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
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
Pilot Preparation (Homework and Study Resources)
Our Videos: Holding, Autopilot, and Initial VOR Approaches
- Loading and Checking the VOR24 into Nantucket using Garmin G1000
- Instrument Holds in Garmin G1000 | Two Methods
- PFD Setup For Instrument Training Flight
- Setting Your Flight Director: Heading Assignment Before Takeoff
- Loading Flight Plan | Garmin G1000 NXi
- Check NOTAMs Before Flying Instrument Procedure
- FAA Chart Briefing Guide
- Jeppesen Chart Briefing Tutorial
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
- Refine Holding Pattern entries
- Start VOR Approach Procedures (KACK VOR 24)
- Study Takeoff Minimums, Alternates, and descent planning
- IFH: Holding Patterns and Approach Planning
Resources
- Download: Aviator.nyc Instrument Rating Files
- Instrument Flying Handbook: FAA-H-8083-15B PDF
- Instrument Procedures Handbook: FAA IPH Online
- Loading and Checking the VOR24 into Nantucket using Garmin G1000
- Instrument Holds in Garmin G1000 | Two Methods
- PFD Setup For Instrument Training Flight
- Setting Your Flight Director: Heading Assignment Before Takeoff
- Loading Flight Plan | Garmin G1000 NXi
- Check NOTAMs Before Flying Instrument Procedure
- FAA Chart Briefing Guide
- Jeppesen Chart Briefing Tutorial
- Video: IAF vs. Vectors and Approach Activation
- Study Takeoff Minimums, Alternates, and descent planning
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.