- Index
- The INTRODUCTION of this practical test book includes information
that is pertinent to all flight instructor practical test standards in addition to that
which applies specifically to FAA-S-8081-6A, Flight Instructor -Airplane (Single-engine
and Multiengine) Practical Test Standards.
- Material in FAA-S-8081-6A will be effective May 31, 1991. All
previous editions of this book will be obsolete as of this date.
- RECORD OF CHANGES FOR FAA-S-8081-6A, FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST
STANDARDS
- Change 1: 07/20/97
Reason: Reference change. The reference AC 61-92 was canceled while FAA-S-8081-6A, Flight
Instructor Practical Test Standards, was being printed. New reference is AC 61-67.
- * AREA OF OPERATION: II. TECHNICAL SUBJECT AREAS
- TASK C: USE OF DISTRACTIONS DURING FLIGHT TRAINING (ASEL and ASES)
- FOREWORD Index
- The Flight Instructor - Airplane Practical Test Standards book has
been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for
the flight instructor certification practical tests for the airplane category and the
single-engine and multiengine classes. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall
conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and
applicants should find these standards helpful in practical test preparation.
Thomas C. Accardi
Acting Director, Flight Standards Service
- INTRODUCTION Index
- The Aviation Standards National Field Office of the FAA has developed
this practical test book as a standard to be used by FAA inspectors and designated pilot
examiners when conducting flight instructor - airplane (single-engine) and flight
instructor - airplane (multiengine) practical tests. Flight instructors are expected to
use this book when preparing flight instructor applicants for practical tests.
- This book can be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
-
- The FAA gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by a
nation-wide public "Job Task Analysis" team that developed the knowledge,
skills, and abilities which appear in this book.
- Comments regarding this book should be sent to:
- U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
- Aviation Standards National Field Office Operations Support Branch,
AVN-130 P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125
- Practical Test Standard Concept Index
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) specify the areas in which
knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of a flight
instructor certificate with the associated category and class ratings. The FAR's provide
the flexibility that permits the FAA to publish practical test standards containing
specific TASKS in which competency must be demonstrated. The FAA will revise this book
whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety. Adherence to
the provisions of regulations and the practical test standards is mandatory for the
evaluation of flight instructor applicants.
-
- Flight Instructor Responsibility
- An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training
the flight instructor applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas,
procedures, and maneuvers included in the TASKS within the appropriate flight instructor
practical test standard. Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing
safe, proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level of knowledge,
skill, and the ability to impart that knowledge and skill to students. The flight
instructor must certify that the applicant:
1. is able to make a practical application of the fundamentals of instructing;
2. is competent to teach the subject matter, procedures, and maneuvers included in the
standards to students with varying backgrounds and levels of experience and ability;
3. is able to perform the procedures and maneuvers included in the standards to at least
the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level1 (or, in the case of the Flight Instructor - Instrument
applicant, to the INSTRUMENT PILOT skill level) while giving effective flight instruction;
and
4. is competent to pass the required practical test for the issuance of the flight
instructor certificate with the associated category and class ratings or the addition of a
category and/or class rating to a flight instructor certificate.
1The term "Commercial Pilot Skill Level" is defined, for the purpose of this
publication, as performing a procedure or maneuver within the tolerances listed in the FAA
Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards. If the maneuver appears only in a Private Pilot
Practical Test Standard, the term means that the applicant's performance is expected to be
"more precise" than that indicated by the stated tolerances. This "more
precise" performance must be determined by the examiner through the exercise of
subjective judgment.
- Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is
responsible for emphasizing the performance of, and the ability to teach, effective visual
scanning and collision avoidance procedures. These areas are covered in AC 90-48, Pilot's
Role in Collision Avoidance; AC 61-21, Flight Training Handbook; AC 61-23, Pilot's
Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge; and the Airman's Information Manual.
-
- *Examiner Responsibility Index
- The examiner who conducts the practical test is responsible for
determining that the applicant meets acceptable standards of knowledge, skill, and
teaching ability in the selected TASKS. The examiner makes this determination by
accomplishing an action that is appropriate to each selected TASK and includes an
evaluation of the applicant's:
- 1. ability to apply the fundamentals of instructing;
2. knowledge of, and ability to teach, the subject matter, procedures, and maneuvers
covered in the TASKS;
3. ability to perform the procedures and maneuvers included in the standards to at least
the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level (or in the case of the Flight Instructor - Instrument
applicant, to the INSTRUMENT PILOT skill level) while giving effective flight instruction;
and
4. ability to analyze and correct common errors related to the procedures and maneuvers
covered in the TASKS.
- It is intended that oral testing be used at any time during the
practical test to determine that the applicant can instruct effectively and has a
comprehensive knowledge of the TASKS and their related safety factors.
- Throughout the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner
will evaluate the applicant's use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures,
and the applicant's ability to teach those procedures.
- *The word "examiner" is used throughout this standard to
denote either the FAA inspector or FAA designated pilot examiner who conducts an official
flight test.
-
- Flight Instructor Practical Test Book Description Index
- This book contains the practical test standards for Flight Instructor
- Airplane (Single-engine and Multiengine). Other flight instructor practical test books
include:
- FAA-S-8081-7, Flight Instructor - Rotorcraft (Helicopter and
Gyroplane)
- FAA-S-8081-8, Flight Instructor - Glider
- FAA-S-8081-9, Flight Instructor - Instrument (Airplane and
Helicopter)
- The loose-leaf feature of this book allows the incorporation of
changes which will be sold, as required. This will permit the dissemination of information
concerning changes in regulations, pilot certification procedures, and other areas related
to safety upon which emphasis should be placed.
- The Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards include the AREAS OF
OPERATION and TASKS for the issuance of an initial flight instructor certificate and for
the addition of category and/or class ratings to that certificate.
-
- Initial Flight Instructor Certification
- An applicant who seeks initial flight instructor certification will
be evaluated in all AREAS OF OPERATION of the standards appropriate to the rating(s)
sought. The evaluation will include at least one TASK in each AREA OF OPERATION and will
always include the required TASKS.
- Addition of Aircraft Category And/Or Class Ratings To A Flight
Instructor Certificate
- An applicant who holds a flight instructor certificate and seeks an
additional aircraft category and/or class rating will be evaluated in at least the AREAS
OF OPERATION and TASKS that are unique and appropriate to the rating(s) sought (see table
at the beginning of each standard). At the discretion of the examiner, the applicant's
competence in all AREAS OF OPERATION may be evaluated.
NOTE: When administering a test based on FAA-S-8081-6A, Sections 1 and 2, the TASKS
appropriate to the class airplane (land or sea) used for the test should be included.
-
- Flight Instructor Practical Test Standard Description Index
- AREAS OF OPERATION are phases of the practical test. In this
practical test book, the first AREA OF OPERATION is Fundamentals of Instructing; the last
is Postflight Procedures. However, the examiner may conduct the practical test in any
sequence that results in a complete and efficient test.
- TASKS are knowledge areas, flight procedures, or maneuvers
appropriate to an AREA OF OPERATION. The abbreviation(s) within parentheses immediately
following a TASK refer to the category and/or class aircraft appropriate to that TASK. The
meaning of each abbreviation follows:
-
- ASEL Airplane, Single Engine Land
AMEL Airplane, Multiengine Land
ASES Airplane, Single-Engine Sea
AMES Airplane, Multiengine Sea
RH Rotorcraft - Helicopter
RG Rotorcraft - Gyroplane
G Glider
IA Instrument - Airplane
IH Instrument - Helicopter
-
- REFERENCE identifies the publication(s) that describes the TASK.
Descriptions of TASKS and maneuver tolerances are not included in the flight instructor
standards because this information can be found in references listed for each TASK.
Publications other than those listed may be used as references if their content conveys
substantially the same meaning as the referenced publications. References listed in the
four flight instructor practical test books include the current revisions of the following
publications:
- FAR Part 61 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors
FAR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
FAR Part 97 Standard Instrument Approach Procedures
NTSB Part 830 Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents and Incidents
AC 00-2 Advisory Circular Checklist
AC 00-6 Aviation Weather
AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services
AC 60-14 Aviation Instructor's Handbook
AC 61-13 Basic Helicopter Handbook
AC 61-21 Flight Training Handbook
AC 61-23 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
AC 61-27 Instrument Flying Handbook
AC 61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors
AC 61-67 Stall and Spin Awareness Training
AC 61-84 Role of Preflight Preparation
AC 61-94 Pilot Transition Course for Self-Launching or Powered Sailplanes (motorgliders)
AC 67-2 Medical Handbook for Pilots
AC 90-48 Pilots' Role in Collision Avoidance
AC 91-13 Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft
AC 91-23 Pilot's Weight and Balance Handbook
FAA-S-8081-1 Private Pilot Practical Test Standards
FAA-S-8081-2 Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards
FAA-S-8081-4 Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards
AIM Airman's Information Manual
IAP's Instrument Approach Procedures (charts)
SID's Standard Instrument Departures
STAR's Standard Terminal Arrivals
AFD Airport Facility Directory
NOTAM's Notices to Airmen
Pertinent Pilot Operating Handbooks and FAA- Approved Flight Manuals
Index
- Each TASK has an Objective. The examiner determines that the
applicant meets the TASK Objective through the demonstration of competency in various
elements of knowledge and/or skill. The Objectives of TASKS in certain AREAS OF OPERATION,
such as Fundamentals of Instructing and Technical Subject Areas, include only knowledge
elements. The Objectives of TASKS in the AREAS OF OPERATION that include elements of skill
as well as knowledge also include common errors which the applicant must be able to
describe, recognize, analyze, and correct.
-
- The Objective of a TASK that involves pilot skill consists of four
parts. Those four parts include determination that the applicant exhibits:
- 1. instructional knowledge of the elements of a TASK. This is
accomplished through descriptions, explanations, and simulated instruction;
2. instructional knowledge of common errors related to a TASK, including their
recognition, analysis, and correction;
3. the ability to demonstrate and simultaneously explain the key elements of a TASK. The
TASK demonstration must be to the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level (or, in the case of the
Flight Instructor - Instrument applicant, to the INSTRUMENT PILOT skill level); the
teaching techniques and procedures should conform to those set forth in AC 60-14, Aviation
Instructor's Handbook; AC 61-21, Flight Training Handbook, and AC 61-27, Instrument Flying
Handbook; and
4. the ability to analyze and correct common errors related to a TASK.
- Index
- Use Of The Practical Test Standards Book
- All of the procedures and maneuvers in the Private Pilot, Commercial
Pilot, and Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards have been included in the Flight
Instructor Practical Test Standards. However, to permit the completion of the practical
test for initial certification within a reasonable timeframe, the examiner will select one
or more TASKS in each AREA OF OPERATION. In certain AREAS OF OPERATION, there are required
TASKS which the examiner must select. These required TASKS are identified by NOTES
immediately following the AREA OF OPERATION titles.
- The term "instructional knowledge" means the
"what," "why," and "how" of a subject matter topic,
procedure, or maneuver. It also means that the flight instructor applicant's discussions,
explanations, and descriptions should follow the recommended teaching procedures and
techniques explained in AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
-
- The FAA requires that all practical tests be conducted in accordance
with the appropriate Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards and the policies set forth
in the INTRODUCTION. The flight instructor applicant must be prepared to demonstrate the
ability to instruct effectively in all TASKS included in the AREAS OF OPERATION of the
appropriate practical test standards.
- In preparation for the practical test, the examiner will develop a
"plan of action." The "plan of action" for an initial certification
test will include one or more TASKS in each AREA OF OPERATION and will always include the
required TASKS. If the applicant is unable to perform a TASK listed in the "plan of
action" due to circumstances beyond his/her control, the examiner may substitute
another TASK from the applicable AREA OF OPERATION.
- The "plan of action" for a test administered for the
addition of an aircraft category and/or class rating to a flight instructor certificate
will include the required AREAS OF OPERATION as indicated in the table at the beginning of
each standard. The required TASKS appropriate to the rating(s) sought must also be
included. The examiner will select at least one TASK in each AREA OF OPERATION. In some
instances, notes identify additional required TASKS. Any TASK selected will be evaluated
in its entirety.
- Index
- NOTE: AREA OF OPERATION IX, Stalls, Spins, and Maneuvering During
Slow Flight, contains TASKS referred to as "proficiency" and
"demonstration." The intent of TASKS A and B (proficiency) is to ensure that the
flight instructor applicant is tested on proficiency for the purpose of teaching these
TASKS to students. The intent of TASKS C, D, and E (demonstration) is to ensure that the
flight instructor applicant is knowledgeable of the maneuvers and can demonstrate them to
students for both familiarization and stall/spin awareness purposes. With the exception of
the required TASKS, the examiner will not tell the applicant in advance which TASKS will
be included in the "plan of action." The applicant should be well prepared in
all knowledge and skill areas included in the standards. Throughout the flight portion of
the practical test, the examiner will evaluate the applicant's ability to simultaneously
demonstrate and explain procedures and maneuvers, and to give flight instruction to
students at various stages of flight training and levels of experience.
-
- The purpose for including common errors in certain TASKS is to assist
the examiner in determining that the flight instructor applicant has the ability to
recognize, analyze, and correct such errors. The examiner will not simulate any condition
that may jeopardize safe flight or result in possible damage to the aircraft. The common
errors listed in the TASK Objectives may or may not be found in the TASK References.
However, the FAA considers their frequency of occurrence justification for their inclusion
in the TASK Objectives.
-
- The examiner will place special emphasis on the applicant's
demonstrated ability to teach precise aircraft control and sound judgment in decision
making. The evaluation of the applicant's ability to teach judgment will be accomplished
by asking the applicant to describe the oral discussions and the presentation of practical
problems that would be used in instructing students in the exercise of sound judgment. The
examiner will also emphasize the evaluation of the applicant's demonstrated ability to
teach stall/spin awareness, spatial disorientation, collision avoidance, checklist usage,
use of distractions, and any other areas directed by future revisions of the standards.
- Index
- Flight Instructor Practical Test Prerequisites
- An applicant for a flight instructor initial certification practical
test is required by regulation to:
- 1. have passed the appropriate flight instructor written test(s)
since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which he or she takes the
practical test;
2. hold a commercial pilot or airline transport pilot certificate with an aircraft rating
appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;
3. hold an instrument rating if applying for an airplane or an instrument instructor
rating;
4. have the prescribed aeronautical experience and instruction for a flight instructor
certificate with the rating sought;
5. have reached the age of 18 years; and
6. obtain a written statement from an appropriately certificated and qualified flight
instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in the items
required by FAR Section 61.187(a) in preparation for the practical test within 60 days
preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor
finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test, and that the applicant has
satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency was indicated on the
airman written test report.1
- Index
- An applicant holding a flight instructor certificate who applies for
an additional rating on that certificate must:
- 1. hold an effective pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to
the flight instructor rating sought;
2. have at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class aircraft
appropriate to the rating sought;
- 3. have passed the written test prescribed for the issuance of a
flight instructor certificate with the rating sought since the beginning of the 24th month
before the month in which he or she takes the practical test; and
4. obtain a written statement from an appropriately certificated and qualified flight
instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in the items
required by FAR Section 61.187(a) in preparation for the practical test within 60 days
preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor
finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test, and that the applicant has
satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency was indicated on the
airman written test report.1
- Index
- Aircraft and Equipment Required For The Practical Test
- The flight instructor applicant is required by FAR Section 61.45 to
provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This
section further requires that the aircraft:
- 1. have fully functioning dual controls except as provided in FAR
Section 61.45; and
2. be capable of performing all appropriate TASKS for the flight instructor rating sought
and have no operating limitations which prohibit the performance of those TASKS. A complex
airplane must be furnished for the performance of takeoff and landing maneuvers, and
appropriate emergency procedures. A complex landplane is one having retractable gear,
flaps, and controllable propeller. A complex seaplane is one having flaps and controllable
propeller.
- Index
- Satisfactory Performance
- The practical test is passed if, in the judgment of the examiner, the
applicant demonstrates satisfactory performance with regard to:
- 1. knowledge of the fundamentals of instructing;
2. knowledge of the technical subject areas;
3. knowledge of the flight instructor's responsibilities concerning the pilot
certification process;
4. knowledge of the flight instructor's responsibilities concerning logbook entries and
pilot certificate endorsements;
- 1AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors, states that
the instructor may sign the recommendation on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1, Airman
Certificate and/or Rating Application, in lieu of the previous statement, provided all
appropriate FAR Part 61 requirements are substantiated by reliable records.
5. ability to demonstrate the procedures and maneuvers selected by the examiner to at
least the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level (or in the case of the Flight Instructor -
Instrument applicant, to the INSTRUMENT PILOT skill level) while giving effective
instruction;
6. competence in teaching the procedures and maneuvers selected by the examiner;
7. competence in describing, recognizing, analyzing, and correcting common errors
simulated by the examiner; and
8. knowledge of the development and effective use of a course of training, a syllabus, and
a lesson plan.
- Unsatisfactory Performance
- If, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet the
standards of performance of any TASK performed, the applicable AREA OF OPERATION is
considered unsatisfactory and; therefore, the practical test is failed. The examiner or
applicant may discontinue the test at any time when the failure of an AREA OF OPERATION
makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate or rating sought. The test will be
continued only with the consent of the applicant. If the test is discontinued, the
applicant is entitled credit for only those AREAS OF OPERATION satisfactorily performed.
However, during the retest and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be
re-evaluated, including those previously considered satisfactory. Specific reasons for
disqualification are:
- 1. failure to perform a procedure or maneuver to the COMMERCIAL PILOT
skill level (or in the case of the Flight Instructor - Instrument applicant, to the
INSTRUMENT PILOT skill level) while giving effective flight instruction;
2. failure to provide an effective instructional explanation while demonstrating a
procedure or maneuver (explanation during the demonstration must be clear, concise,
technically accurate, and complete with no prompting from the examiner);
3. any action or lack of action by the applicant which requires corrective intervention by
the examiner to maintain safe flight;
4. failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before
and while performing maneuvers.Index