Flight Instructor ACS · Area VIII
AI.VIII Fundamentals of Flight
4 tasks and 36 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as AI.VIII.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.VIII.A Straight-and-Level Flight
To determine the applicant understands straight-and-level flight, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.VIII.A.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for proper straight-and-level flight.
- AI.VIII.A.K2Knowledge
- Flight control and trim use.
- AI.VIII.A.K3Knowledge
- The pilot's visual references when performing the maneuver.
- AI.VIII.A.K4Knowledge
- Integrated flight instruction.
- AI.VIII.A.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.VIII.A.R1Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.VIII.A.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.VIII.A.S1Skill
- Establish and maintain straight-and-level flight.
- AI.VIII.A.S2Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.VIII.B Level Turns
To determine the applicant understands level turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.VIII.B.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for level turns.
- AI.VIII.B.K2Knowledge
- Flight control and trim use.
- AI.VIII.B.K3Knowledge
- The pilot's visual references when performing the maneuver.
- AI.VIII.B.K4Knowledge
- Integrated flight instruction.
- AI.VIII.B.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.VIII.B.R1Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.VIII.B.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.VIII.B.S1Skill
- Establish, maintain, and roll out of a level turn.
- AI.VIII.B.S2Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.VIII.C Straight Climbs and Climbing Turns
To determine the applicant understands straight climbs and climbing turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.VIII.C.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for straight climbs and climbing turns.
- AI.VIII.C.K2Knowledge
- Flight control and trim use.
- AI.VIII.C.K3Knowledge
- The pilot's visual references when performing the maneuver.
- AI.VIII.C.K4Knowledge
- Integrated flight instruction.
- AI.VIII.C.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.VIII.C.R1Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.VIII.C.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.VIII.C.S1Skill
- Establish, maintain, and level off from climbs and climbing turns.
- AI.VIII.C.S2Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.VIII.D Straight Descents and Descending Turns
To determine the applicant understands straight descents and descending turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.VIII.D.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for straight descents and descending turns.
- AI.VIII.D.K2Knowledge
- Flight control and trim use.
- AI.VIII.D.K3Knowledge
- The pilot's visual references when performing the maneuver.
- AI.VIII.D.K4Knowledge
- Integrated flight instruction.
- AI.VIII.D.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.VIII.D.R1Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.VIII.D.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.VIII.D.S1Skill
- Establish, maintain, and level off from straight descents and descending turns.
- AI.VIII.D.S2Skill
- 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.