Preparing for Your Flight Training Program
For the CFI Program
Aerodynamics and Stall and Spin Awareness
New CFIs must be able to “demonstrate instructional knowledge” of aerodynamics. According to the Introduction section of the CFI PTS, instructional knowledge means:
“...the instructor applicant is capable of using the appropriate reference to provide the “application or correlative level of knowledge” of a subject matter topic, procedure, or maneuver. It also means that the flight instructor applicant's discussions, explanations, and descriptions should follow the recommended teaching procedures and techniques explained in the FAA-H-8083-9A, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook”
Simply put, you need to know everything there is to know about CFI PTS Area of Operation II, Task C - Principles of Flight, and know how to find the information in the listed reference material for that task. Study these areas in particular:
- Airfoil design characteristics
- Airplane stability and controllability
- Turning tendency
- Load factors in airplane design
- Wingtip vortices and precautions to be taken
Instructor applicants can find great information about aerodynamics and stall and spin awareness from the following resources:
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A): CHAP 3 & 4
- AC 61-67C - Stall and Spin Awareness Training
- AOPA Interactive Course - Essential Aerodynamics: Stalls, Spins, and Safety
