Flight Instructor ACS · Area VI
AI.VI Airport and Seaplane Base Operations
2 tasks and 30 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as AI.VI.A.K1, lands on its own line.
Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-25 (November 2023 edition), effective May 31, 2024 and incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 61.14. Text from the FAA’s ACS page, checked on 11 November 2026. If the FAA has published a newer edition since, the codes and wording may differ: the FAA document is the authority.
AI.VI.A Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
To determine the applicant understands communications, ATC light signals, and runway lighting systems and can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.VI.A.K1Knowledge
- How to obtain appropriate radio frequencies.
- AI.VI.A.K2Knowledge
- Proper radio communication procedures and air traffic control (ATC) phraseology.
- AI.VI.A.K3Knowledge
- ATC light signal recognition.
- AI.VI.A.K4Knowledge
- Appropriate use of transponder(s).
- AI.VI.A.K5Knowledge
- Lost communication procedures.
- AI.VI.A.K6Knowledge
- Equipment issues that could cause loss of communication.
- AI.VI.A.K7Knowledge
- Radar assistance.
- AI.VI.A.K8Knowledge
- Runway Status Lighting Systems.
- AI.VI.A.K9Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.VI.A.R1Risk management
- Communication.
- AI.VI.A.R2Risk management
- Deciding if and when to declare an emergency.
- AI.VI.A.S1Skill
- Select and activate appropriate frequencies.
- AI.VI.A.S2Skill
- Transmit using standard phraseology and procedures as specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Pilot/Controller Glossary.
- AI.VI.A.S3Skill
- Acknowledge radio communications and comply with ATC instructions or as directed by the evaluator.
- AI.VI.A.S4Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.VI.B Traffic Patterns
To determine the applicant understands traffic patterns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.VI.B.K1Knowledge
- Towered and nontowered airport operations.
- AI.VI.B.K2Knowledge
- Traffic pattern selection for the current conditions.
- AI.VI.B.K3Knowledge
- Right-of-way rules.
- AI.VI.B.K4Knowledge
- Use of automated weather and airport information.
- AI.VI.B.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.VI.B.R1Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.VI.B.R2Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.VI.B.R3Risk management
- Windshear and wake turbulence.
- AI.VI.B.S1Skill
- Identify and interpret airport/seaplane base runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting.
- AI.VI.B.S2Skill
- Comply with recommended traffic pattern procedures.
- AI.VI.B.S3Skill
- Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track.
- AI.VI.B.S4Skill
- Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use.
- AI.VI.B.S5Skill
- Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots.
- AI.VI.B.S6Skill
- Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern.
- AI.VI.B.S7Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Other areas in this standard
Keeping a flying club current
FlightWay is flying club software. It tracks each member’s flight review and medical expiry and can refuse a booking that would break the club’s currency rules, alongside scheduling, billing and the club’s books.
Last updated 11 November 2026.