Flight Instructor ACS · Area IX
AI.IX Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers
6 tasks and 131 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as AI.IX.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.IX.A Steep Turns
To determine the applicant understands steep turns, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.IX.A.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for steep turn.
- AI.IX.A.K2Knowledge
- Pilot sensations and control forces.
- AI.IX.A.K3Knowledge
- Aerodynamics associated with steep turns, including:
- AI.IX.A.K3aKnowledge
- Maintaining coordinated flight
- AI.IX.A.K3bKnowledge
- Overbanking tendencies
- AI.IX.A.K3cKnowledge
- Maneuvering speed, including the impact of weight changes
- AI.IX.A.K3dKnowledge
- Load factor and accelerated stalls
- AI.IX.A.K3eKnowledge
- Rate and radius of turn
- AI.IX.A.K4Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.IX.A.R1Risk management
- Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- AI.IX.A.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.IX.A.R3Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.IX.A.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.IX.A.R5Risk management
- Uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.A.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.IX.A.S2Skill
- Establish the manufacturer's recommended airspeed; or if one is not available, an airspeed not to exceed maneuvering speed (VA).
- AI.IX.A.S3Skill
- Roll into a coordinated 360° steep turn with approximately a 50° bank.
- AI.IX.A.S4Skill
- Perform the Task in the opposite direction.
- AI.IX.A.S5Skill
- Maintain the entry altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±10 knots, bank ±5°, and roll out on the entry heading ±10°.
- AI.IX.A.S6Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.IX.B Steep Spiral (ASEL, ASES)
To determine the applicant understands steep spirals, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.IX.B.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for a proper steep spiral.
- AI.IX.B.K2Knowledge
- Relationship to emergency landing procedures.
- AI.IX.B.K3Knowledge
- Maintaining a constant radius about a point.
- AI.IX.B.K4Knowledge
- Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.
- AI.IX.B.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.IX.B.R1Risk management
- Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- AI.IX.B.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.IX.B.R3Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.IX.B.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.IX.B.R5Risk management
- Uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.B.R6Risk management
- Effects of wind.
- AI.IX.B.R7Risk management
- Airframe or airspeed limitations.
- AI.IX.B.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.IX.B.S2Skill
- Select an altitude sufficient to continue through a series of at least three, 360° turns.
- AI.IX.B.S3Skill
- Establish and maintain a steep spiral, not to exceed 60° angle of bank, to maintain a constant radius about a suitable ground reference point.
- AI.IX.B.S4Skill
- Apply wind-drift correction to track a constant radius circle around selected reference point with bank not to exceed 60° a steepest point in turn.
- AI.IX.B.S5Skill
- Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight.
- AI.IX.B.S6Skill
- Maintain the specified airspeed, ±10 knots and roll out toward an object or specified heading, ±10°, and complete the maneuver no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
- AI.IX.B.S7Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.IX.C Chandelles (ASEL, ASES)
To determine the applicant understands chandelles, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks,
- AI.IX.C.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for chandelles.
- AI.IX.C.K2Knowledge
- Aerodynamics associated with chandelles, including:
- AI.IX.C.K2aKnowledge
- Maintaining coordinated flight
- AI.IX.C.K2bKnowledge
- Overbanking tendencies
- AI.IX.C.K2cKnowledge
- Maneuvering speed, including the impact of weight changes
- AI.IX.C.K2dKnowledge
- Accelerated stalls
- AI.IX.C.K3Knowledge
- Appropriate airplane configuration for maximum performance climb.
- AI.IX.C.K4Knowledge
- Proper pitch control required for continuously decreasing airspeed.
- AI.IX.C.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.IX.C.R1Risk management
- Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- AI.IX.C.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.IX.C.R3Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.IX.C.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.IX.C.R5Risk management
- Uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.C.R6Risk management
- Energy management.
- AI.IX.C.R7Risk management
- Rate and radius of turn with confined area operations.
- AI.IX.C.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.IX.C.S2Skill
- Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
- AI.IX.C.S3Skill
- Establish the appropriate entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
- AI.IX.C.S4Skill
- Establish the angle of bank at approximately 30°.
- AI.IX.C.S5Skill
- Simultaneously apply power and pitch to maintain a smooth, coordinated climbing turn, in either direction, to the 90° point, with a constant bank and continuously decreasing airspeed.
- AI.IX.C.S6Skill
- Begin a coordinated constant rate rollout from the 90° point to the 180° point maintaining power and a constant pitch attitude.
- AI.IX.C.S7Skill
- Complete rollout at the 180° point, ±10° just above a stall airspeed, and maintaining that airspeed momentarily avoiding a stall.
- AI.IX.C.S8Skill
- Resume a straight-and-level flight with minimum loss of altitude.
- AI.IX.C.S9Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.IX.D Lazy Eights (ASEL, ASES)
To determine the applicant understands lazy eights, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.IX.D.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for lazy eights.
- AI.IX.D.K2Knowledge
- Aerodynamics associated with lazy eights, including how to maintain coordinated flight.
- AI.IX.D.K3Knowledge
- Performance and airspeed limitations.
- AI.IX.D.K4Knowledge
- Phases of the lazy eight maneuver from entry to recovery.
- AI.IX.D.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.IX.D.R1Risk management
- Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- AI.IX.D.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.IX.D.R3Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.IX.D.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.IX.D.R5Risk management
- Uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.D.R6Risk management
- Energy management.
- AI.IX.D.R7Risk management
- Accelerated stalls.
- AI.IX.D.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.IX.D.S2Skill
- Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).
- AI.IX.D.S3Skill
- Establish the recommended entry configuration, power, and airspeed.
- AI.IX.D.S4Skill
- Maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
- AI.IX.D.S5Skill
- Complete the maneuver in accordance with the following:
- AI.IX.D.S5aSkill
- Approximately 30° bank at the steepest point
- AI.IX.D.S5bSkill
- Constant change of pitch and roll rate and airspeed
- AI.IX.D.S5cSkill
- Altitude at 180° point, ±100 feet from entry altitude
- AI.IX.D.S5dSkill
- Airspeed at the 180° point, ±10 knots from entry airspeed
- AI.IX.D.S5eSkill
- Heading at the 180° point, ±10°
- AI.IX.D.S6Skill
- Continue the maneuver through the number of symmetrical loops specified, then resume straight-and- level flight.
- AI.IX.D.S7Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.IX.E Ground Reference Maneuvers
To determine the applicant understands ground reference maneuvers, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.IX.E.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for ground reference maneuvers.
- AI.IX.E.K2Knowledge
- Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference.
- AI.IX.E.K3Knowledge
- Effects of bank angle and groundspeed on rate and radius of turn.
- AI.IX.E.K4Knowledge
- Relationship of rectangular course to airport traffic pattern.
- AI.IX.E.K5Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.IX.E.R1Risk management
- Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- AI.IX.E.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.IX.E.R3Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.IX.E.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.IX.E.R5Risk management
- Uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.E.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.IX.E.S2Skill
- Select a suitable ground reference area, line, or point as appropriate.
- AI.IX.E.S3Skill
- Plan the maneuver:
- AI.IX.E.S3aSkill
- Rectangular course: enter a left or right pattern, 600 to 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area, 45° to the downwind leg
- AI.IX.E.S3bSkill
- S-turns: enter perpendicular to the selected reference line, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area
- AI.IX.E.S3cSkill
- Turns around a point: enter at an appropriate distance from the reference point, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area
- AI.IX.E.S4Skill
- Apply adequate wind-drift correction during straight and turning flight to maintain a constant ground track around a rectangular reference area, or to maintain a constant radius turn on each side of a selected reference line or point.
- AI.IX.E.S5Skill
- If performing S-Turns, reverse the turn directly over the selected reference line; if performing turns around a point, complete turns in either direction, as specified by the evaluator.
- AI.IX.E.S6Skill
- Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight.
- AI.IX.E.S7Skill
- Maintain altitude ±100 feet; maintain airspeed ±10 knots.
- AI.IX.E.S8Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.IX.F Eights on Pylons (ASEL, ASES)
To determine the applicant understands eights on pylons, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.IX.F.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for eights on pylons.
- AI.IX.F.K2Knowledge
- Aerodynamics associated with the eights on pylons, including coordinated and uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.F.K3Knowledge
- Pivotal altitude and factors that affect it.
- AI.IX.F.K4Knowledge
- Effect of wind on ground track.
- AI.IX.F.K5Knowledge
- Phases of the eights on pylons maneuver from entry to recovery.
- AI.IX.F.K6Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.IX.F.R1Risk management
- Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation.
- AI.IX.F.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.IX.F.R3Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.IX.F.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.IX.F.R5Risk management
- Uncoordinated flight.
- AI.IX.F.R6Risk management
- Energy management.
- AI.IX.F.R7Risk management
- Emergency landing considerations.
- AI.IX.F.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.IX.F.S2Skill
- Determine the approximate pivotal altitude.
- AI.IX.F.S3Skill
- Select suitable pylons that permits straight-and-level flight between the pylons.
- AI.IX.F.S4Skill
- Enter the maneuver in the correct direction and position using an appropriate altitude and airspeed.
- AI.IX.F.S5Skill
- Establish the correct bank angle for the conditions, not to exceed 40°.
- AI.IX.F.S6Skill
- Apply smooth and continuous corrections so that the line-of-sight reference line remains on the pylon.
- AI.IX.F.S7Skill
- Divide attention between accurate, coordinated airplane control and outside visual references.
- AI.IX.F.S8Skill
- Maintain pylon position using appropriate pivotal altitude, avoiding slips and skids.
- AI.IX.F.S9Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Other areas in this standard
FI.I Fundamentals of Instructing6 tasksAI.II Technical Subject Areas16 tasksAI.III Preflight Preparation3 tasksAI.IV Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight1 taskAI.V Preflight Procedures6 tasksAI.VI Airport and Seaplane Base Operations2 tasksAI.VII Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds15 tasksAI.VIII Fundamentals of Flight4 tasksAI.X Slow flight, Stalls, and Spins9 tasksAI.XI Basic Instrument Maneuvers5 tasksAI.XII Emergency Operations7 tasksAI.XIII Multiengine Operations3 tasksAI.XIV Postflight Procedures2 tasks
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Last updated 11 November 2026.