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How to go about Part 61 Instrument Students

Asked by: 2299 views
Flight Instructor, Instrument Rating

I have a student who's private I did and now he wants to do his instrument  rating. This is my first instrument student. He wants to do part 61 (long story). To any CFIIs who have taught part 61 instrument what's the best way you've found to go about doing grounds and introducing new material as in how do you start, and how do you conduct the grounds. Just a ground on Holds, or a specific topic you personally wanna do that one day then fly it? It's less organized than 141, so I just wanted to ask and see if any of you guys had any like specific order the way you liked to do things. 

More of just asking for suggestions from people who have done it a bunch instead of just thinking it up as I go. Been teaching private students for 8 months and been a CFII for 2. Open to anything. 

Thanks 

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2 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    Eric H on Jan 05, 2017

    I would recommend doing what every CFI should do, follow a syllabus. Since this is your first Instrument student, use one that is available to you either through your 141 school, ASA (I think they have a free syllabus online), Sporty’s, or Jeppesen to name a few. If you are feeling really adventurous create your own, but I would get a couple instrument students under your belt before creating your own since there is a “process” of how to learn instruments.

    Make sure that you make time for teaching your student on the ground. Just like in primary training, there is a lot of things the FAA thinks is important on the knowledge test, and then there are the “real world” things that happen in the IFR system. If at all possible, have them complete their knowledge test before they start training, it will make their (and your life) a lot easier.

    For me, the first thing I work on with students is their scan. That is the foundation of every instrument pilot. I generally allocate at least 8-10 hours (at least) to help students figure out the scan. That includes things like having all the instruments, partial panel, unusual attitudes, etc. Once they have that solid foundation, then I start working in approaches, and cross countries. You will find out how your student’s scan is when you start doing approaches. I assure you that if it isn’t good, you will know quickly!

    My final recommendation, is that you need to make sure your students get actual IFR with you before the checkride. And if at all possible, make sure they do some simulated (or actual) IFR at night. While the FARs don’t require any specific amount of day/night IFR time, there is a difference and it is helpful to have experience in as many different flight environments as possible.

    Good luck with your student!

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  2. Gary Moore on Jan 05, 2017

    i agree with Eric – I’d also recommend your student find a good ‘instrument ground school’ – probably the local community college or flight school has one….

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