should be placed so as to ensure that all attendees seated in the class can clearly hear the information given.
a. Visual aids used should be clearly visible to the entire class. Lettering, illustrations, and diagrams should be large enough to be seen clearly by attendees farthest from the aids. Colors, when used, should be clearly contrasted, easily visible, and arranged in accordance with color spectrum sequence recommended for visual presentations. Eye pleasing colors should be used and harsh contrasts avoided. The most common
error in constructing visual presentations is to attempt to include too much information on each visual, making it difficult to read and com n of ectional chart projected on a screen to emphasize the airport information block would contain too much clutter to be effective. A follow-up visual which highlights the airport data blo
als to be achieved. For xample, presentations to flight instructor attendees should always be customer focused. For an inst t tendees tion given and the participants’ progress to ensure that a quality product is effectively delivered, and that the goa
d. A review must be conducted to ensure that the participants meet the completion standards and fully un iously element presented, that the standard nt
a. A graduation certificate is issued to an applicant who holds a valid and current flight instructor certificate and who successfully completes a FIRC program in accordance with this prehend while listening to the instructor or moderator. The best results are attained by using visuals that are simple and contain a single thought or message. For example, the reproductio an entire s ck only would be much more effective in presenting the message to the clinic attendees and should be visible from any place in the room.
b. The effectiveness of instructional aids will be judged by organization, sequencing, logic, and overall effectiveness in achieving the objectives and standards prescribed in the training syllabus.
c. In recent years, an abundance of excellent new materials and instructional techniques in the field of training aids has been developed. These aids present many advantages for the FIRC programs. Each chief instructor should keep in mind the teaching go e ruc or to be most effective, the instructor must thoroughly know the subject matter being taught. These presentations should be couched in terms of techniques that will help the at be more effective as instructors rather than solely as a review of the required subject matter. The chief instructor or assistant chief instructor should continuously monitor the instruc ls and objectives of the training syllabus continue to be met.
derstand the material presented. Such evaluation will determine whether the participant(s) should progress to the next lesson or review the subjects or procedures prev covered. Either the chief instructor or other authorized FIRC representative must:
(1) Determine through a review of the program or program s for each lesson presented have been attained; or
(2) In the case of a TCO presented under an extended program, determine and docume by suitable record that the standards for each TCO program element have been attained.
11. GRADUATION CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE, COMPLETION CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE, RECORDS/APPLICATION TO FAA.
Page 13 Par 9
AC. Th ul graduate is issued a sequentially numbered graduation certificate containing at least the information listed in subparagraphs a(1) through (5). An issued graduation certific rein in a legible form is invalid and may not be honored by the F The full name and address of the organization (or sponsor) holding FAA approval to instructor where designated).
ctor rse of training with no reference to attendance at an FAA-approved FIRC, and may not be used as a basis for CFI renewal or reinstatement.
was eason for the denial must be recorded. This record must be maintained for a period of at least 24 months.
as ss
the
ormally to a FSDO before either the holder’s flight instructor certificate or the graduation certificate issued has expired. However, where a FIRC sponsor’s program is presented on the last Sat a by sor e organization or sponsor holding approval will ensure that, at the conclusion of each clinic, each successf ate that does not contain the information listed he AA.
(1) conduct the clinic.
(2) The full name and address of the graduate.
(3) The date of issuance.
(4) A statement that the graduation certificate expires 3 calendar-months from the date of issuance. (§ 61.197(a)(2)(iii).)
(5) The signature of the chief instructor (or assistant chief
b. A completion certificate may be issued to an attendee who is not a certificated instru or to an instructor whose certificate has expired, provided the TCO permits his/her attendance at the FIRC. However, the completion certificate should make reference only to satisfactory completion of a cou
c. The FIRC sponsor must maintain a record of the complete name and address of all instructor attendees and whether a graduation certificate was issued or denied, If a certificate denied the r
d. Acceptance of a graduation certificate issued within the preceding 3 calendar-months the sole basis for flight instructor renewal under § 61.197(a)(2)(iii) remains the option of the FAA. Questions concerning the acceptance of a graduation certificate should be referred to AFS-800.
e. The capability of a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to administratively proce flight instructor certificate renewals is based upon that office’s work priorities and available staff. Therefore, to avoid placing an undue workload on a particular FAA FSDO, sponsors who do not have an ACR on their staff are encouraged to contact the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area where the FIRC is presented well in advance to determine the capability of that office to handle the anticipated number of applicants for renewal. It may be advantageous to advise FIRC graduates that they should present their certificates to the local FSDO or to the FSDO having jurisdiction over their residential area for renewal, and that they should do so at intervals rather than in large numbers at any one office on a given day. These certificates should n be presented urd y or Sunday of the month, certification files of attending flight instructors whose certificate expired on the last Saturday or Sunday of that month may be submitted to a FSDO the sponsor for renewal, provided that they are either hand carried to the FSDO by the spon Par 10 Page 14
within 5 working days, or if mailed, show a postmark no later than 5 working days after expiration.
f. Applications for flight instructor certificate renewals showing acceptable identification verification may be submitted by mail by the FIRC sponsor. If submitted by mail, the mailed applications should contain complete documentation of all items necessary for renewal. In addition, the application must be accompanied by the unexpired flight instructor certificate an FIRC gradu d ation certificate. Except as noted in subparagraph e, the applications should be mailed in time to reach the selected FAA FSDO before the expiration dates of either certificate.
Oth ce ed, the unable to appear in person before a representative of the Administrator to establish their identity may es newal to te.
an at-distance, out-study, or Internet FIRC course and must be identified by the course sponsor.
py of a
DO will process the application for renewal in the normal fashion.
FAA Form 8710-1, the identification form, superseded flight instructor certificate, and a Tem nstructor certificate will be issued and mailed to the applicant at the overseas address. The FSDO will return the graduation ould be directed to the local FSDOs.
erwise, each applicant must present his/her certificate in person for identification complian before the expiration of his/her flight instructor certificate or the expiration of his/her graduation certificate, whichever comes first. After processing, and provided the application is approv FAA will return the graduation certificate and a temporary flight instructor certificate to the applicant.
g. Applications for flight instructor renewals from instructors residing overseas who are tablish their identity before either a notary public, the airman’s U.S. Armed Forces commanding officer, a Consular official of the U.S. State Department, or an equivalent official of the foreign government. The procedure described in the following paragraphs is not meant to preclude the FAA from exercising its prerogative to require an instructor applicant for re demonstrate his or her qualifications to hold a flight instructor certificate, if deemed appropria
(1) The flight instructor renewal applicant must submit a copy of his or her identification that contains a picture of the applicant (driver’s license, military ID card, etc.). That copy of the applicant’s identification document must be notarized by a notary public. The above procedure is also acceptable as a means of identification by an overseas applicant who enrolls in
(2) The applicant may send FAA Form 8710-1, the identification form, a valid co FIRC graduation certificate, and a valid and current flight instructor certificate to a FSDO that has oversight of the FIRC. When these documents are sent to a FSDO, they must arrive within 5 working days, or show a postmark no later than 5 working days after expiration.
(3) The receiving FS porary Airman Certificate will be forwarded to the Airman Certification Branch, AFS-760. Provided that the application file is complete and the FAA has no reason to require a demonstration of proficiency by the airman, a temporary flight i certificate to the applicant.
h. Providers should utilize the Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) Internet-based program for processing applicants. Questions concerning how to utilize this program for FIRCs sh Page 15 Par 10
12. SCHEDULING OF CLINICS. The approved sponsor or organization shall notify AFS-80 of its intent to conduct FIRC programs not less than 45 days before the scheduled date of any clinic to permit FAA to make arrangements to monitor the clinic, as necessary. An annual listing of clinic locations and dates is highly desirable. Submission of a schedule should be in electron form (i.e., Word or .pdf).
0 ic
14. CHANGE OF SPONSOR. Should a change in sponsor occur due to sale or other reason and
, s zation or ct such corrective action on a timely basis as deemed appropriate, is basis for denial or withdrawal of the FAA’s approval and authorization to conduct FIRC programs will be withdrawn automatically.
rrent ble point of contact.
Sponsors are expected to comply with the following general procedures.
copy of the FAA-approved TCO upon enrollment or during the registration of attendees on site.
How orum or by presentation may not exceed 2 hours maximum and is authorized only by prior agreement between the FAA representative(s) and the FIRC sponsor.
13. CHANGE OF CHIEF INSTRUCTOR OR ASSISTANT CHIEF INSTRUCTOR. The approved sponsor or organization shall notify AFS-800 when a change in the sponsor’s chief instructor (or assistant chief instructor where designated) is to be made. This notification should be made at least 45 days before the change, but in no case later than 10 days after the change.
Notification should be in electronic form (i.e., Word or .pdf).
no change in personnel occurs, the sponsors (both old and new) must notify AFS-800 within 10 days. If, however, the change in sponsor involves any change in personnel of the FIRC TCO authorization to conduct FIRCs is canceled until the new sponsor has obtained FAA approval a outlined in paragraph 5. Only initial approval will be considered until the provisions of paragraph 17c have been met.
15. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN APPROVED TCO. The failure of an organi its representatives to comply with an approved course of training, or to effe approval and associated delegation of authority. When revision to a previously approved TCO or related corrective action is determined to be necessary, the sponsor will be given no more than 60 days to make the necessary revision or corrective action, as appropriate. Should the sponsor not make the necessary revision or corrective action within 60 days, FAA
16. GENERAL PROCEDURES REGARDING FIRCS. Sponsors or organizations authorized to conduct FIRCs approved in accordance with this AC, must maintain with AFS-800 a cu mailing address, e-mail address, telephone and facsimile number, and a relia
a. Each attendee and/or FAA observer/monitor will be provided an opportunity to review a ever, the test questions used by the FIRC for its lessons, stage, or course completion evaluations must be given to the FAA observer/monitor only upon request.
b. FAA participation by f
c. A FIRC program must be completed within the time periods specified in the approved TCO with all lesson and time requirements fulfilled during those periods. A graduation certificate may not be issued to a flight instructor attendee who has not successfully completed all curriculum requirements.
d. Academic institutions or vocational schools having state board of education approval and/or national accreditation for a curriculum leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, or to a Par 15 Page 16
certificate of completion in aviation science or similar course of study, may be approved on case-by-case basis by AFS-800 to conduct a FIRC over a period of time in excess of the 2 to 5 consecutive days; i.e., semester or quarter.
a
e. The TCO may not contain material, nor may any materials be presented during the FIRC, that p C
ons. Failure to meet this criterion may constitute grounds for withdrawal of FAA approval.
rogram.
However, except for a distance or out-study curriculum submitted in paragraph 5c, or an online Inte or ho, because f extenuating circumstances, fails to satisfactorily complete all of a FIRC sponsor’s program app or’s t of
i. A provider may utilize a representative from the industry to present a module in the FIRC its authorization for the provider to present any additional FIRCs.
17. 0,
letter indicating approval of the submitted TCO will be forwarded to the sponsor electronically.
is rejudicial or contrary to the FAA’s fe deral regulations or prescribed procedures. A FIR program is not a forum for disagreement with FAA policy or procedures. Rather, it should engender appropriate respect for the role of the FAA and a proper compliance disposition toward federal regulati
f. No sponsor may teach a part of his/her own FAA-approved TCO and a part of another sponsor’s TCO. An approval to conduct a FIRC is limited solely to the TCO for which an FAA approval is held. Inclusion of any materials not approved in the TCO, regardless of their source, is prohibited.
g. Sponsors may use video and/or aural presentations to conduct part of the FIRC p rnet FIRC presented in paragraph 5d, the sponsor must limit video and aural presentation use to not more than 50 percent of the entire course hours. The information provided by video and/ aural presentations in at-distance or out-study curricula must be germane to the materials presented and each subject matter presentation must be moderated by an introduction and closure given by an instructor who is well versed in the subject matter and materials presented.
h. An applicant for renewal of a valid and current flight instructor certificate w o roved under this AC may, at the discretion of the sponsor, attend a later scheduled FIRC program presented by that same sponsor. Upon full and satisfactory completion of that spons FIRC at a later date, the instructor attendee may be issued a graduation certificate. This procedure is not intended to permit an instructor attendee’s intentional absence from any par a FIRC sponsor’s program for other than unforeseen (emergency) circumstances.
program. However, that representative may not use the FIRC venue to promote a particular product. The representative may discuss his or her product only in a generic sense and, if done, must present other, comparable products as well. If at any time the FAA determines that an industry representative is using a FIRC presentation as an opportunity to sell a product, the FAA may withdraw
FIRC APPROVAL PROCESS. TCOs should be submitted for consideration by AFS-80 as described in paragraph 5. The FAA will conduct a thorough review of the TCO and, if all the guidelines of this AC have been met, an initial or final approval, as appropriate, will be issued.
Final approval may not be issued until a satisfactory evaluation of the FIRC has been completed by the FAA.
a. When the FAA finds that a conventional FIRC TCO is in compliance with this AC, a Page 17 Par 15
The approval letter constitutes authority to conduct FIRCs at locations either within or outsid the United States. The initial FAA approval may e be withdrawn at any time for sufficient cause, ut, in any case, will become invalid on the last day of the 24th month after the month in which app a months if the sponsor has notified AFS-800 by letter of its esire to continue to provide FIRC programs at least 90 days in advance of the scheduled exp itored ere the le to monitor the program. However, approval will remain provisional ntil such monitoring has taken place and the FAA may rescind the provisional authorization at at least one FIRC program. This final approval may be rescinded or withdrawn for sufficient cause, but will oth t ys before the original expiration date. The preferred method is via electronic mail in the form of a Microsoft Word© or .pdf attachment; however, conventional mail is acceptable. It is th d n a finding by AFS-800 that the TCO reflects current AC requirements and that the FIRC’s program is acceptable and in compliance with the AC and the FAA-approved TCO, AF 0 ith the the s not received a letter from the FIRC sponsor requesting renewal as described above or, if the sponsor requests to surrender its authorization, the FAA will return all b roval is given, unless continuation of approval has been granted. One of the first FIRCs presented by a new sponsor will be monitored on-site by FAA personnel. The approval of an Internet FIRC will be on a case-by-case basis and the FAA’s approval will be signified by cover letter appropriately identifying the TCO.
b. Continuation of initial approval may be granted or extended beyond the scheduled expiration date for an additional 24 d iration date. In no case will a second extension of 24 months be granted unless the TCO has been updated to reflect current policy, procedures and regulations, and the FAA believes that final approval will be warranted. In any event, the test questions should be updated at least once in each 24 month approval period.
c. FSDOs having geographic jurisdiction over the locations where FIRCs are presented are expected to monitor these programs to the extent possible. FIRC presentations may be mon at any time on a random basis by the local FSDO having jurisdiction over the locations wh FIRCs are presented. A FIRC sponsor may offer a FIRC upon initial approval even if FAA personnel are not availab u any time. Final approval will be awarded upon successful monitoring of erwise remain in effect until the last day of the month, 24 months after the month in which final approval is given.
18. FIRC RENEWAL, WITHDRAWAL, OR CANCELLATION.
a. FIRC sponsors holding final approval who desire to renew their authorization to conduc FIRC programs beyond the date of original expiration must state their request to AFS-800 at least 90 da e sponsor’s responsibility to ensure that its FIRC approval has not expired. Should the FAA’s approval of a FIRC expire, a graduation certificate issued by the sponsor is invalid an may not be honored. Additionally, an ACR designation, if held, is no longer valid and may not be used.
b. Upo S-8 0 will renew the approval and establish a new expiration date. Failure to comply w FAA-approved TCO or this AC, or the failure to incorporate necessary changes to the existing TCO when so directed by AFS-800 in writing, may be sufficient cause for withdrawal of approval.
c. If AFS-800 ha Par 17 Page 18
materials originally presented by the applicant if specifically requested; otherwise those materials will be destroyed. From that point on no further clinics may be presented. To re-establish approval, the applicant must then comply with the original application procedures as outline
19. APPLICATION AND APPROVAL OF AN ACR EMPLOYED SOLELY BY AN FIRC SPO e e
pproved FIRCs should be submitted by letter to the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area in which the applicant’s principal business office is located. The FSDO receiving the
b. e for designation of an ACR may request such designation for one or more responsible members or employ e
(2) The number of programs given in the 12-month period immediately preceding the request e number of instructor attendees issued graduation certificates, the number of graduation certificates denied, and the reasons for the denials.
d and the expected number of instructor attendees for the 12-month period immediately following the date of request for designa
c. nts. A candidate employed solely by an FIRC sponsor applying for designation as an ACR must:
d in this AC.
NSOR.
NOTE: Only FIRCs that have been given final approval may apply for an ACR.
a. Except for FIRC sponsors who were previously authorized with an ACR designee on their staff, only sponsors or organizations presenting FIRCs that have received final FAA approval and have presented three or more FIRC programs during each 12 month period sinc approved, or that have a designated pilot examiner on staff, are eligible to apply for an ACR under this AC. Exceptions to the above will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will requir that acceptable justification be provided in accordance with the current edition of FAA Order 8710.3, Pilot Examiner’s Handbook, chapter 17. Application for the designation of an ACR authorized to issue flight instructor certificate renewals to eligible course graduates of specific FAA-a application will either approve or disapprove the request. Notification of approval and designation will be forwarded to AFS-800 via e-mail at 9-AWA-AVS-AFS-FIRC@faa.gov.
When approved, an ACR designation should be forwarded to AFS-800 for inclusion in the FIRC sponsor’s file.
The sponsor or organization presenting an FAA-approved FIRC that is eligibl ees of the organization represented by submitting a letter of request containing at least th following information:
(1) The original date of FAA approval of the sponsor to conduct the FIRC.
for an ACR designation.
(3) Th
(4) The number and location of programs schedule tion.
General Eligibility and Experience Requireme
(1) Be at least 21 years of age.
Page 19 Par 18
(2) Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate.
(3) Hold a flight instructor certificate with at least one aircraft category rating, or hold a ground instructor certificate with an advanced rating.
ructor, assistant chief instructor, or ground instruct superior to the chief instructor designated for each course of training conducted by the school under examining authority, for at least 12 months immediately pre
d.
only from eligible course graduates of the FIRC named on the examiner’s Certificate of Authority and Certificate of Designation.
viewing the applicant’s attendance/training record and eligibility, an ACR is authorized to renew the valid flight instructor certificate of a FIRC graduate who meets the
20. ACR DURATION, RENEWAL, WITHDRAWAL, OR CANCELLATION.
which is made and may be renewed for a period not to exceed another 12 months on a recurring basis.
t d in a ght instructor certificate renewal based upon suc
(4) Have a safe record as a pilot in regard to accidents, incidents, and violations.
(5) Have a reputation for integrity and dependability in the industry and the community.
(6) Have been employed as either a chief inst or of an FAA-approved pilot school, or have held a management or administrative position in a pilot school that is ceding application for designation as an ACR.
(7) Have a written recommendation from the FIRC sponsor when the candidate is a person other than the sponsor.
ACR Privileges and Limitations. An ACR is authorized to accept applications for the renewal of a valid and unexpired flight instructor certificate from FAA-approved FIRC graduates. The ACR may accept applications
(1) After re requirements of part 65, § 61.197(a)(2)(iii).
(2) An ACR is not authorized to conduct any knowledge or practical tests in connection with ACR duties.
a. An ACR designation expires the last day of the 12th month following the month in designation
b. Application for renewal of an ACR should be submitted to the FDSO of jurisdiction a least 60 days before the date of expiration. A copy should then be sent to AFS-800 when renewed.
c. FAA approval of an ACR may be withdrawn when the FIRC receives an unsatisfactory rating as the result of an FAA inspection or monitoring, when discrepancies are noted in the FIRC sponsor’s program, or when the associated ACR’s certification files are not correcte satisfactory or timely manner. Except in the case of an at-distance learning or out-study, or Internet FIRC program, the issuance of a fli cessful completion of a FIRC when the applicant did not complete all renewal requirements within the 2 to 5 consecutive-day period will constitute cause for withdrawal of the ACR Par 19 Page 20
designation unless the issuance is based on satisfactory completion in accordance with paragraph 16c or 16g.
d. The designation of an ACR who fails to apply for renewal as described in paragraph 19, will be canceled. Failure of a FIRC sponsor to obtain ACR renewal, or cancellation of the y ACRs in its employment. The reappointment process for an ACR will be the same as for original designation. Notification of can
a. An ACR, unless authorized otherwise, forwards each certificate renewal file, complete wit s n to RC program was conducted. A copy of the ACR’s letter of designation should be included with the submitted files when sent to other than the designating FSDO or to AFS-760.
b. The FAA strongly encourages providers to utilize the IACRA to create a FIRC instructor attendee airman’s certification file, in which case the file will be electronically forwarded directly to the Airman Certification Branch, AFS-760.
FIRC’s authority will also cancel the designation of an cellation of the ACR designation will be issued in accordance with appropriate FAA guidelines and procedures. The appropriate file(s) will be returned to the sponsor holding the ACR designation.
21. DISPOSITION OF CERTIFICATION FILE.
h a igned FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificat e and/or Rating Application, and the original of FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, within 5 days of the FIRC completio the FSDO having jurisdiction over the area where the FI Page 21 Par 21
Appendix 1 APPENDIX 1. REQUIRED INSTRUCTIONAL SUBJECTS FOR
FAA-APPROVED TCO CURRICULA Appendixes and subject matter listed herein may be revised periodically by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reflect the changing emphasis determined by FAA for the renewal of flight instructor certificates under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section (§) 61.197(a)(2)(iii). It is incumbent upon the FIRC sponsor to periodically check the flight instructor refresher clinic (FIRC) informational Web site (e.g., once a month) for any updates or changes in FIRC policy, guidelines, or resources. That Web Site is located at:
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/firc.
The subject areas described below are those in which instruction is required to be given by holders of authorization to present FAA-approved FIRC curricula. These subject areas may be taught individually or they may be combined when the subjects are such that teaching them in combination is appropriate. However, these subjects should be taught in logical succession and in cohesive units consistent with the knowledge requirements of the attendees, their ability to understand the subjects, and their application to the instructional process.
The instruction presented should be clearly identifiable as relating to the required subjects listed herein. Not less than 16 hours of instruction must be given in each FIRC program. All 15 of the following “Core Topics” must be incorporated within the minimum 16 hours of instruction.
There are no minimum time requirements for the individual core topics. It is expected that each of the individual core topics instruction be comprehensive enough to relay all necessary and pertinent information to the audience. The time expected to be spent on a given topic, both Core and Elective, should be identified in the training course outline (TCO) as well as each topic’s expected start and stop times. The balance of the 16-hour program can be filled with topics from Appendix 2, Recommended Elective FIRC Topics. Selection of any of those Elective topics from Appendix 2 will be approved. At the discretion of the sponsor, additional subject matters germane to flight instruction may be presented as other elective subjects in meeting the total 16-hour requirement; however they must be reviewed by AFS-800 and will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Submission of additional subject matter topics can be made via email through the above-mentioned Web site and approval will typically take place within a few days via return email.
CORE TOPICS
1) Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA).
Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) are becoming more prevalent and represent virtually all new light General Aviation (GA) aircraft manufactured today. Many manufacturers have stopped producing conventional electro-mechanical gauge equipped aircraft altogether. By definition, a TAA is a GA aircraft that contains a global positioning system (GPS) navigator with a moving map display, plus any additional systems. Traditional systems such as autopilots when combined with GPS navigators are included. It includes aircraft used in both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations with systems certified to either VFR or IFR standards.
Many new TAA aircraft employ full “glass panel” displays with multi-axis autopilots. More and more flight schools are employing these aircraft both for primary and advanced flight training Page 1
Appendix 1 and many individuals are purchasing these aircraft for personal use. It is imperative that flight instructors be made aware of this new technology, as they will encounter it with increasing frequency. While it is not realistic to teach the instructor the intricacies of one system or another during a FIRC, certain issues are universal to all TAA aircraft and should be considered when training in any aircraft so equipped. These would include, at a minimum, concepts of information management (including situational awareness), automation management (including appropriate use of automation), and risk management (including single pilot resource management).
2) FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS).
Flight instructors today should be familiar with the basic tenets and concepts of the FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS) program, which is a partnership between FAA, Industry, and Academia designed to enhance GA safety and reduce GA fatal accidents. The FITS training model is becoming widespread in GA. It was originally developed for training in Technically Advanced Aircraft but its tenets can apply to all aircraft. FITS programs create scenario-based, learner-focused training that encourages practical application of knowledge and skills. This is accomplished by developing flight training programs that are more convenient, more accessible, less expensive, and more relevant to today’s users of the National Airspace System. FITS products are non-regulatory and incentive driven. The program focuses on expertly managed real-world challenges. Scenario-based training is used to enhance the GA pilots’ overall aeronautical skill by building aeronautical decision making, risk management, and single pilot resource management skills into training on basic stick and rudder skills. While FITS itself was not intended for training on non-TAA aircraft, the FAA is consulting closely with industry on ways to address the need to adapt these concepts to other areas of flight training.
3) Sport Pilot.
Many consider the advent of the sport pilot certification to be one of the most significant changes to the airman certification structure to have occurred in over 50 years. Because of the growing cost to acquire the Private Pilot certification, more and more aviation enthusiasts are considering the sport pilot as a satisfactory and economical alternative. Many aircraft already meet the light-sport aircraft criteria, and many manufacturers are now producing modern Light Sport aircraft. It is likely that flight instructors will be asked to provide information and possibly training for this new certificate. The instructor should be made aware of the requirements for, and privileges and limitations of, the sport pilot certification. Of particular interest are the reductions in medical requirements. Instructors must be made aware of the new endorsement requirements for the sport pilot. Since light-sport aircraft must meet certain criteria, a well informed flight instructor would be expected to be aware of the basic requirements.
4) Security-Related Special Use Airspace.
Several significant airspace changes have resulted from the events of 9/11. Pilots-in-training depend on their instructors to guide them through the intricacies of the new and changing airspace regulations, and to make them aware of the consequences of violating those airspaces.
“Floating” temporary flight restrictions (TFR), particularly common during election years, are a significant challenge for pilots. New regulations regarding power plants and stadiums are now in Page 2