guys yes I know I do come across cocky on the board but in real life its totally not me.

Really? Why would anyone think that?

ALIMBO, 09-05-08:

Last I checked this wasn't an english forum I can give 2 ********************s how I sound on here. Im not guna sound all proper because thats now who I am. Excuse me what education credentials do you have btw? Since you must be Mr. know it all.

ALIMBO, 09-05-08:

Sorry flying for a scumbag operator is more important than not having a place to stay I think your about as retarded as some of the people I work with in my other major, and you call yourself a pilot thats scary. Enjoy your short lived ride at TSA.

ALIMBO, 09-26-08:

Mesa called me in for an interview, but here is the bad news. Last night I was charged with a DUI, felony speeding ticket (mind you this is my 4th one), possession of a loaded handgun, and evading and resisting arrest. Do you think this may lower my chances of getting hired by them? I don't think so when I was on my commercial checkride my DPE said I was very charming. Do you think I can charm them enough for them to overlook last nights events?

ALIMBO, 09-09-08:

I just got hired at Mesa you shut your mouth.

ALIMBO, 09-28-2008:

I had my balls out at this girls house 2 nights ago. I think I would fit right in!

ALIMBO, 10-06-08:

Dude that's why I'm going to be captain before you!

ALIMBO, 10-24-08:

Nobody could pay you enough to deal with me as a student.

ALIMBO, 10-27-08:

Your a joke shut your mouth. I'd love to meet you in person I'm sure your so much fun to fly with too. I forgot money and opportunities to fly grow on trees so I should have no problem getting either.

ALIMBO, 10-30-08:

Ya thing with me is Im a completely different person when I'm not on the forum running my mouth like an idiot. I don't take the forum seriously at all just a joke which is why I mess around.

ALIMBO, 10-30-08:

To be young and know your the ********************!

ALIMBO, 10-30-08:

Dude its obvious im better than you just realize that ok. I am the ******************** and no one on this board is better than me.

ALIMBO, 11-04-08:

My posts are me just ********************ing around ask a few on the board that kno me personally and they will tell you that I am not the same person as I am on here.

ALIMBO, 11-03-08:

Ya its a forum Amish you know I don't care. This place is a big joke.

ALIMBO, 11-01-08:

Same goes for you my friend thank you for taking me so seriously. Makes me feel good that people today believe every bit of bull******************** they see on the internet.

ALIMBO, 11-01-08:

The funniest part is you honestly take me seriously about all this bull********************. You're the joke in itself. You sit here an take someone seriously on a forum. I laugh at you my friend for being so serious.

ALIMBO, 11-16-08:

If I had a $1 for every person that's judged me on this website I'd be able to probably pay for half my flight training. You don't me so don't act like you do.

ALIMBO, 11-16-08,

Money is great an all but it means ******************** to me. I know im going back home with the parents for a year to pay off my loans.

ALIMBO, 11-19-08:

This guy is one of the bigger tools on this forum don't mind him. His previous job was fluffing guys before they did the final porn shot on set.

ALIMBO, 11-18-08:

I've been told that a million times on here an you still dont see me changing it. Your the one outta of comebacks to make yourself feel better not me. Your probably still google imaging nipples and wishing you actually get laid.

ALIMBO, 11-18-08:

I've heard enough about you that makes me laugh my a$$ off. Your basically the epitome of the Regional tool.

ALIMBO, 11-18-08:

There is no need to defend yourself on a message board. Half these people on here are inbred and stupid with the ******************** they say.

ALIMBO, 11-20-08:

Maturity and internet are two things that don't go together.

ALIMBO, 11-19-08:

There is nothing to contribute to were talking on the regional forum. This is basically a place to screw around on your free time.

ALIMBO, 11-19-08:

Dude I was sticking up for you. But, like I said before that was before I realized how ********************ed the place is. Looks like your another FI toolbag.

ALIMBO, 12-04-08:

Wow you need to quit the assumption BS your making yourself look even more stupid than people already think you are. I don't think it was an accident that your "friends" died avbug they just couldn't put up with a dbag like you anymore and there only way out was "accidentally" dying in a plane crash.

ALIMBO, 12-04-08:

Im done you sir are by far the biggest tool on this forum good day. I hope to god I never find out who you are or ever share a cockpit with you.

ALIMBO, 12-03-08:

People on here came on to try an bash it which only made them look dumb not me. Nothing I have done to explain myself has made me look any more stupid.

ALIMBO, 12-03-08:

Should is the keyword though just like he should probably off himself he wont.

ALIMBO, 12-15-08:

As for your question I have no clue. It's obviously not a big deal if the 6 or so instructors I've had never told me about it.

ALIMBO, 12-10-08:

You mother********************er.

ALIMBO, 12-10-08:

Naw just me an Sheloy but I forgot to add she was going down on me when we were doing the maneuver. Don't worry guys we cleared the area first.

ALIMBO, 12-10-08:

When I was going for my comm multi we did partial panel spins with foggels and one engine simulated at zero thrust.

It's really like reviewing quotes from a Jerry Springer show.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

WOW, what an idiot. Please don't teach anybody.

 

[ALIMBO]

Avbug what happened to you blocking me lol. If you did anything you've proved my point exactly. I specifically said I can give two ********************s about this forum. Its a place to come and screw around on, and that I run my mouth on here. What are you trying to prove, by using what I said to describe my actions on this forum? You know your proving yourself an idiot everyday. It's like a professional athlete they do their job on the field or court and screw around once they are done with the day's work. When it boils down to it I do my job at work and school. When the day is over I come on here and laugh at the many stupid posts and on occasion join in myself.