Pacific Skies Aviation offers initial Certified Flight Instructor Training to qualified candidates. Our program is taught by the Chief and Assistant Chief Instructor and includes Spin and High Performance endorsements. The program allows for group instruction, as well as giving opportunities for candidates to observe from the back seat during instructional flights. Flight Instructor candidates are also given the chance to practice their developing classroom teaching skills on students under instructor supervision. 

 

Ground Instruction

The majority of the training for the initial Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL) Flight Instructor Certificate is comprised of ground instruction. This includes learning educational theory,  flight instructor responsibilities and the development of lesson plans. Instructor candidates will have the opportunity to practice delivering lessons both to their instructors, and to PSA students.

 

Flight Instruction

The flight portion, develops the ability to fly and teach all maneuvers up to the commercial level from the right hand seat. Candidates are offered the opportunity to fly back seat with other candidates in the program, as well as observing qualified instructions during their ground and flight lessons (dependent on student approval). Candidates also have the option of practicing their flight maneuver lessons in PSA's full motion flight simulator, either by themselves or with other candidates.

 

Knowledge Tests

Candidates are highly recommended to have completed the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) knowledge tests before beginning training.

 

What do I need to know before I start?

Flight Instructor candidates are expected to enter the program as Commercial Certificate holders, implying that their flying skills and ground knowledge is at a commercial level. Instructors are happy to help to get your skills and knowledge back up to this level, but remember it will require additional time and study.

 

Spin Endorsement

Flight Instructor Spin Endorsements are taught in both the Cessna 172 and the Super Decathlon with the Chief Instructor. We are of the firm belief candidates need to have a solid foundation in spin / stall recognition and recovery. It is our goal to make confident and safe instructors.

 

What is covered during the course?

  • Regulations
  • Fundamentals of Instruction
  • Flight Instructor Responsibilities
  • Other Certificate Requirements
  • Endorsements
  • Lesson plans
  • Flight Proficiency and Maneuvers

Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor ASEL Practical Test Standards

FAR / AIM

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Aviation Instructor's Handbook

Airplane Flying Handbook

Advanced Pilot's Flight Manual - Kershner

Airplane Flight Manual - Cessna TR182 (D1178-13)

3" binder with dividers

Spiral notebook

Tabs and Highlighters

 

Other Resources

AC 61-65G - Endorsements

AC 61-98C - Flight Review

Conducting an Effective Flight Review

Instructor candidates utilize the Cessna 172 as their training aircraft. Instructor candidates learn to:

  • Re-orientate their sight picture sitting in the right hand seat
  • Spin training in the aircraft most instructors will end up teaching in
  • Teaching all private and commercial maneuvers from the right hand seat

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft Rates

Cessna 172 $175/hr

Instructor $85 - $100/hr

 

Proficiency and Readiness

The amount of time spent on ground and flight instruction varies depending on the proficiency of the student on entering the course. Candidates can save time and money by ensuring their knowledge and flying skills are at a commercial level before the course commences.