CFI stuff..lesson plan...what do I need to do?

[gkrangers]

So what do I need to do to become a CFI?

I'm looking at the PTS and trying to determine which subjects I have to create a lesson plan for. Is it just the Technical Subject Areas? Or do I need to cover all the pre flight, flying, post flight stuff as well?

Eventually I'll have it all covered, but what do I need to have prepared for the DE?

And yes, I will ask my CFI, but I've got nothing to do, so I figured if I could get pointed in the right direction, I would start working on a section tonight.

 

[pgcfii2002]

My CFI made me create, from scratch, about 40+ lessons plans applicable to the Private student and maybe 12 or so for the Commercial student.

Just look at the technical areas, aerodynamics, W+B, airspace, maybe just thumb through a Jepp Private book and outline each chapter?

Oh yeah, most DE's don't even look at your lesson plans during the checkride.

 

[I fLy pLaNeS]

the plane

Possibly go through your aircraft's POH and make lessons from the aircraft i.e. fuel system, electrical, speeds, etc.

 

[gkrangers]

So basically everything in the PTS.

 

[skipro101]

No.

The PTS specifically states which subject areas that you need to present a lesson for.

Additionally, you do not need to have one done before you arrive. Technically, he asks you to do one...but if you already have it done, it makes it much easier.

Learning how to read the PTS is a necessary skill for being a CFI. Find the page where it says something like "applicant must present..." and it will list all the subject areas that you need a lesson plan for.

Also, you dont need to make your own. Technically, you only have to "present" a lesson...you dont have to even use a lesson plan. You could even use a storebought lesson plan if you want... or no lesson plan at all.

The reason that you should make lesson plans, is that it will help you understand the material better. As you make the lesson plan, you are reviewing the info. It also imo says something about the applicant if they make their own.

However, on my CFI-I Inital CFI ride, the examiner chuckeled at my huge 5 inch binder full of custom made (by me) lesson plans on the CFI-I stuff. He said something like "wow, why did you do that you only need to present a lesson plan, and only one...that was a waste of time".

Still, I would make lesson plans for every area that the PTS says you need to present a lesson on, at the very least.

 

[gkrangers]

"The reason that you should make lesson plans, is that it will help you understand the material better. As you make the lesson plan, you are reviewing the info. It also imo says something about the applicant if they make their own."

This is why I wanna make the lesson plans...it'll help me review everything and relearn it. I'll need the plans for when I have students anyway.

 

[TEXAN AVIATOR]

I'd put one together for every lesson you plan on teaching. Mine was maybe overkill but it was a 4" binder with everything from airspace, systems, xc planning, s-turns, stalls Pon/off, etc. I may have some outlines to give you an idea or two. I can pull out mine next time I'm in Houston if you like...
TA

 

[CougarAviator]

I'd put one together for every lesson you plan on teaching. Mine was maybe overkill but it was a 4" binder with everything from airspace, systems, xc planning, s-turns, stalls Pon/off, etc. I may have some outlines to give you an idea or two. I can pull out mine next time I'm in Houston if you like...
TA

Texan, I had the 4" binder going as well....It had more than I needed, but the FAA and the DPE's loved it....AND, I still use it quite a bit...

 

[FlyinFife]

I am of the firm belief that it is better to be overprepared and have the examiner/inspector tell you that all the extra effort wasn't necessary, as opposed to getting a pink slip. Not to discourage you, but I spent about two weeks doing nothing but putting my CFI notebook together (when I wasn't at work or school). It was a lot of work, but well worth it - even if it was overkill. It sounds like you're willing to go the extra mile, and you'll be happy you did. I would recommend that you use every source available to make your lesson plans (FAA books, Kershner, Machado, etc), you can never read too much. Oh, tab and highlight your FAR/AIM - even if you never have to reference it, you'll know where things are and the inspector will know you've at least opened it a few times. If you want, I can email you my lesson plan checklist that I made so you can get an idea of all the crap that I made. Good luck!

 

[CougarAviator]

. Oh, tab and highlight your FAR/AIM - even if you never have to reference it, !

I had a chief pilot tell me to run over my FAR/AIM because it was too neat!!!