Lesson 1 - Basic Attitude Instrument Flying

This lesson consists of familiarization with the airplane's systems and their operation as they relate to instrument flight. Its objectives are to review instrument rating purposes, limitations and requirements, to introduce the student to proper instrument interpretation, scan, and to emphasize reliance on instrument indications to the exclusion of kinesthetic sensations. In this lesson, and throughout the entire IFR training regimen, instructors are encouraged to expose students to actual IMC flight conditions and using the system at every reasonable opportunity.

1. Instrument rating purpose/limitations
   1. Flying in instrument meteorological conditions
   2. Purpose and mission of air traffic control
   3. Using the national airspace system

2. Instrument rating requirements
   1. 125 hours total time
   2. 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight
   3. 50 hours of PIC time (post private license) during x-country flight (3 x 50 mi legs)
   4. 15 hours instrument instruction

3. Total reliance on instrument reference
   1. Demonstration of sensory illusions when visual cues are absent
   2. Demonstration of using instrument depicts to assess aircraft's attitude

4. Instrument scan/interpretation pertaining to 4 fundamentals
   1. Instrument "T" layout/method of scanning
   2. Redundancy of function
   3. Straight and level flight
   4. Climbs
   5. Descents
   6. Turns

Lesson 2 - Advanced Basics

This lesson reviews private pilot skills using exclusively instrument reference without instructor assistance, and introduces new skills unique to instrument procedures, such as timing and use of the wet compass.

1. Instrument preflight
   1. Instrument flight checklist (construction and use)
   2. Prior to taxi-out:
      1. VOR accuracy check
      2. Pitot heat operational check
   3. Taxi-out:
      1. Turn coordinator indication and response
      2. Wet compass indication and response
      3. Clock
   4. Runup:
      1. Radio setup
      2. Clearance review

2. Private pilot maneuvers under the hood (partial and full panel)
   1. Slow flight
   2. Steep turns
   3. Stalls
      1. Takeoff and departure stalls
      2. Approach and landing stalls
   4. Unusual attitudes
      1. "Needle, Ball, Airspeed"
      2. Full power approach to stall
      3. No power approach to stall
      4. No power steep diving spiral
      5. Full power steep diving spiral
   5. Use of inflight checklists
      1. Climbing through 1000 feet
      2. "Pitch, Power, Trim"
      3. Question mark checklist (Cessnas)

3. Instrument flying skills
   1. Partial panel turns
   2. Timed turns
      1. Consistent roll-in and roll-out
      2. Lead roll-in and roll-out by 1/2 the bank angle
      3. Proper start/stop of timing
   3. Use of magnetic compass to turn
      1. "ANDS" = accelerate north, decelerate south
      2. Lead and lag as a function of heading and latitude

4. Attitude + Power = Performance
   1. Straight and level cruise speeds
   2. Straight and level at approach speeds
   3. Constant speed climb
      1. Best rate of climb
      2. Cruise climb
   4. Constant rate descent
      1. 500 FPM (cruise and approach speeds)
      2. 1000 FPM (cruise and approach speeds)
   5. Change of airspeed in turns

Lesson 3 - Instrument Patterns

In this lesson the student demonstrates and practices implementation of flying skills reviewed in lessons 1 and 2 by performing practice patterns using verbal instructions from the instructor, which the student copies and reads back

1. Copying clearances

2. Clearance readback

3. "A," "B," and "C" patterns:
   1. Procedure turns
      1. Standard
      2. 260/80
      3. 80/260
   2. Tracking along a VOR radial ("A" and "B" patterns)

Lesson 4 - Basic VOR Tracking

This lesson reviews basic VOR navigation procedures under the hood. The student should be adept at radial tracking inbound/outbound, interception, wind correction bracketing, and recognition of reverse sensing. Students should be able to fly patterns and procedures at the instructor's direction that incorporate VOR navigation skills (e.g., procedures turns).

1. Com Radio Management
   1. Audio panel use
   2. Use of stored frequencies
   3. Changing to new frequency (writing down frequencies)
   4. Preconfiguring frequencies

2. Tracking practice
   1. Course interception angles
   2. Wind correction and course bracketing

3. Recognition of reverse sensing and "back course" tracking

4. Identification of stations (Morse code identifier)

5. Position recognition
   1. TO/FROM flag indication and interpretation
      1. Zone of ambiguity
      2. Station passage
   2. Proper use of omnibearing selector (OBS)
   3. Interpretation of course deviation indicator (CDI)

Lesson 5 - Advanced VOR

This lesson introduces elements of VOR navigation unique to IFR flying. Students are taught to properly incorporate low-altitude chart interpretation with skills such as cross radial intersection identification. Student is also introduced to advanced avionics features such as Automatic Radial Centering (ARC) and demonstrates application of new knowledge by flying simulated VOR approaches that include "T's" checklist.

1. Nav Radio Management
   1. Navigate off NAV #1
   2. Identify intersections (cross radials) using NAV #2
   3. Automatic Radial Centering (ARC)
      1. Cessna
      2. Digital readout
      3. Use "FROM" only

2. Low-altitude chart reading

3. Simulated or actual IFR clearances using airways and low altitude or area charts.

4. Simulated approaches utilizing:
   1. verbal clearances
   2. procedure turn
   3. course change at final approach fix
   4. FAF checklist (Time, Turn, Throttle, Twist, Track, Talk)
   5. constant rate descents
   6. final approach segment timing
   7. level off at MDA
   8. approach speed control

Lesson 6 - Advanced VOR/DME

This lesson expands on VOR navigation skills by introducing time/distance to station estimation procedures, the use of DME for identifying intersections, and flying DME arcs. The student is expected to demonstrate accurate flying of DME arcs and accurate estimates of time/distance to station without the use of DME.

1. Time to station estimates
   1. Time to station (minutes) = time (seconds) per degrees of arc transcended

2. Introduction to DME
   1. DME operating principles
   2. Slant range effect
   3. Confusion between VOR/DME and localizer DME
   4. Morse code identification

3. DME Intersection identification
   1. Relative accuracy of DME vs. VOR cross radials
   2. Chart notation

4. DME arc flying
   1. Intercepting the arc (leading the turn)
   2. Use/management of VOR
      1. "FROM" indication
      2. OBS moved to keep needle deflected toward station
      3. Advancing OBS
   3. Heading adjustments for wind correction

Lesson 7 - NDB Navigation

This lesson introduces NDB theory of operation and NDB navigation procedures. The student should be adept at tracking courses inbound/outbound, course interception, and wind correction. Students should be able to fly patterns and procedures at the instructor's direction that incorporate NDB navigation skills (e.g., procedure turns and simulated approaches).

1. Theory of Operation/Terminology

2. Tracking courses

3. Intercepting courses

4. "Lifting the needle" (applying the needle bearing offset to the DG)

Lesson 8 - Phase Check I

This is the first of two independent evaluations by a different instructor. The purpose is to gauge the student's progress to date in the areas of attitude instrument flying and basic instrument navigation skills, and to provide the student's instructor with written feedback on the student's readiness for introduction of instrument approach procedures.

Lesson 9 - Holding Patterns

The objective of this lesson is for the student to select and perform the appropriate holding pattern entry procedures and to adjust the timing and headings to accommodate wind corrections. Students should be able to demonstrate holding patterns at VORs, NDBs, and at intersections (cross radial and DME) at the completion of this lesson.

1. Pattern entry
   1. Concept of "Holding Direction"
   2. "Thumb" procedure for pattern entry determination
   3. Visualization of pattern entry
   4. Turn upon reaching the holding fix
   5. Course reversal
      1. Teardrop entry
      2. Parallel entry
      3. 260/80
      4. 80/260

2. OBS setup

3. Pattern timing
   1. Starting time abeam holding fix
   2. Time adjustment for 1 minute inbound leg

4. Wind correction
   1. Course bracketing on the inbound leg
   2. Double the angle on the outbound leg

5. Intercepting the inbound course
   1. Anticipating needle movement
   2. Adjusting turn for intercept

6. Holding over a VOR
   1. Holding clearance format and clearance elements

7. Holding over an NDB
   1. Holding clearance format and clearance elements

8. Holding at intersections
   1. Holding clearance format and clearance elements
   2. Cross radial intersection identification
   3. DME intersection identification
   4. Holding on NAVAID side of intersection
      1. Determination of holding direction
      2. Setting up OBS

9. Adjusting holding patter time on last circuit

10. Airspeed and Power Setting
    1. Holding speed limits

11. Descent in holding pattern

Lesson 10 - NDB Approaches

This lesson focuses on the fundamentals of instrument approach procedures and their depiction on charts. The student is introduced to flying NDB approaches under the direction of his/her instructor, including the use of checklists for cockpit and avionics management (pre-approach, pre-landing, and "T's"). The objective of this lesson is to gain proficiency at accurate course tracking, stabilized descent to the MDA, accurate identification of the MAP, and timely execution of missed approach procedures. By the end of this lesson student is expected to fly simple NDB approaches without assistance.

Lesson 11 - VOR Approaches

This lesson continues exposure to instrument approach procedures by introducing the student to simple VOR approaches. Student is expected to take on increasing responsibility for ATC communication while continuing to demonstrate proficiency in checklist execution, course tracking, timing, and missed approach execution.

Lesson 12 - ILS Approaches

This lesson continues exposure to instrument approach procedures by introducing the student to ILS approaches. The student is expected to learn how to set up a stabilized approach, and exercise the more precise flying skills required when flying the ILS. This includes the proper interpretation of instruments and appropriate responses to localizer and glideslope deviations.

Lesson 13 - High Tech Avionics and Alternative Approaches

This lesson allows the student to become familiar with the variety of approaches that are variations of the basic three, as well as those that are different but less frequently used (e.g., radar approaches). The student is expected to have an intellectual understanding of when these approaches are appropriate to use, and an opportunity to practice them so that they become part of the repertoire of skills the student can draw upon during cross country flights.

1. High Tech Avionics
   1. RNAV
   2. Loran
   3. GPS
   4. MLS
   5. TCAS
   6. HSI
   7. RMI

2. Alternative Instrument Approaches
   1. Localizer
   2. Back Course
   3. ASR
   4. PAR (GCA)
   5. Visual
   6. Contact

Lesson 14 - Short Cross-Country Practice: Planning and Filing

This series of flights is designed to introduce the student to cross country IFR flying. These flights are of ever increasing duration and complexity, and they provide opportunities for introducing the student to procedures for handling emergency and abnormal situations. These exercises also provide the instructor an opportunity to familiarize the student with some of the more obscure (infrequently used) IFR procedures and piloting skills. Most importantly, these flights provide the student with practice in exercising his/her judgment while called upon to make the many decisions inherent in the planning and execution of an IFR flight. During this particular lesson, the primary emphasis is on flight planning and flight plan filing including acquisition and interpretation of weather, route selection, approaches at destination airport, requirements for and choice of alternate airport, and flight fuel requirements.

Lesson 15 - Short Cross-Country Practice: Departure/Arrival Procedures

This lesson continues the students exposure to IFR cross country flying. Emphasis is placed on flying IFR departure and arrival procedures such as SIDs, STARs. Students are also exposed to the coordinating with ATC from non-tower airports and the methods for obtaining clearances and IFR releases via telephone.

1. SIDs

2. STARs

3. Profile descents

4. Operations at non-tower airports

Lesson 16 - Short Cross-Country Practice: IFR Emergencies

During this lesson, students are given the opportunity to learn procedures for coping with emergency situations that may be encountered during flight in IMC. Recognizing and avoiding adverse weather, dealing with a loss of communication, accommodating instrument failures, and executing a diversion to an alternate airport are among the circumstances that will be simulated during this flight.

1. Lost communication procedures

2. Instrument failures

3. Diverting to an alternate airport while enroute

4. Thunderstorm encounters

5. Icing encounters

6. Engine failures

Lesson 17 - Short Cross-Country Practice: Approach Procedures at Destination

This lesson focuses on managing the approach to an unfamiliar destination airport. The objective is to have the student practice less frequently encountered aspects of flying unfamiliar instrument approaches in less than optimal weather. Students are expected, through the application of their good judgment, to safely execute approaches using DME arcs, circle to land maneuvers including initiation of a missed approach during a circle to land, prompt and aggressive initiation of a missed approach when conditions warrant, and continuation to an alternate airport.

1. Circle-to-land approaches

2. Missed approach procedures

3. Diversion to alternate after missed approach

4. DME arc approaches

Lesson 18 - Short Cross-Country Practice: Instrument to Visual Transition

Here, students are taught methods for safely coping with breakout and landing after an approach to minimums. Instructors will emphasize the difficulty and inherent dangers associated with transitioning to visual reference during both daylight and darkness. Students will be afforded the opportunity to practice full stop landings after approaches to the MDA or DH. Students are also taught the value and method of calculating and utilizing a visual descent reference point during non-precision straight-in approaches.

1. Full stop landings after approach to minimums

2. Visual descent points (charted and uncharted).

Lesson 19 - Long Cross Country

The purpose of this lesson is to meet the requirement that an instrument rating candidate have completed a long cross country flight of greater than 250 nm, as specified in FAR 61.65 (d)(2)(iii) Simultaneously, it is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate many of the skills learned to date during the practical execution of an instrument flight. The objective of this flight is that the student operate in a single-pilot IFR mode, using no assistance from the instructor.

Lesson 20 - Phase Check II

This is the second independent evaluation by a different instructor. Its purpose is to gauge the student's progress to date in the areas of IFR cross country flying, including departure, enroute, and arrival procedures, and the student's ability to manage abnormal or emergency situations. It's objective is to provide the student and  instructor with written feedback on the student's progress toward the instrument pilot practical test. The student and  instructor can then use this information during their final preparation for the IFR checkride.

Lesson 21 - Flight Test Preparation 1

This lesson is designed to review the knowledge skills that the student will demonstrate on the IFR practical test. It includes a review of ground preparation procedures for instrument flight, and skills associated with using the air traffic control system. Students review the fundamentals of instrument flight and demonstrate flying maneuvers such as steep turns and unusual attitude recovery consistently within the tolerances established in the FAA Practical Test Standard

Lesson 22 - Flight Test Preparation 2

This lesson continues a review of the skills to be demonstrated during the instrument rating practical test. Here, students focus on the skillful application of their IFR navigation skills, accurate flying of instrument approaches, and their capabilities for coping with emergencies while flying in IMC. At its completion, the student is expected to be able to demonstrate all of the flight tasks called for in the Practical Test Standard within the required tolerances.

Lesson 23 - Recommendation Ride

This final flight simulates the IFR practical test, both oral and written. The instructor will conduct the flight as a test without providing assistance to the student. The student should demonstrate that he/she is totally in command of the flight, performing all requested tasks to the standards specified in the Practical Test Standard. Flown successfully, this lesson provides the instructor the opportunity to provide the student with all required documentation and written recommendations for the checkride. The instructor will also review with the student the materials that should be brought to the practical test, and answer any last minute inquiries the student may have.

Lesson 24 - Instrument Rating Practical Test

The student meets with a designated flight examiner as arranged by previous appointment, bringing to the practical test all necessary and desirable materials including up-to-date charts, aircraft documentation, completed application, and logbook with appropriate endorsements.