CFI Oral Exam - Responsibilities as a CFI

Introduction

• Cheat Sheet PDF: Print and follow along to take notes.
• Engagement Tips: Listen, watch, and write to engage all senses.
• Thanks to Lufthansa Aviation Training USA: Sponsored the series, located in Goodyear, Arizona.

Responsibilities of a CFI

TSA Requirements for Flight Training

• Verify Citizenship (U.S. Students):
  • Allowed one discovery flight without verification.
  • Post-discovery, verify citizenship (passport or birth certificate).
  • Log verification as an endorsement in the logbook.
• Foreign Students:
  • Go through TSA Alien Flight Student Program.
  • Submit fingerprints, background check, and pay one-time fee.
  • Obtain TSA approval to train the student.

Security Awareness Training

• Required by TSA for CFIs: Annually renewed.
• Course Availability: Free on AOPA website, ~30 minutes.
• Completion Deadline: Within 60 days of hire date.

Citizenship Verification Requirements

• Not required for flight reviews, IPCs, or checkouts for already licensed pilots.

Student Endorsements and Certificates

Pre-Solo Requirements

• Written Exam Endorsement
• Competency Endorsement for make and model aircraft
• High-Performance Endorsement (e.g., Cirrus SR20 over 200 horsepower)

Student Pilot Certificate Process

• Application: Through IACRA, valid indefinitely, plastic card issued.
• Age Requirement: At least 16 years old.
• Language Proficiency: Verify English proficiency for non-native speakers.

Medical Certificates

• Validity: Varies by class (1 year for First Class under 40, 5 years for Third Class).
• Obtaining: AME locator on FAA website, fill out MedXPress application.
• Special Issuance: For medical deficiencies, consult AME or FSDO.

Medical Factors and Corrective Actions

Hypoxia

• Cause: High altitude, thin air.
• Symptoms: Blue fingertips/lips, feeling drunk.
• Action: Descend to lower altitude.

Hyperventilation

• Cause: Stress, rapid breathing.
• Symptoms: Lack of CO2 in blood, feeling dizzy.
• Action: Breathe into a paper bag, slow breathing.

Middle Ear/Sinus Problems

• Cause: Congestion, altitude changes.
• Symptoms: Ear pain, pressure imbalance.
• Action: Ascend if possible, swallow to equalize pressure, pinch nose and blow gently.

Spatial Disorientation

• Cause: Inner ear/visual illusions.
• Symptoms: Misinterpretation during maneuvers, especially in IMC.
• Action: Rely on instruments, practice under the hood.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Cause: Cabin heater with cracked exhaust manifold.
• Symptoms: Headache, nausea, throaty headache.
• Action: Turn off heater, open windows, land ASAP.

Fatigue and Stress

• Types: Acute (short-term), Chronic (long-term).
• Effects: Impaired judgment, delayed reactions.
• Action: Ensure adequate and quality rest.

Flight Review and Student Records

Flight Reviews

• Frequency: Every two years, minimum one-hour flight and ground training.
• Customized Training: Based on student’s flying habits and goals.
• Records Needed: Keep track of endorsements, test results, and passed/failed record for three years.

Logging Requirements

• Student Logbook: Sign every flight instruction, include dates, aircraft registration, and remarks.
• Instructor Logbook: Keep records of endorsements issued, pass/fail results.

Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance

Techniques

• Scanning: Break sky into 10-degree sections, move eyes, not just head.
• Collision Course Indicators: No relative motion, just getting bigger.
• Slow Down: Gives more time to react.

Night and Low Visibility Operations

• Night Operations: Ensure proper runway lighting, use red/green identification lights.
• Low Visibility: Taxi slower, use taxi charts, and progressive taxi instructions.

Runway Incursions and Taxi Procedures

Avoiding Incursions

• Use of iPads: Georeferenced taxi diagrams.
• Progressive Taxi Instructions: For unfamiliar airports.
• Hot Spots: Areas with a high risk of confusion, marked on taxi diagrams.

Importance of Communication

• Towered Airports: Roleplay ATC communications, know standard phrases.
• Non-Towered Airports: Simplified but equally important to understand and practice.

Conclusion

• Sponsorship Thanks: Lufthansa Aviation Training USA.
• Next Steps: Watch next session in the series for more topics on the CFI oral exam.