FAA-S-8081-6B, Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards .

AC 2095/001AIMIAPsDPsSTARsA/FDNOTAMsPOH/AFMCold Weather Operation of AircraftAircraft Weight and Balance HandbookAirplane Flying HandbookAviation Instructor’s HandbookInstrument Rating Practical Test StandardsCommercial Pilot Practical Test StandardsPrivate Pilot Practical Test StandardsInstrument Flying HandbookAirport Markings, Signs, and Selected SurfaceLightingAeronautical Information ManualInstrument Approach Procedures (charts)Departure ProceduresStandard Terminal ArrivalsAirport/Facility DirectoryNotices to AirmenPilot Operating Handbooks and FAA-ApprovedAirplane/Rotorcraft Flight ManualsThe Objective lists the elements that must be satisfactorily performed todemonstrate competency in a TASK. The Objective includes:1. specifically what the applicant should be able to do;2. conditions under which the TASK is to be performed; and3. acceptable performance standards.The examiner determines that the applicant meets the TASK Objectivethrough the demonstration of competency in all elements of knowledgeand/or skill unless otherwise noted. The Objectives of TASKs in certainAREAS OF OPERATION, such as Fundamentals of Instructing andTechnical Subjects, include only knowledge elements. Objectives ofTASKs in AREAS OF OPERATION that include elements of skill, aswell as knowledge, also include common errors, which the applicantshall be able to describe, recognize, analyze, and correct.The Objective of a TASK that involves pilot skill consists of four parts.The four parts include determination that the applicant exhibits:1.2.instructional knowledge of the elements of a TASK. This isaccomplished through descriptions, explanations, and simulatedinstruction;instructional knowledge of common errors related to a TASK,including their recognition, analysis, and correction;FAA-S-8081-6B4

3.4.the ability to demonstrate and simultaneously explain the keyelements of a TASK. The TASK demonstration must be to theCOMMERCIAL PILOT skill level; the teaching techniques andprocedures should conform to those set forth in AC 61-23/FAAH-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge; FAAH-8083-9, Aviation Instructor's Handbook; FAA-H-8083-3,Airplane Flying Handbook; and FAA-H-8083-15, InstrumentFlying Handbook; andthe ability to analyze and correct common errors related to aTASK.Use of the Practical Test Standards BookThe FAA requires that all Flight Instructor practical tests be conductedin accordance with the appropriate Flight Instructor Practical TestStandards and the policies set forth in the INTRODUCTION. The flightinstructor applicant must be prepared to demonstrate the ability toinstruct effectively in ALL TASKs included in the AREAS OFOPERATION of the appropriate practical test standards, unlessotherwise noted.All of the procedures and maneuvers in the Private Pilot andCommercial Pilot Practical Test Standards have been included in theFlight Instructor Practical Test Standards. However, the flightinstructor PTS allows the examiner to select one or more TASKs ineach AREA OF OPERATION therefore allowing the practical testfor initial certification to be completed within a reasonable timeframe. In certain AREAS OF OPERATION, there are required TASKs,which the examiner must select. These required TASKs are identifiedby NOTES immediately following the AREA OF OPERATION titles.The term "instructional knowledge" means the instructor applicant iscapable of using the appropriate reference to provide the "application orcorrelative level of knowledge" of a subject matter topic, procedure, ormaneuver. It also means that the flight instructor applicant'sdiscussions, explanations, and descriptions should follow therecommended teaching procedures and techniques explained inFAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.5FAA-S-8081-6B

In preparation for the practical test, the examiner shall develop a written"plan of action." The "plan of action" for an initial certification test shallinclude one or more TASKs in each AREA OF OPERATION and shallalways include the required TASKs. If the applicant is unable toperform a TASK listed in the "plan of action" due to circumstancesbeyond his/her control, the examiner may substitute another TASK fromthe applicable AREA OF OPERATION.The "plan of action" for a test administered for the addition of an aircraftcategory and/or class rating to a flight instructor certificate shall includethe required AREAS OF OPERATION as indicated in the table at thebeginning of each section. The required TASKs appropriate to therating(s) sought must also be included. In some instances, notesidentify additional required TASKs. Any TASK selected shall beevaluated in its entirety.NOTE: AREA OF OPERATION XI, Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins,contains TASKs referred to as "proficiency" and "demonstration." Theintent of TASKs A and B (proficiency) is to ensure that the flightinstructor applicant is tested on proficiency for the purpose of teachingthese TASKs to students that are required for pilot certification. Theintent of TASKs C, D, and E (demonstration) is to ensure that the flightinstructor applicant is knowledgeable and proficient in these maneuversand can teach them to students for both familiarization and stall/spinawareness purposes.With the exception of the required TASKs, the examiner shall not tellthe applicant in advance, which TASKs will be included in the "plan ofaction." The applicant should be well prepared in all knowledge andskill areas included in the standards. Throughout the flight portion of thepractical test, the examiner will evaluate the applicant's ability tosimultaneously demonstrate and explain procedures and maneuvers,and to give flight instruction to students at various stages of flighttraining and levels of experience.The purpose for including common errors in certain TASKs is to assistthe examiner in determining that the flight instructor applicant has theability to recognize, analyze, and correct such errors. The commonerrors listed in the TASK Objectives may or may not be found in theTASK References. However, the FAA considers their frequency ofoccurrence justification for their inclusion in the TASK Objectives. Theexaminer shall not simulate any condition that may jeopardize safeflight or result in possible damage to the aircraft.FAA-S-8081-6B6

Change 1 (5/22/2002)The examiner is expected to use good judgment in the performanceof simulated emergency procedures. The use of the safest meansfor simulation is expected. Consideration must be given to localconditions, both meteorological and topographical, at the time of thetest, as well as the applicant’s workload, and the condition of theaircraft used. If the procedure being evaluated would jeopardizesafety, it is expected that the applicant will simulate that portion ofthe maneuver.Special Emphasis AreasThe examiner shall place special emphasis on the applicant'sdemonstrated ability to teach precise aircraft control and soundjudgment in aeronautical decision making. Evaluation of the applicant'sability to teach judgment shall be accomplished by asking the applicantto describe the presentation of practical problems that would be used ininstructing students in the exercise of sound judgment. The examinershall also emphasize the evaluation of the applicant's demonstratedability to teach spatial disorientation, wake turbulence and low levelwind shear avoidance, checklist usage, positive exchange of flightcontrols, Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO), runwayincursion avoidance, and any other directed special emphasisareas.Practical Test PrerequisitesAn applicant for a flight instructor—initial certification practical test isrequired by 14 CFR part 61 to:1. be at least 18 years of age;2. be able to read, speak, write, and understand the Englishlanguage. If there is a doubt, use AC 60-28, English LanguageSkill Standards;3. hold either a commercial/instrument pilot or airline transport pilotcertificate with an aircraft category rating appropriate to the flightinstructor rating sought;4. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor on thefundamentals of instructing appropriate to the requiredknowledge test;5. have passed the appropriate flight instructor knowledge test(s)since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in whichhe or she takes the practical test; and7FAA-S-8081-6B

6. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifyingthat the applicant has been given flight training in the AREAS OFOPERATION listed in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.187 and awritten statement from an authorized flight instructor within thepreceding 60 days, in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section61.39, that instruction was given in preparation for the practicaltest. The endorsement shall also state that the instructor findsthe applicant prepared for the required practical test, and that theapplicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of thesubject area(s) in which the applicant was deficient on theairman knowledge test.An applicant holding a flight instructor certificate who applies for anadditional rating on that certificate is required by 14 CFR to:1. hold a valid pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the flightinstructor rating sought;2. have at least 15 hours as pilot-in-command in the category andclass aircraft appropriate to the rating sought;3. have passed the appropriate knowledge test prescribed for theissuance of a flight instructor certificate with the rating soughtsince the beginning of the 24th month before the month in whichhe/she takes the practical test; and4. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifyingthat the applicant has been given flight training in the AREAS OFOPERATION listed in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.187 and awritten statement from an authorized flight instructor within thepreceding 60 days, in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section61.39, that instruction was given in preparation for the practicaltest. The endorsement shall also state that the instructor findsthe applicant prepared for the required practical test, and that theapplicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of thesubject area(s) in which the applicant was deficient on theairman knowledge test.Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical TestThe flight instructor applicant is required by 14 CFR part 61, section61.45 to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during thepractical test. This section further requires that the aircraft must:1. be of U.S., foreign or military registry that is of the category,class, and type, if applicable, for the certificate and/or rating forwhich the applicant is applying;FAA-S-8081-6B8

2. have fully functioning dual controls except as provided in 14 CFRsection 61.45(c) and (e); and3. be capable of performing all appropriate TASKs for the flightinstructor rating sought and have no operating limitations, whichprohibit the performance of those TASKs. A complex airplanemust be furnished for the performance of takeoff and landingmaneuvers, and appropriate emergency procedures. A complexlandplane is one having retractable gear, flaps, and controllablepropeller. A complex seaplane is one having flaps andcontrollable propeller.Flight Instructor ResponsibilityAn appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training theflight instructor applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matterareas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the TASKs within eachAREA OF OPERATION in the appropriate flight instructor practical teststandard.Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing safe,proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level ofknowledge, skill, and the ability to impart that knowledge and skill tostudents. The flight instructor must certify that the applicant is:1.2.3.4.able to make a practical application of the fundamentals ofinstructing;competent to teach the subject matter, procedures, andmaneuvers included in the standards to students with varyingbackgrounds and levels of experience and ability;able to perform the procedures and maneuvers included in the1standards to at least the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill levelwhile giving effective flight instruction; andcompetent to pass the required practical test for the issuanceof the flight instructor certificate with the associated categoryand class ratings or the addition of a category and/or classrating 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 FAACommercial Pilot Practical Test Standards. If the maneuver appears only in a PrivatePilot Practical Test Standard, the term means that the applicant's performance isexpected to be "more precise" than that indicated by the stated tolerances. This "moreprecise" performance must be determined by the examiner through the exercise ofsubjective judgment.9FAA-S-8081-6B

Change 1 (5/22/2002)Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is responsiblefor emphasizing the performance of, and the ability to teach, effectivevisual scanning, runway incursion avoidance, collision avoidanceprocedures, and Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO). Theflight instructor applicant should develop and use scenario basedteaching methods particularly on special emphasis areas. These areasare covered in AC 90-48, Pilot's Role in Collision Avoidance; FAA-H8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook; AC 61-23/FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot'sHandbook of Aeronautical Knowledge; and the current AeronauticalInformation Manual.Examiner2 ResponsibilityThe examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determiningthat the applicant meets acceptable standards of teaching ability,knowledge, and skill in the selected TASKs. The examiner makes thisdetermination by accomplishing an Objective that is appropriate to eachselected 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 thestandards to the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level1 while givingeffective flight instruction; and4. ability to analyze and correct common errors related to theprocedures and maneuvers covered in the TASKs.It is intended that oral questioning be used at any time during the ground orflight portion of the practical test to determine that the applicant can instructeffectively and has a comprehensive knowledge of the TASKs and theirrelated safety factors.During the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall act as astudent during selected maneuvers. This will give the examiner anopportunity to evaluate the flight instructor applicant’s ability to analyze andcorrect simulated common errors related to these maneuvers. Theexaminer will place special emphasis on the applicant’s use of visualscanning and collision avoidance procedures, and the applicant’s ability toteach those procedures.2The word "examiner" is used throughout the standards to denote either the FAAinspector or FAA designated pilot examiner who conducts an official practical test.FAA-S-8081-6B10

Change 1 (5/22/2002)Examiners should to the greatest extent possible test the applicant’sapplication and correlation skills. When possible scenario basedquestions should be used during the practical test. The examiner willevaluate the applicant's ability to teach visual scanning, runwayincursion avoidance, collision avoidance procedures, and Land andHold Short Operations (LAHSO).If the examiner determines that a TASK is incomplete, or the outcomeuncertain, the examiner may require the applicant to repeat that TASK,or portions of that TASK. This provision has been made in the interestof fairness and does not mean that instruction, practice or the repeatingof an unsatisfactory task is permitted during the certification process.When practical, the remaining TASKs of the practical test phase shouldbe completed before repeating the questionable TASK.On multiengine practical tests where the failure of the most criticalengine after lift off is required, the instructor applicant and examinermust give consideration to local atmospheric conditions, terrain andtype of aircraft used. However the failure of an engine shall not besimulated until attaining at least Vsse/Vyse and at an altitude not lowerthan 200 feet AGL.During simulated engine failures on multiengine practical tests, aftersimulated feathering of the propeller the engine shall be set to zerothrust. The examiner shall require the instructor applicant tosimultaneously demonstrate and explain procedures for landing with asimulated feathered propeller with the engine set t

FAA-H-8083-9 Aviation Instructor’s Handbook FAA-S-8081-4 Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards FAA-S-8081-12Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards FAA-S-8081-14Private Pilot Practical Test Standards FAA-H-8083-15Instrument Flying Handbook FAA/AS