Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) Exam

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Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) Exam

The Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) Exam evaluates your ability to teach instrument flight, interpret regulations, and apply instructional techniques to help students become proficient in flying solely by reference to instruments. This includes both the written knowledge test and the practical exam (checkride). Here's a detailed guide to help you succeed:

CFII Written Knowledge Test

Exam Details

Format: 50 multiple-choice questions.
Passing Score: 70%.
Time Limit: 2 hours.
Focus:
- Instrument flying principles.
- Regulations and endorsements.
- Instrument approaches and procedures.
- Weather and decision-making.

Key Topics

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Knowledge:
- Enroute charts and approach plates.
- Alternate airport requirements.
- Lost communication procedures.
Navigation Systems:
- VOR, DME, GPS, RNAV, and ILS.
- Teaching holding patterns and intercepting/tracking radials.
Instrument Approaches:
- Precision (ILS, GLS) vs. non-precision (VOR, NDB, RNAV).
- Approach categories and decision altitude (DA)/minimum descent altitude (MDA).
- Missed approach and circling procedures.
Weather:
- Analysis of METARs, TAFs, and enroute weather charts.
- Use of weather radar and satellite imagery.
- Teaching avoidance of weather hazards (icing, turbulence).
Regulations:
- FAR Part 61 and 91 for instrument training and operations.
- CFII responsibilities, including endorsements.
Instrument Systems:
- Pitot-static, gyroscopic instruments, and the glass cockpit.
- Teaching failure recognition and partial panel flying.

Study Resources

ASA Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument Test Prep – Comprehensive question bank.
Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16) – Detailed approach and procedure guidance.
Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15) – Covers all instrument flight principles.

CFII Practical Exam (Checkride)

Exam Overview

Oral Portion:
- Covers teaching instrument flight, regulations, and scenario-based situations.
- Focuses on your ability to break down complex instrument topics for students.
Flight Portion:
- Demonstrates instructional ability and proficiency in instrument maneuvers.
- Includes teaching partial panel operations, holding patterns, and approaches.

Key Topics for Oral Exam

Teaching Instrument Flight
- IFR Flight Planning:
  - Create an IFR flight plan, explaining the selection of routes, alternates, and procedures.
- Approach Procedures:
  - Break down an ILS or RNAV approach for a student.
  - Teach how to identify approach waypoints and altitudes.
Regulations and Responsibilities
- Discuss CFII endorsements for students:
  - Proficiency checks.
  - Preparing for the instrument rating practical test.
- Explain currency requirements:
  - 6 approaches, holds, and tracking within the past 6 months (61.57(c)).
Navigation and Systems
- Navigation Instruments:
  - Teach how to use and interpret VOR, GPS, and ILS systems.
- Glass Cockpit Training:
  - Address differences in instruction for analog vs. glass cockpit aircraft.
Scenario-Based Teaching
- Teach a student how to handle an in-flight emergency:
  - Instrument failure.
  - Icing or turbulence encounters.
- Simulate lost communications (91.185) and describe the correct procedures.
Weather Analysis
- Explain how to teach students to:
  - Use a weather briefing for IFR flight.
  - Identify hazardous weather conditions using radar or satellite imagery.

Key Topics for Flight Exam

Preflight Briefing
- Provide a lesson plan for an IFR topic (e.g., ILS approaches).
- Discuss risk management using the PAVE checklist.
IFR Maneuvers
- Demonstrate and teach the following:
  - Holding Patterns:
    - Entry procedures (parallel, teardrop, direct).
    - Correcting for wind.
  - Precision Approaches:
    - ILS or LPV approaches.
    - Teaching proper glide slope and localizer tracking.
  - Non-Precision Approaches:
    - RNAV (GPS), VOR, or NDB approaches.
    - Demonstrate descent using step-down fixes or VNAV.
  - Missed Approach Procedures:
    - Explain how to teach missed approach initiation and navigation.
  - Partial Panel Operations:
    - Simulate failure of primary instruments and teach attitude flying.
  - Unusual Attitudes:
    - Teach recognition and recovery from nose-high/nose-low attitudes.
Postflight Debriefing
- Critique your own performance and that of your "student."
- Discuss how to address errors or misunderstandings.

Recommended Study Materials

Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15):
- Essential for instrument flight and teaching principles.
Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16):
- Focused on approach plates, procedures, and navigation techniques.
ASA CFII Oral Exam Guide:
- Practice questions for the oral portion.
FAR/AIM:
- Comprehensive reference for regulations and procedures.

Study Tips

Master Teaching Techniques:
- Practice explaining complex topics (e.g., approach procedures) to a friend.
- Break down maneuvers into simple, teachable steps.
Focus on Scenarios:
- Be prepared to answer "What if?" questions (e.g., "What if the glide slope fails during an approach?").
Know the Approach Plates:
- Be confident in reading and teaching instrument approach charts.
Practice Simulating Student Errors:
- Know how to correct common mistakes, such as improper entry into a hold or failure to maintain glide slope.
Be Thorough:
- Use lesson plans during the oral and flight portions to demonstrate preparedness.

Common Questions

Oral Exam:
- How do you teach a student to enter and fly a holding pattern?
- What are the alternate minimums for IFR flight?
- How would you handle a student consistently flying above the glide slope on an ILS approach?
Flight Exam:
- Teach and demonstrate an RNAV approach.
- Conduct a missed approach while explaining the procedure to a student.
- Demonstrate recovery from an unusual attitude while using partial panel instruments.

Final Tips for Success

Treat the examiner as your student—focus on teaching rather than just performing.
Keep answers concise but thorough, and refer to materials when necessary.
Stay calm, and approach every scenario with a logical and professional mindset.

Let me know if you'd like detailed lesson plans, specific scenarios, or additional practice questions!

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