Par 4-3 Page 17
e. Review of Maneuvers and Procedures.
(1) The maneuvers and procedures covered during the review are those that, in the opinion of the CFI conducting the review, are necessary for the pilot to perform in order to demonstrate that he or she can safely exercise the privileges of his or her pilot certificate.
Accordingly, the CFI should evaluate the pilot’s skills and knowledge to the extent necessary to ensure that he or she can safely operate within regulatory requirements throughout a wide range of conditions. The CFI should always include abnormal and emergency procedures applicable to the aircraft flown in the flight review.
(2) The CFI may wish to prepare a preliminary action plan for the flight review based on an interview or other assessment of the pilot’s qualifications and skills. See Appendix 1 for suggested interview questions. Appendix 4 provides a sample CFI flight review checklist. The CFI should outline a sequence of maneuvers to the pilot taking the review. For example, this may include a cross-country flight to another airport with maneuvers accomplished while en route. It could also include a period of simulated instrument flight time. The CFI should request that the pilot conduct whatever preflight preparation is necessary to complete the planned flight. This preparation should include all items required in part 91, § 91.103, such as checking weather, calculating required runway lengths, calculating Weight and Balance (W&B), completing a flight log, filing a flight plan, and conducting the preflight inspection.
(3) Before beginning the flight portion of the review, the CFI should discuss various operational areas with the pilot. This oral review should include, but not be limited to, areas such as aircraft systems, speeds, performance, meteorological and other hazards (e.g., windshear and wake turbulence), operations in controlled airspace, and abnormal and emergency procedures.
The emphasis during this discussion should be on practical knowledge of recommended procedures and regulatory requirements.
(4) Regardless of the pilot’s experience, the CFI should review at least those maneuvers considered critical to safe flight, such as:
• Takeoffs,
• Stabilized approaches to landings,
• Slow flight,
• Stall recognition, stalls, and stall recovery,
• Spin recognition and avoidance,
• Recovery from unusual attitudes, and
• Operating the aircraft by sole reference to instruments under actual or simulated conditions.
(5) Based on his or her in-flight assessment of the pilot’s skills, the CFI may wish to add other maneuvers from the PTS, or its equivalent, appropriate to the pilot’s grade of certificate. All reviews should include those areas within the PTS identified as “Special Emphasis.” Appendix 4 includes a list of suggested maneuvers. The FAA does not intend this list to be all-inclusive, nor does it limit a CFI’s discretion in selecting other appropriate maneuvers and procedures. To the greatest possible extent, the CFI should organize and sequence the
Par 4-3 Page 18 selected maneuvers in a realistic scenario appropriate to the kind of flying normally done by the pilot.
(6) The role of the CFI during the review is to provide an evaluation. However, the instructor is not limited to this role and may provide specific instruction to an airman on any areas the instructor notes as being weak. This additional instruction does not preclude the pilot’s successful completion of the review as long as the deficiencies are corrected. If the additional instruction does not correct the deficiencies, and/or it becomes apparent to the instructor that additional flights will be necessary, the CFI should discuss the situation with the pilot and proceed accordingly.
4-4. POST-REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS. Upon completion of the review, the CFI should complete the summary and evaluation portion of the flight review checklist (if used) and debrief the pilot. Whether or not the review was satisfactory, the CFI should provide the pilot with a comprehensive analysis of his or her performance, including suggestions for improving any weak areas. The current edition of FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook, chapter 5, provides specific suggestions for conducting the postflight evaluation discussion as a “collaborative critique.”
a. Unsatisfactory Completion of the Review. The FAA does not intend the flight review to be a check ride. If the review is not satisfactory, the CFI should log the flight as “dual instruction given” and not as a “failure.” The CFI should then recommend additional training in the areas of the review that were unsatisfactory. A pilot who does not receive an endorsement for a satisfactory flight review may continue to exercise the privileges of his or her certificate, provided that a period of 24 calendar-months has not elapsed since the pilot completed at least one of the requirements that satisfies the flight review event as specified in § 61.56.
b. Satisfactory Completion of the Review. When the applicant has successfully completed the review, the CFI should endorse the pilot’s logbook to certify that the pilot has satisfactorily accomplished the flight review. The CFI should make the endorsement for a satisfactory review in accordance with AC 61-65. The flight and ground time must also be logged in the pilot’s logbook in accordance with § 61.51(a)(1).
Par 5-1 Page 19 CHAPTER 5. INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY CHECK
5-1. STRUCTURING AN INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY CHECK (IPC). Title 14 CFR part 61, § 61.57(d) outline the requirements for an IPC. This chapter provides guidance on the conduct of the IPC. In addition, the CFI may wish to use the FAA’s optional online guidance document available at www.faa.gov (search for “Instrument Proficiency Check Guidance”), to structure, conduct, and document the IPC. Appendix 9 provides an optional IPC checklist as an instructor job aid resource for conducting an IPC. Note that practical test standards (PTS), or its equivalent, outline the required maneuvers conducted in an IPC (see paragraph 5-3 of this chapter).
a. Instructor Requirements to Conduct an IPC. The CFI must hold an instrument rating on his or her pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft used for the IPC. For example, an IPC conducted in a multiengine airplane requires a CFI who holds both multiengine and instrument ratings on his or her pilot and flight instructor certificate. The basis for flight instructor privileges and limitations are found in §§ 61.193(g) and 61.195(d)(6). The CFI should also meet currency requirements for his or her pilot and CFI certificate.
NOTE: In addition to having the appropriate instructor ratings, the CFI should consider other factors relating to his or her ability to conduct an IPC.
These include the factors discussed for the flight review as well as the instructor’s own instrument currency.
b. Conducting an IPC. A CFI may conduct part or all (as specified in the current edition of FAA-S-8081-4, Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Helicopter, and Powered Lift) of the IPC in an approved simulator, flight training device (FTD), or aviation training device (ATD). If given in a flight simulation training device (FSTD), that trainer must receive specific approval for such use, in writing, by the FAA Administrator. Guidance on the applicability of specific devices to particular tasks is located in the current instrument PTS publication FAA-S-8081-4, appendix 2, and the specific device approval document.
NOTE: Advanced aviation training devices (AATD) and basic aviation training devices (BATD) collectively make up the two categories of FAA-approved ATDs. In general, AATDs may be used for the IPC; BATDs may not be used. The CFI should review the ATD letter of authorization for the specific approval for that device.
NOTE: In order to receive credit for a completed IPC conducted in FTDs qualified by the National Simulator Program Manager (NSPM) at levels 4 or above, or full flight simulators, such devices must be used pursuant to a curriculum approved under 14 CFR part 121, 135, 141, or 142.
c. Precheck Considerations. The CFI should structure an IPC in a manner similar to that of the flight review, tailoring the check to the needs of the pilot with mutual agreement on the scope of the check and a plan of action for accomplishing it.
Par 5-1 Page 20
(1) The CFI and pilot should discuss the operating conditions under which the CFI will conduct the check. If the CFI conducts the check in an aircraft, the check may be under visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IFR) in simulated instrument conditions, or it may be under IFR in actual instrument conditions. If the CFI conducts the check under IFR, or while under VFR conditions simulating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with a view-limiting device, it is the CFI’s responsibility to constantly remain vigilant to other aircraft throughout all phases of the flight.
(2) The Pilot’s Instrument Experience Summary in Appendix 7 is available to help the CFI structure an appropriate ground review for the IPC. A table in FAA-S-8081-4 lists the maneuvers required for successful completion of the IPC.
(3) As with the flight review, the CFI should develop a plan of action that uses realistic scenarios to organize and sequence the required tasks and maneuvers. Appendix 8 contains a sample action plan for conducting the proficiency check. The CFI should also discuss crewmember roles and responsibilities with the pilot.
5-2. IPC KNOWLEDGE PORTION.
a. Determining the Pilot’s IFR Knowledge. The CFI determines whether the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of part 91, especially subpart B, Flight Rules; subpart C, Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements; and subpart E, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations. Additionally, the CFI determines that the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
(1) Instrument en route and approach chart interpretation, including Standard Instrument Departures (SID), Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP), Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR), and Area Navigation (RNAV)/Global Positioning System (GPS)/wide area augmentation system (WAAS) procedures.
(2) Obtaining and analyzing weather information, including knowledge of hazardous weather phenomena, such as icing and convective activity.
(3) Preflight planning, including aircraft performance, Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) information (including temporary flight restrictions (TFR)), fuel requirements, alternate requirements, and use of appropriate FAA publications such as the Airport/Facility Directory.
(4) Aircraft systems related to IFR operations, including appropriate operating methods, limitations, and emergency procedures due to equipment failure.
(5) Aircraft flight instruments and navigation equipment, including characteristics, limitations, operating techniques, and emergency procedures due to malfunction or failure, such as lost communications and automation failure procedures.
(6) Determining the airworthiness of the aircraft for instrument flight, including required inspections and documents.
Par 5-2 Page 21 (and 22)
(7) Air traffic control (ATC) procedures pertinent to flight under IFR with emphasis on elements of ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities.
(8) A general working knowledge of aerodynamic principles relating to angle of attack (AOA) and the purpose, operation, and limitations of AOA indicators (if installed).
b. Evaluation of the Pilot’s Instrument Flight Proficiency. Following the discussion of the above subjects, the CFI should ask the pilot to prepare for the skill portion of the IPC by completing the necessary flight planning, obtaining current weather data, filing a flight plan, and conducting the preflight inspection. In order to fully evaluate the pilot’s skills under normal operating conditions, the CFI may wish to have the pilot conduct a short IFR cross-country flight with at least part of the flight conducted “in the system” under IFR.
5-3. IPC SKILL PORTION. The maneuvers and procedures selected for the IPC must include those listed in the Rating Task Table in FAA-S-8081-4. The CFI conducting the IPC has the discretion to require any other maneuver(s) necessary to determine that the pilot can safely operate under IFR in a broad range of conditions appropriate to the aircraft flown and the ATC environment selected. However, in any case, the CFI should pay particular attention to those areas within the PTS identified as “Special Emphasis.” The CFI should emphasize proper adherence to ATC clearances. Regardless of the maneuvers and procedures selected, the CFI should ensure that the pilot demonstrates satisfactory basic attitude instrument flying skills. For checks conducted in an airplane but not under actual instrument weather conditions, the CFI should employ an appropriate view-limiting device to simulate instrument conditions. As an aid to the CFI, Appendix 9 contains a sample CFI IPC checklist for conducting the IPC.
5-4. POST-IPC CONSIDERATIONS AND RECORDKEEPING. Upon completion of the proficiency check, the CFI may wish to complete the summary and evaluation portion of the checklist and debrief the pilot on the results of the check. Regardless of the determination, the CFI should provide the pilot with a comprehensive analysis of his or her performance, including suggestions for improving any weak areas. Chapter 5 of FAA-H-8083-9 provides specific suggestions for conducting the postflight evaluation discussion as a “collaborative critique.”
a. Unsatisfactory Performance. As with the flight review, the CFI should not endorse the pilot’s logbook to reflect an unsatisfactory IPC. Rather, the CFI should log the session as “dual instruction given.”
b. Satisfactory Performance. The endorsement for a satisfactory proficiency check should be in accordance with AC 61-65. If the CFI uses the sample action plan and checklist in Appendix 9, then he or she may wish to retain the action plan as a record of the scope and content of the competency check, even though not required by § 61.189.
Appendix 1 APPENDIX 1. RESOURCES
1. Advisory Circulars (AC) (FAA—all current editions):
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/.
• AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards Required by 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, and 65.
• AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors.
• AC 61-89, Pilot Certificates: Aircraft Type Ratings.
• AC 61-91, WINGS—Pilot Proficiency Program.
• AC 90-109, Transition to Unfamiliar Airplanes. (Provides additional information and guidance pertaining to transition to experimental or unfamiliar airplanes.)
• AC 91-73, Parts 91 and 135 Single Pilot, Flight School Procedures During Taxi Operations.
2. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM):
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/#manuals.
3. Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS): http://www.aviationweather.gov/adds/.
4. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): http://www.aopa.org.
5. Beyond the Buttons: Mastering Our Marvelous Flying Machines:
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/library/documents/2007/Mar/15239/7.1%20TAA%20Flyin g%20Skills%20MarApr07.pdf.
6. Conducting an Effective Flight Review:
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/media/flight_review.pdf.
7. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): http://eaa.org/.
8. Flight Service (Lockheed Martin): http://www.afss.com.
9. General Aviation Pilot’s Guide to Preflight Weather Planning, Weather Self-Briefings, and Weather Decision Making: www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/media/ga_weather_decision_making.pdf.
10. General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA): http://www.gama.aero/.
11. Information for Operators (InFO) (FAA—all current editions):
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos/.
• InFO 14010, Installation, Training, and Use of Non-required/Supplemental Angle-of-Attack (AOA) Based Systems for General Aviation (GA) Airplanes, July 25, 2014.
• InFO 15012, Logging Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP), September 8, 2015.
12. Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) Guidance:
www.faa.gov/pilots/training/media/IPC_Guidance.pdf.
Appendix 1
13. National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI): http://www.nafinet.org/.
14. Night Flying Safety, FAA Aviation News:
http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2008/media/novdec2008.pdf.
15. Online Resources for certificated flight instructors (CFI), FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam):
http://www.faasafety.gov.
16. Personal Minimums Checklist, FAA/Industry Training Standards (FITS):
http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits/guidance/media/personal%20minimums%20che cklist.pdf.
17. FITS Personal and Weather Risk Assessment Guide:
http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits/guidance.
18. Practical Test Standards (PTS) (all current editions), e.g, FAA-S-8081-4, Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/.
19. Handbooks & Manuals—FAA:
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/.
• FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook.
• Handbook(s) appropriate for the category of aircraft being operated;
e.g., FAA-H-8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook.
20. Risk Management and System Safety Modules:
http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits/training/flight_instructor.
21. Risk Management Teaching Tips:
http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/libview_normal.aspx?id=6107.
22. Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE): http://www.safepilots.org.
23. Teaching Practical Risk Management (May/June 2005 Issue of FAA Aviation News):
http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2005.
24. Tools for CFIs (AOPA): http://flighttraining.aopa.org/cfis.
Appendix 2 Page 1 (and 2) APPENDIX 2. SAMPLE AIRPLANE PILOT’S PROFICIENCY PRACTICE PLAN Pilot’s Name: Date:
Flight Rules (VFR) Flight Profile – Every 4-6 Weeks:
Preflight (include 3-P Risk Management Process (RMP) (Perceive hazards, Process risk level, and Perform risk management).) (Refer to Appendix 1, Resources, number 5.)
Normal taxi.
Takeoff.
Departure to practice area.
CHAPS (before each maneuver):
Clear the area.
Heading established and noted.
Altitude established (at least 3,000 above ground level (AGL)).
Position near a suitable emergency landing area.
Set power and aircraft configuration.
Steep turns (both directions), altitude within 100 feet and airspeed within 10 knots.
Power-off stalls (approach to landing) and recovery.
Power-on stalls (takeoff/departure) and recovery.
Ground reference maneuvers (600’ to 1000’ AGL).
Pattern practice:
Normal landing (full flaps).
Short-field takeoff and landing over a 50 feet obstacle.
Soft-field takeoff and landing.
Slow flight Discretional maneuver Discretional maneuver Secure the aircraft.
Review your performance.
Schedule next proficiency flight.
Appendix 3 Page 1 (and 2) APPENDIX 3. SAMPLE PILOT’S PERSONAL AERONAUTICAL GOALS Pilot’s Name: Date:
Training Goals Certificate Level (Private, Commercial, air transport pilot (ATP)) Ratings (Instrument, Multiengine Land (MEL), Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES), Airplane Multiengine Sea (AMES), Rotorcraft, Glider, etc.)
Endorsements (high performance, complex, tailwheel, high altitude, etc.)
Phase in Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS) Instructor Qualifications (certificated flight instructor (CFI), CFI – instrument (CFII), Multiengine Instructor, advanced ground instructor (AGI), instrument ground instructor (IGI)) Other:
Proficiency Goals Lower personal minimums to:
Ceiling Visibility Winds Precision approach minimums Non-precision approach minimums Fly at least:
Times per month Hours per month Hours per year Cross-country flights per year Night hours per month Make a cross-country trip to:
Other:
Aeronautical Training Action Plan
Appendix 4 Page 1 (and 2) APPENDIX 4. SAMPLE CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR’S FLIGHT
REVIEW CHECKLIST Step 1: Preflight Review Actions Scheduling Pilot’s aeronautical history Title 14 CFR part 91 review assignment Cross-country flight plan assignment Step 2: Ground Discussion English Language Proficiency (ELP) Regulatory review Cross-country flight plan review Risk management (RM) and personal minimums Step 3: Conducting the Flight Physical aircraft (basic skills) Takeoffs and stabilized approaches to landings Slow flight Stalls and recovery/spin recognition and avoidance Recovery from unusual attitudes Simulated loss of power/engine Operating the aircraft by sole reference to instruments under actual or simulated conditions Aeronautical decision-making Automation system failures Step 4: Postflight Discussion Replay, reflect, reconstruct, redirect Questions Step 5: Aeronautical Health Maintenance and Improvement Plan Personal minimums checklist Personal proficiency practice plan Training plan (if desired) Resources list Sample Pilot’s Aeronautical History for Flight Review Pilot:
CFI:
Address:
Phone(s):
E-mail:
Pilot Certificate(s):
Private Commercial Air transport pilot (ATP) Flight instructor Ratings (not necessarily inclusive):
Instrument Airplane Single-Engine Pilot (ASEL) Multiengine Land (MEL) Lighter-than-air (LTA) Rotorcraft (Other) Experience (pilot):
Total time Last 6 months Average hours/month Time since last flight review Since last instrument proficiency check (IPC) Experience (aircraft):
Aircraft type(s) you fly Aircraft used most often Total time Last 6 months Average hours/month Experience (flight environment):
Since your last flight review, approximately how many hours have you logged in:
Day visual flight rules (VFR) Day instrument flight rules (IFR) Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) Night VFR Night IFR Mountainous/Overwater Towered Non-Towered Type of Flying (external factors):
What percentage of your flying is for:
Pleasure Business Local Cross country Personal Skills Assessment:
Strengths as a pilot?
Areas for improvement?
Aviation goals?
Appendix 5
APPENDIX 5. REGULATORY REVIEW GUIDE SIDE 1 PILOT Experience: Recent Flight Experience (14 CFR part 61, § 61.57).
Responsibility:
Authority (14 CFR part 91 § 91.3).
Flightcrew Members at Station (§ 91.105).
Preflight Action (§ 91.103).
Safety Belts (§ 91.107).
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Instructions (§ 91.123).
Cautions:
Careless or Reckless Operation (§ 91.13).
Dropping Objects (§ 91.15).
Alcohol or Drugs (§ 91.17).
Supplemental Oxygen (§ 91.211).
Fitness for Flight (Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) (chapter 8, section 1)).
AIRCRAFT Airworthiness:
Basic (§ 91.7).
Flight Manual, Markings, and Placards (§ 91.9).
Certifications Required (§ 91.203).
Instrument and Equipment Requirements (§ 91.205).
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) (§ 91.207).
Position Lights (§ 91.209).
Inoperative Instruments and Equipment (§ 91.213).
Transponder Requirements (§ 91.215).
Maintenance:
Responsibility (§ 91.403).
Maintenance Required (§ 91.405).
Operation after Maintenance (§ 91.407).
Maintenance Records (§ 91.417).
Inspections:
Annual, Airworthiness Directives (AD), 100 Hours (§ 91.409).
Altimeter and Pitot Static System (§ 91.411).
Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Check (§ 91.171).
Transponder (§ 91.413).
ELT (§ 91.207).
Appendix 5
SIDE 2
ENVIRONMENT Airports:
Markings (AIM (chapter 2, section 3)).
Operations (AIM (chapter 4, section 3); §§ 91.125 and 91.126).
Traffic Patterns (§ 91.126).
Airspace:
Altimeter Settings (AIM (chapter 7, section 2); § 91.121).
Minimum Safe Altitudes (§§ 91.119 and 91.177).
Cruising Altitudes (AIM (chapter 3, section 1, paragraph 3-1-5); §§ 91.159 and 91.179).
Speed Limits (§ 91.117).
Right of Way (§ 91.113).
Formation (§ 91.111).
Types of Airspace (AIM (chapter 3)).
Controlled Airspace (AIM (chapter 3, section 2); §§ 91.129, 91.130, 91.131, and 91.135).
Class G Airspace (AIM (chapter 3, section 3)).
Special Use (AIM (chapter 3, section 4); §§ 91.133, 91.137, 91.141, 91.143, and 91.145).
Emergency Air Traffic Rules (AIM (chapter 5, section 6); § 91.139).
Air Traffic Control & Procedures:
Services (AIM (chapter 4, section 1)).
Radio Communications (AIM (chapter 4, section 2); Pilot/Controller Glossary).
Clearances (AIM (chapter 4, section 4)).
Procedures (AIM (chapter 5)).
Weather:
Meteorology (AIM (chapter 7, section 1)).
Wake Turbulence (AIM (chapter 7, section 3)).
EXTERNAL PRESSURE Personal Minimums Checklist.
Risk Management (RM) (3-P model).
Practical Test Standards (PTS) Special Emphasis Items.