F.I.T.

Aviation, LLC
INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE – GLASS AIRPLANE

Lesson 312a (1.0) Ground Stage 1

Objective – This lesson is a ground and flight review conducted by the instructor in preparation for the stage check to ensure
student proficiency and confidence in instrument flight.
Completion Standards – The student shall be able to maintain altitude within +/- 150 feet, headings within +/- 15 degrees, desired climb or
descent rates within +/- 200 feet per minute, and the correct procedures shall be used for each unusual attitude
recovery. VOR, DME arc, and localizer tracking shall be accurate with the student maintaining position orientation
at all times.

 BRIEFING
• Outline objective, standards, and tasks
• It is highly recommended to bring:
− Instrument Airplane PTS
− AC 00-45G (Aviation Weather Services)
− Instrument Flying Handbook
− FAR/AIM
− PIM

 GROUND
 Pilot Qualifications
 Instrument Rating Privileges – (§61.3(e))
o Ask the pilot trainee what he/she can do with an instrument rating

 IFR Flight Plan and Clearance Required – (§91.173)

o Ask when an IFR flight plan must be filed
o Ask if filing IFR is enough to fly through IMC
o Is it legal to fly in uncontrolled airspace in IMC without filing?

 Currency as an Instrument Pilot – (§61.57)

○ Ask how long instrument privileges last after the practical test
○ What must be done to retain currency?
○ What must be logged to maintain currency?

 Safety Pilots – (§91.109)

o When must a safety pilot be used?
o Ask who can be a safety pilot
o Can a Private Pilot be safety pilot in an Arrow without a complex endorsement?
o Can a Private Pilot be safety pilot in a Seminole without AMEL?
o Does the safety pilot need to be current?
o What is the minimum equipment to use a safety pilot?
o What if the safety pilot cannot see well enough?
o What kind of time may be logged by the safety pilot? The instrument pilot?

 Conditions Required to Log Tasks for Currency – (§61.57)

o Ask the pilot in training what conditions are required to log the approaches, etc.
o Define actual instrument conditions
o Can a safety pilot be brought into IMC if the pilot flying is not current?

 Instrument Proficiency Check – (§61.57)

o When are IPCs required?
o Who may administer an IPC?
o What tasks are involved in an IPC?

CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS

 F.I.T. Aviation, LLC
INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE – GLASS AIRPLANE

Lesson 312a (1.0) Ground Stage 1

Emphasize the systems and instruments aboard the training aircraft.

 Aircraft Flight Instruments

 Required Equipment - §91.205 (d)(e) §91.131(c)(1), §91.215, §91.411 and §91.413
o Ask the pilot in training what equipment is required to fly IFR
o What inspections and checks are required to fly IFR?
o Is a transponder required to fly IFR?
 Pitot-Static System and Instruments
○ Ask the trainee to explain/draw the pitot static system
○ What is the use of the pitot/static drains?
○ Review the effects of alternate static on the instruments and the procedure to use it
o Airspeed Indicator o Vertical Speed Indicator
- Review the types of airspeed - Discuss how the VSI works
- Discuss how the airspeed indicator works - What is the failed indication?
- What if during a climb, airspeed increases? - Is the aircraft IFR legal if the VSI reads +200 fpm on
Decreases? the ramp?
- What if during a descent, airspeed increases?
o Glass
Decreases?
- How do the glass pitot/static instruments work?
- Ask what to do if there is a blockage
- If there is a blockage, will there be a red x?
o Altimeter - Are there 2 pitot/static systems?
- Review the operating principles
- What is the failed indication?
 Vacuum System
o Ask the trainee to explain/draw the system
o Where does the air come from?
o What does the vacuum air do to the instruments?
o What if the system fails? What is the indication?

o Vacuum may be low due to: o There may be a loss of vacuum due to:
- Low RPM - A faulty gauge
- A leak in the line - A broken pump shear drive
- Malfunctioning vacuum regulator - Collapsed line
- Dirty filters/screens - A defective pump
 Gyroscopic Instruments
o Ask what the gyroscopic principles are
o Attitude Indicator
- What is the operating principle
- How does the gyro line up with the horizon?
- What is the power source for the instrument in the airplane?
- If the training airplane’s attitude indicator is electrical, when does the battery come on?
- How long does this battery last?
- What are errors associated with the attitude indicator?
- Ask the trainee to describe the instrument’s limitations

o Heading Indicator
- What is the operating principle (for the training aircraft)
- For the glass systems, what keeps the instrument aligned to magnetic north?
- Why does the mechanical version drift?
- What are the mechanical instrument’s limitations?

o Turn Coordinator
- What is the instrument’s operating principle?
- What is its power source?
- How is this instrument different from a turn and slip indicator?
- What is its failed indication?
- How does the glass version work?
 Magnetic Compass
o Discuss the principle of operation
o What errors are associated with the compass?
o Discuss compass limitations (bank)

INSTRUMENT PRIVILEGES
FLIGHT AND CURRENCY
INSTRUMENTS
 F.I.T. Aviation, LLC
INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE – GLASS AIRPLANE

Lesson 312a (1.0) Ground Stage 1

 Electrical Systems
○ Ask the trainee to describe the batteries, alternators, including backups in terms of amps, amp-hours, and volts
○ Have the pilot in training explain how electricity flows from the battery to the main bus
○ How is the electrical system protected?
o Electrical Failure
- Ask the trainee to describe the when the standby alternator functions
- Review checklist procedure for the standby alternator
- Discuss load shedding as per the checklist
- Ask how one knows when the alternator is overloaded and why that condition arises
 Autopilot (S-TEC 55X)
○ How does the autopilot work?
○ What are the servos and where are they?
○ How can the autopilot be disconnected?
○ Discuss how CWS allows pitch and roll parameters to be selected by the pilot
○ What is the difference between the flight director and autopilot?
○ What does Avidyne recommend if the PFD fails in IMC?
○ Ask what moving the STEC’s knob 1 click does

 AVIDYNE
• PFD
o Display
- Have the pilot explain its limitations
- What components are inside the PFD?
- Ask the trainee to explain the ADAHRS
o Air Data Computer
- Tell the pilot to explain how the ADC works
- What information does it provide?
- Where is the OAT probe?
o AHRS
- Have the PT explain how the AHRS works
- What information is provided?
- What else other than the AHRS provides heading information?
o Abnormal Operation
- How are malfunctions indicated?
- What does the “CROSSCHECK ATTITUDE” annunciation mean?
- Can the AHRS be reset in flight? When can it be reset?
• MFD
- Ask the PT to name its limitations
- When may the MAP page be displayed?
- Can TIS be used to maneuver to avoid traffic that is not in sight?
- What unit is responsible for processing engine information?

 Navigation Systems
 VOR – (AIM 1-1)  NDB
o Principle of Operation
o Ask the trainee how a VOR works
- How does the ADF unit work?
o What is the frequency range for VORs?
- What is the frequency band?
o Have the pilot name the types of stations
- Ask the pilot if we can tune and ID a station in the ramp
o Have the trainee describe each service volume
area – ask why that is
o How can one determine service volume of a VOR?
- What are the errors associated with NDBs?
o Provide an example
o Classes of Service Volumes
o What is the difference between a TACAN and a VOR?
- Have the pilot outline the service volumes of NDBs
 Transponders
 DME – (AIM 1-1-7) o Ask what transponders are used for
o Ask the trainee how DME works o Have the PT define the types: of transponders
o How accurate is DME? o Ask what the difference between Mode S and C is
o What frequencies are reserved for DME? o What does ‘GND’ mode mean?
o Which navaids utilize DME? o When will the transponder cycle to ‘ALT’ automatically?
o What is a major weakness of DME?

3
SYSTEMS
 F.I.T. Aviation, LLC
INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE – GLASS AIRPLANE

Lesson 312a (1.0) Ground Stage 1

 ILS – (AIM 1-1-9 and Instrument Flying Handbook 9-35 to 42)
o Localizer
- Ask the trainee what the purpose of localizers are
- What are the frequencies of localizers?
- Have the pilot draw/explain the function and service volume of the localizer
- Within how many degrees must a localizer be aligned with the runway centerline?
- What is a back course and how is tracking one different than the front course?
- How wide is the localizer?
o Glideslope
- Are the frequencies the same as the localizer?
- How does the glideslope function
- What is the typical angle for glideslopes? How thick are they?
 Marker Beacons – (AIM 1-1-9)
○ Ask what marker beacons are used for
○ Have the trainee identify each beacon, their color, and Morse
 GPS – TSO-C129a – (AIM 1-1-19 and Instrument Flying Handbook 9-25 to 32)
o Principle of Operation
- Ask how GPS functions to derive location information
- How many satellites are required to define a fix?
- How many satellites are required for IFR?
o Components
- Ask the pilot in training to describe the 3 segments of the GPS system
o Modes of Operation
- How are GPS modes annunciated?
- Ask the trainee to describe the sensitivities of the different GPS modes
o Capabilities
- How do we know if a GPS unit can be used for IFR operations? For approaches?
- Does the GPS database need to be current to file IFR?
- Does the database need to be current to substitute NDB/VOR/DME? For approaches?
- When, if ever, can a pilot file IFR using a GPS approach for alternate planning?
o RAIM
- Ask the PT to describe RAIM and why it is important
- What are the requirements for RAIM?
- How does the pilot know if there is an integrity error?
- Ask the trainee to describe fault detection and exclusion
- Is RAIM necessary with WAAS equipment?
- What should be done if RAIM is lost enroute? During approach?
 WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) – TSO-C146 – (AIM 1-1-20 and Instrument Flying Handbook 9-32 to 33)
o Ask the pilot to describe the WAAS network and how it works
o State the function of WAAS and its benefits
o Is backup equipment required with WAAS? Is it not a good idea to have it?
 LAAS (Local Area Augmentation System) – (AIM 1-1-21 and Instrument Flying Handbook 9-33 to 35)
o What is the major difference between WAAS and LAAS?

RADIO AIDS TO NAVIGATION

 F.I.T. Aviation, LLC
INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE – GLASS AIRPLANE
Lesson 312a (1.0) Ground
WSI weather information is emphasized at FIT and should be taught. Other vendors, however, may be used.
 Weather Information
 Sources of Weather Information
• Review the differences between Official vs. Non-Official Weather Sources
o Weather Briefings - (AIM 7-1-4)
− Ask the pilot in training to describe the 3 weather briefings
o TIBS – (AIM 7-1-8)
− Telephone recording summarizing weather information for areas
− NOT considered an official briefing
− Exists to provide a preliminary briefing
 Weather Reports – (AC 00-45G)
• Text
o METAR/SPECI – Review the source of data
- Show examples & ask if filing is required
- Review less common precipitation
- Go over P####, 1####, 2####, etc.
- FIT METAR Decoder Link (T:\)
- Review SPECI criteria in AC 00-45G
- Where do METARs come from?
o PIREP
- What is the best feature of PIREPs?
- What is the difference between UA/UUA?
- What are the 4 intensities of icing?
- What are the 4 intensities of turbulence?
- What are the 3 frequencies of turbulence?
- Decode examples on WSI
• Charts
o Surface Analysis
- Review an example on WSI
- What is its purpose?
- How often is it issued?
- Review and interpret basic symbols
- Review fronts and pressure systems
o Weather Depiction
- Review an example on WSI
- What is its purpose?
- How often is it issued?
- Review basic symbols
o Radar Summary
- Review an example on WSI
- Are clouds depicted?
- How often is it issued?
- Review NA vs. NE
- Review modifiers such as: MESO,
HOOK, HAIL, TVS
o Constant Pressure Analysis
- Review an example on WSI or ADDS
- What is its purpose?
- How often is it issued?
- What are the contours on the chart?
− 850 mb for 5,000, 700 mb for 10,000…
5
WEATHER REPORTS AND FORECASTS
Stage 1
o Lifted/K Index – (WSI)
- Show an example on WSI
- How often is it issued?
- What is it used for?
- Interpret the numbers and contouring
- Ask for identification of stable/unstable areas
o Freezing Level Chart
- Show an example on WSI
- What is the purpose of the chart
- How often is it issued
- What does the blue shading mean?
- How is an inversion detected?
 Forecasts Products – (AC 00-45G)
• Text
o TAF
− How often are they issued?
− What is their duration?
− Ask what radius TAFs govern
− How do IFR pilots use these forecasts?
− Use an example and go over the fields:
− FROM, BCMG, TEMPO, PROB
o Area Forecast
− What is an area forecast and what is it used for?
− How often is it issued?
− Which areas are covered?
− What is its duration?
− What are the parts of an area forecast?
− Are cloud heights AGL or MSL?
o Winds Aloft (FB)
− Review an example on WSI
− How often are they issued?
− Are the winds true or magnetic?
− Beside the obvious, what information can the
forecast provide?
− Give an example of -50 and +100 coding
− When are winds/temperatures not depicted
• Charts
o Low Altitude Prognostic
- How often are they issued?
- How high does the forecast go?
- Open an example on ADDS or WSI
- Why are they used?
- Ask what the difference between the panels are
- Review symbols on the chart
o High Altitude Prognostic
- How often is it issued?
- What altitudes are covered?
- Open an example
- Why do we bother with this chart?
- Interpret the various symbols on the chart
 F.I.T. Aviation, LLC
INSTRUMENT RATING COURSE – GLASS AIRPLANE

Lesson 312a (1.0) Ground Stage 1

 Products for Aviation Hazards – (AC 00-45G)  -Flight Weather Services – (AC 00-45G)
o AIRMET (WA) o EFAS (Flight Watch) – (AIM 7-1-5)
− What are AIRMETs? - Ask who EFAS is
− Review schedule - How is Flight Watch contacted? Review time in service
− To whom are they important? - Which frequencies are used at low/high altitudes?
− Review the 3 types - Where are high altitude EFAS frequencies kept?
− Review the text & graphics o HIWAS
o SIGMET (WS) - What is HIWAS?
- What is a SIGMET? - How is HIWAS used?
- Review schedule - Review criteria
- What are the criteria of a SIGMET? - What radius will weather be reported?
o Convective SIGMET (WST) - Ask the trainee to find a HIWAS VOR
- What are Convective Sigmets? o LLWAS/TDWR/WSP – (AIM 7-1-26)
- Review schedule - Ask the pilot trainee how one can determine which
- Review criteria airports have these services
o Center Weather Advisory (CWA) - What are these services used for?
- Why are CWAs important?  Airport Weather– (AIM 7-1-12)
- How are CWAs disseminated? o Automatic Terminal Information Service
- Ask what their duration is - Review its service volume
- Review criteria - Where does ATIS weather come from?
- What is its duration? o Automated Weather/Surface/Sensor System
o Convective Outlook - Review differences between AWOS and ASOS
- What is its purpose? - Ask what kind of AWOS stations there are
- Have the trainee interpret an example - How can the type of AWOS be determined?
- Review issuance as necessary - Review limitations of AWOS/ASOS stations
- Ask what AWSS is
- Review service volumes

 Aircraft Systems Related To IFR Operations – (AC 91-51A, AC 91-74A, IFH)

 Known Icing Conditions
o What are known icing conditions?
o If there is an AIRMET Zulu, can we fly through it notwithstanding FIT’s ops manual?
o What is the difference between known ice and known icing conditions?
o Can we fly through icing conditions legally with deicing equipment?
 Induction Icing
o Review the circumstances for induction icing
 Instrument Icing
o Ask the trainee to explain types outside the pitot/static system
 Structural Icing
○ Ask what temperature range structural icing is possible
○ Ask what the adverse effects of structural icing are
○ Review the types
 Anti-Icing and Deicing Equipment
○ Ask the difference between anti-icing and deicing equipment
○ Ask the trainee to describe as many deicing/anti-icing systems as possible
○ Pay particular attention for these systems:
- Airfoil
- Propeller
- Windscreen
- Instrument
 DEBRIEF
• Critique performance
• Answer questions and schedule the next lesson
• Set up the 312b mock if not done already

o Short Term Assignment:

- §61.3(e) and 57
- §91.171 and 173
- AC 00-45G, WSI, and AIM Chapter 7 (Weather)
- Instrument Flying Handbook: 4-13 to the end (Icing)
- Instrument Flying Handbook: 9-25 through 9-34 (GPS/WAAS)
- AIM Chapter 1 (VOR, DME, LDA, SDF, ILS, Marker Beacons, GPS, WAAS)
- PHAK: Chapter 7 (Instruments and Deicing Systems)
- Avionics pilot guide handbook/PIM supplements (Aspen, G1000, Avidyne, G430)

6
ICING
WEATHER AND ICING