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Flight Training Lesson Plans

Structured curriculum for every stage of your aviation journey - from young aviators to professional IFR training

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Professional Curriculum by Training Category

Instrument Rating Lessons

Advanced IFR training for licensed pilots

10 Lessons

Objectives

  • Develop understanding of VOR navigation: radials, bearings, and TO/FROM logic
  • Create and brief an IFR cross-country flight plan (KMMU → KABE)
  • Introduce holding patterns and entry types
  • Practice advanced maneuvers: Pattern A, Vertical S1, Teardrop
  • Introduce automation: Flight Director, AFCS, FLCH, VS, and Autopilot basics

Homework Assignment

From FAA-H-8083-15B (Instrument Flying Handbook):

  • Chapter 5: Autopilot Systems (Pages 5-25 to 5-26)
  • Chapter 7: Flight Maneuvers Using EFD (Pages 7-33 to 7-39)

From FAA-H-8083-16B (Instrument Procedures Handbook):

  • Section 4-36: Autopilot Modes
  • Section 4-35: Flight Management Systems (FMS)
  • Optional: Sections 4-23 to 4-31 - VNAV logic and WAAS

From Sporty's Instrument Rating Video Series:

  • "Autopilot and Flight Director Systems"
  • "VOR Navigation Basics"
  • "Holding Procedures: Entry Types and Timing"

Approach Briefing Practice: Use FAA or Jeppesen charts and brief the VOR 24 into KACK

Review: IFR Maneuvers PDF: Teardrop Entries, 80/260. Video: IAF vs. Vectors and Approach Activation

Briefing Topics

  • IFR flight plan KMMU → KABE
  • VOR Navigation: Radials vs Bearings, TO/FROM, CDI vs Bearing Pointers
  • Holding Procedures: Components, Entry Types
  • Instrument Approaches: Briefing, FAA vs Jepp Logic

Simulator Flight Segment

  • Start Location: KMMU Signature FBO
  • Setup: ATIS, Clearance, Load G1000 route

Sample IFR Clearance: "November 12345, cleared to Lehigh Valley International airport via Victor 3, Stillwater, direct. Climb and maintain 5,000. Departure frequency 127.6. Squawk [assigned]."

Filed Route: KMMU V3 STW KABE | Altitude: 5,000 | Distance: 58 nm | ETE: 0:28

Post-Flight Review

  • Common errors: radial/course, TO/FROM logic
  • Hold entry timing and setup
  • Use of G1000 bearing pointers (OBS)

Next Lesson Preview: Lesson 3

These lesson plans are a work in progress and are provided as supplementary training guidance only. They do not supersede FAA publications, aircraft manufacturer documentation, or your instructor's direction. Always refer to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, and applicable POH/AFM as the official sources.

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