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
- Learn to brief and fly Non-Precision Approaches (VOR, LOC, LNAV) to MDA
- Understand step-down fixes, altitude awareness, and identifying the Missed Approach Point (MAP)
- Execute full VOR approaches with automation and manual modes
- Practice hold entries and IFR approach configuration using the G1000
- Introduce LOC approaches and the differences from VOR procedures
Pilot Preparation (Homework and Study Resources)
- Read:
- IPH 4-37 to 4-42: Glidepaths, Missed Approach, IAP Briefing
- IFH: Review autopilot section focusing on VNAV setups
- Watch:
- "Non-Precision Approaches"
- "Approach Configuration Pt 1 and 2"
- "KUAO LOC 17 Brief and Fly"
- Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot: Holds, Instrument Approaches Intro, Non-Precision Approaches, Take-off and Alternates
- Assigned Videos:
Review from Lesson 3
- Holding Pattern Entry Types: Direct, Parallel, Teardrop
- VOR radial/bearing interpretation in holding and approach
- Execution of VOR 24 KACK and VOR 6 KMVY with radar guidance
- Manual vs automated approach execution and CDI navigation
- IAF vs Vectors for approach entry and loading
Pre-Flight Briefing Topics
- Review topics from "Everything Explained": FAF Approaches, Non-Precision Approaches, IFR Departures and Takeoff Minimums, Fuel Requirements, Alternates, and Missed Approach Setup
- Deep Dive Topics:
- G1000 Approach Configuration Guide
- Step-down fixes and descent profiles
- Identifying MAP and briefing the missed approach
Stabilized Approach and Missed Approach Brief
An IFR approach is considered stabilized when all of the following criteria are met prior to the FAF, and continues to touch-down:
- Proper airspeed
- Correct flight path
- Correct aircraft configuration for phase of flight
- Appropriate power setting for aircraft configuration
- Normal angle and rate of descent
- Only minor corrections with pitch and power are required to correct airspeed and glide path deviations
- Normal bracketing (+/- 5 degrees) is used to correct for lateral navigation deviations
Do not change flap configuration after crossing the FAF until the runway is in sight and landing is assured.
Missed Approach Brief: "In the case of go-around: Mixture forward, prop forward, throttle forward. Disengage the autopilot (if needed), push TO/GO, push NAV or HDG, bring the nose to 7.5-10 degrees, set the flaps to 10 degrees, positive rate gear up, at 200ft flaps up, at 400ft verify the missed approach altitude, notify ATC. Then brief the missed approach profile."
In-Flight Tasks (Simulator)
- IFR Clearance Review if applicable
- Approach Practice:
- VOR 24 KACK: Use NAV, VNAV, HDG, VS, and green needle. Identify MAP and execute missed approach.
- VOR 6 KMVY: Radar vectors only; no procedure turn. Understand vector-to-final logic.
- Hold Execution: Integrate hold entries in approach phase. Apply wind correction, timing, reversal techniques.
- Introduce LOC 11 at KSBP: Compare to VOR - no glidepath, higher precision. Use chart with only LOC (not ILS+LOC). Emphasize setup, intercept angle, and MDA.
What's Coming Next (Lesson 5)
- Precision Approaches: ILS, LPV, GPS
- GPS Approaches: RNAV and LPV
- IFR Departures revisited
- G1000 Sequencing Video Playlist
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.