How to Impress Examiners with Your CFI Lesson Plans
Jan 29, 2025As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) candidate, one of the most important tools in your teaching arsenal is your lesson plan book. Kenny Keller, creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), dives into the best practices for developing these crucial documents. From the value of creating your own lesson plans to the pros and cons of digital versus paper formats, this blog post will expand on the insights shared in the episode.
The Importance of Creating Your Own Lesson Plans
One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the importance of crafting your own lesson plans. Kenny Keller emphasizes that while some candidates opt to buy pre-made lesson plans, this approach may not be the most effective. He recounts an instance where an examiner questioned an applicant who had purchased a lesson plan book. The examiner expressed a preference for self-made lesson plans, as they demonstrate a candidate's deep familiarity with the material.
Creating personalized lesson plans requires a thorough understanding of the subject at hand. Kenny shares his own experience, noting that he used a traditional notebook to write out his plans. He meticulously detailed each maneuver and aerodynamic lesson, directly referencing the helicopter flying handbook. This method not only helped him internalize the information but also provided a strong foundation for his teaching style.
Learning Through Repetition
Writing out lesson plans by hand is a method Kenny advocates for, as it reinforces learning through repetition. He recalls making notes for every maneuver, which helped him absorb the material more effectively. This technique also proved beneficial in practical scenarios—Kenny found that the verbiage he wrote out long ago still guides how he explains concepts in the helicopter today.
Digital vs. Paper Lesson Plans
A tacked on question adds: Do examiners have a preference between digital and paper lesson plans? Kenny's response suggests that both formats are acceptable, and the choice largely depends on the candidate’s comfort and teaching style.
For instance, Kenny describes how one of their CFIs used a laptop connected to a screen for a lesson, a method that was well-received by the examiner. Kenny himself has used PowerPoint presentations during check-rides, proving that digital lesson plans can be effective. However, he points out that whether you choose paper or digital, the key is to be engaging and informative.
Engagement Through Visual Aids
Regardless of the format, Kenny stresses the importance of using visual aids to enhance your teaching. He encourages CFIs to be animated, using physical models, diagrams, and their own bodies to illustrate concepts. For example, when discussing topics like the advancing blade or the retreating blade, using arm motions can make explanations more vivid and memorable for students. This dynamic approach not only aids in knowledge retention but also keeps the examiner engaged.
Standing vs. Sitting: The Physicality of Teaching
One intriguing tip Kenny offers is to conduct lessons standing up rather than sitting down. He believes that standing makes the presentation more dynamic, allowing the instructor to move around, use visual aids more effectively, and maintain a higher level of energy. It turns the lesson into more of a performance, which can make it more engaging for students and examiners alike.
The Value of Movement
Moving around and using different teaching tools can make lessons more interesting and can help keep the examinee or student awake and engaged. By standing, you can better interact with the materials at hand, be it a whiteboard, a model helicopter, or a diagram from a handbook. This approach allows for a more interactive and immersive teaching experience.
Final Thoughts: Be the Teacher You’d Want to Learn From
In summary, whether you opt for paper or digital lesson plans, the critical factor is your engagement and depth of knowledge. Creating your own lesson plans helps you internalize the material, while using a variety of visual aids and teaching tools can make your presentations more dynamic and memorable. Stand up, move around, and bring the material to life in a way that captivates your audience.
By following these guidelines, you won’t just prepare for your CFI rating—you’ll set the stage for a successful career in aviation instruction. Remember, the effort you put into creating your lesson plans will pay off not just during your examination, but throughout your teaching journey.
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