Flight Instructor ACS · Area II

AI.II Technical Subject Areas

16 tasks and 255 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as AI.II.A.K1, lands on its own line.

Written by the FlightWay team. Regulations checked against the eCFR and faa.gov on 11 November 2026. Not a substitute for the regulation itself or your instructor.

AI.II.A Human Factors

To determine the applicant understands personal health, flight physiology, aeromedical and human factors, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.A.K1Knowledge

Symptoms, recognition, causes, effects, and corrective actions associated with aeromedical and physiological issues, including:

AI.II.A.K1aKnowledge

Hypoxia

AI.II.A.K1bKnowledge

Hyperventilation

AI.II.A.K1cKnowledge

Middle ear and sinus problems

AI.II.A.K1dKnowledge

Spatial disorientation

AI.II.A.K1eKnowledge

Motion sickness

AI.II.A.K1fKnowledge

Carbon monoxide poisoning

AI.II.A.K1gKnowledge

Stress

AI.II.A.K1hKnowledge

Fatigue

AI.II.A.K1iKnowledge

Dehydration and nutrition

AI.II.A.K1jKnowledge

Hypothermia

AI.II.A.K1kKnowledge

Optical illusions

AI.II.A.K1lKnowledge

Dissolved nitrogen in the bloodstream after scuba dives

AI.II.A.K2Knowledge

Regulations regarding use of alcohol and drugs.

AI.II.A.K3Knowledge

Effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-the-counter medications.

AI.II.A.K4Knowledge

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) to include using Crew Resource Management (CRM) or Single- Pilot Resource Management (SRM), as appropriate.

AI.II.A.R1Risk management

Aeromedical and physiological issues.

AI.II.A.R2Risk management

Hazardous attitudes.

AI.II.A.R3Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.II.A.R4Risk management

Confirmation and expectation bias.

AI.II.A.S1Skill

Associate the symptoms and effects for at least three of the conditions listed in K1a through K1l with the cause(s) and corrective action(s).

AI.II.A.S2Skill

Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, for actual flight or a scenario given by the evaluator.

AI.II.B Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance

To determine the applicant understands visual scanning and collision avoidance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate pilot-in-command skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.B.K1Knowledge

Environmental conditions that degrade vision.

AI.II.B.K2Knowledge

Vestibular and visual illusions.

AI.II.B.K3Knowledge

"See and Avoid" responsibilities.

AI.II.B.K4Knowledge

Visual scanning procedure and the importance of peripheral vision.

AI.II.B.K5Knowledge

Aircraft blind spots and clearing procedures.

AI.II.B.K6Knowledge

Visual cues of an impending mid-air collision.

AI.II.B.K7Knowledge

Situations that create the greatest collision risk.

AI.II.B.K8Knowledge

Division of attention inside and outside the aircraft.

AI.II.B.R1Risk management

Distractions to visual scanning.

AI.II.B.R2Risk management

Relaxed intermediate focal distance.

AI.II.B.R3Risk management

High volume operational environments.

AI.II.B.R4Risk management

Collision reaction time.

AI.II.B.R5Risk management

Use of a safety pilot.

AI.II.B.S1Skill

Effectively scan using short regularly spaced eye movements.

AI.II.B.S2Skill

Scan around physical obstructions.

AI.II.B.S3Skill

Use appropriate visual scanning techniques.

AI.II.B.S4Skill

Use electronic traffic alert systems, if available.

AI.II.C Runway Incursion Avoidance

To determine the applicant understands runway incursion avoidance, can apply that knowledge, manage

AI.II.C.K1Knowledge

Runway incursion definition.

AI.II.C.K2Knowledge

Taxi instructions/clearances.

AI.II.C.K3Knowledge

The importance of recording taxi instructions and reviewing taxi routes on the airport diagram.

AI.II.C.K4Knowledge

Airport markings, signs, and lights including the importance of hold lines associated with runways.

AI.II.C.K5Knowledge

Appropriate flight deck activities during taxiing, including taxi route planning, briefing the location of Hot Spots, communicating and coordinating with ATC.

AI.II.C.K6Knowledge

Communication and operational procedures at uncontrolled airports.

AI.II.C.R1Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.II.C.R2Risk management

Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.

AI.II.C.R3Risk management

Entering or crossing runways.

AI.II.C.R4Risk management

Night taxi operations.

AI.II.C.R5Risk management

Low visibility taxi operations.

AI.II.C.R6Risk management

Runway incursion after landing.

AI.II.C.R7Risk management

Operating on taxiways between parallel runways.

AI.II.C.S1Skill

Deliver instruction on the elements and techniques for runway incursion avoidance.

AI.II.D Principles of Flight

To determine the applicant understands aerodynamics appropriate to the desired instructor certificate, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.D.K1Knowledge

Airfoil design characteristics.

AI.II.D.K2Knowledge

Airplane stability, maneuverability and controllability.

AI.II.D.K3Knowledge

Turning tendency (e.g., torque, p-factor, spiraling slipstream, and gyroscopic precession).

AI.II.D.K4Knowledge

Forces acting on an airplane.

AI.II.D.K5Knowledge

Load factors in airplane design.

AI.II.D.K6Knowledge

Wingtip vortices and appropriate precautions.

AI.II.D.R1Risk management

The basic aerodynamic principles of flight.

AI.II.D.S1Skill

Deliver instruction on principles of flight, including at least three of the elements listed in K1 through K6.

AI.II.E Aircraft Flight Controls and Operation of Systems

To determine the applicant understands flight controls and systems on the airplane provided for the flight test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.E.K1Knowledge

Airplane systems, including:

AI.II.E.K1aKnowledge

Primary flight controls

AI.II.E.K1bKnowledge

Secondary flight controls

AI.II.E.K1cKnowledge

Powerplant and propeller

AI.II.E.K1dKnowledge

Landing gear

AI.II.E.K1eKnowledge

Fuel, oil, and hydraulic

AI.II.E.K1fKnowledge

Electrical

AI.II.E.K1gKnowledge

Avionics

AI.II.E.K1hKnowledge

Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments

AI.II.E.K1iKnowledge

Environmental

AI.II.E.K1jKnowledge

Deicing and anti-icing

AI.II.E.K1kKnowledge

Water rudders (ASES, AMES)

AI.II.E.K1lKnowledge

Oxygen system

AI.II.E.K2Knowledge

Indications of and procedures for managing system abnormalities or failures.

AI.II.E.R1Risk management

Detection of system malfunctions or failures.

AI.II.E.R2Risk management

Management of a system failure.

AI.II.E.R3Risk management

Monitoring and management of automated systems.

AI.II.E.R4Risk management

Providing instruction in unfamiliar aircraft or operating with unfamiliar flight display systems and avionics.

AI.II.E.S1Skill

Operate at least three of the systems listed in K1a through K1l appropriately.

AI.II.F Performance and Limitations

To determine the applicant understands aircraft performance and limitations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.F.K1Knowledge

Elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of charts, tables, and data to determine performance.

AI.II.F.K2Knowledge

Factors affecting performance, including:

AI.II.F.K2aKnowledge

Atmospheric conditions

AI.II.F.K2bKnowledge

Pilot technique

AI.II.F.K2cKnowledge

Airplane configuration

AI.II.F.K2dKnowledge

Airport environment

AI.II.F.K2eKnowledge

Loading and weight and balance

AI.II.F.K3Knowledge

Weight and balance terms, including: basic empty weight, maximum gross weight, arm, moment, reference datum, center of gravity (CG) and CG limits, and useful load.

AI.II.F.K4Knowledge

Methods for computing CG.

AI.II.F.K5Knowledge

Aerodynamics.

AI.II.F.R1Risk management

Use of performance charts, tables, and data.

AI.II.F.R2Risk management

Airplane limitations.

AI.II.F.R3Risk management

Possible differences between calculated performance and actual performance.

AI.II.F.R4Risk management

Exceeding weight limits.

AI.II.F.R5Risk management

Operating outside of CG limits.

AI.II.F.R6Risk management

Shifting, adding, and removing weight.

AI.II.F.S1Skill

Use the appropriate airplane performance charts, tables, and data.

AI.II.F.S2Skill

Compute the weight and balance, correct out-of-center of gravity loading errors and determine if the weight and balance remains within limits during all phases of flight.

AI.II.G National Airspace System

To determine the applicant understands the National Airspace System, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.G.K1Knowledge

Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.

AI.II.G.K2Knowledge

Chart symbols.

AI.II.G.K3Knowledge

Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.

AI.II.G.K4Knowledge

Currency of publications.

AI.II.G.K5Knowledge

Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.

AI.II.G.R1Risk management

Various classes and types of airspace.

AI.II.G.S1Skill

Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.

AI.II.G.S2Skill

Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.

AI.II.G.S3Skill

Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.

AI.II.H Navigation Systems and Radar Services

To determine the applicant understands navigation systems and radar services, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.H.K1Knowledge

Ground-based navigation (identification, orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, and signal integrity).

AI.II.H.K2Knowledge

Satellite-based navigation (e.g., equipment, regulations, authorized use of databases, and Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)).

AI.II.H.K3Knowledge

Radar assistance to visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft (e.g., operations, equipment, available services, traffic advisories).

AI.II.H.K4Knowledge

Transponder (Mode(s) A, C, and S) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

AI.II.H.R1Risk management

Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.

AI.II.H.R2Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.II.H.R3Risk management

Limitations of the navigation system in use.

AI.II.H.R4Risk management

Loss of a navigation signal.

AI.II.H.R5Risk management

Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.

AI.II.H.S1Skill

Use an airborne electronic navigation system.

AI.II.H.S2Skill

Determine the airplane's position using the navigation system.

AI.II.H.S3Skill

Intercept and track a given course, radial, or bearing.

AI.II.H.S4Skill

Recognize and describe the indication of station or waypoint passage.

AI.II.H.S5Skill

Use proper communication procedures when utilizing radar services.

AI.II.I Navigation and Cross-Country Flight Planning

To determine the applicant understands navigation and cross-country flight planning, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.I.K1Knowledge

Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities.

AI.II.I.K2Knowledge

Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, visual flight rules (VFR) cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.

AI.II.I.K3Knowledge

Plotting a course.

AI.II.I.K4Knowledge

Power setting selection.

AI.II.I.K5Knowledge

Calculating:

AI.II.I.K5aKnowledge

Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed

AI.II.I.K5bKnowledge

Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)

AI.II.I.K5cKnowledge

Fuel requirements, including reserve

AI.II.I.K6Knowledge

Elements of a VFR flight plan.

AI.II.I.K7Knowledge

Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.

AI.II.I.K8Knowledge

Procedures for activating and closing a VFR flight plan.

AI.II.I.K9Knowledge

Magnetic compass errors.

AI.II.I.K10Knowledge

Pilotage and dead reckoning.

AI.II.I.K11Knowledge

Planned calculations versus actual results and required corrections.

AI.II.I.K12Knowledge

Diversion and lost procedures.

AI.II.I.K13Knowledge

Inflight intercept procedures.

AI.II.I.K14Knowledge

Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.

AI.II.I.K15Knowledge

Chart symbols.

AI.II.I.R1Risk management

Pilot.

AI.II.I.R2Risk management

Aircraft.

AI.II.I.R3Risk management

Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).

AI.II.I.R4Risk management

External pressures.

AI.II.I.R5Risk management

Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.

AI.II.I.R6Risk management

Fuel planning.

AI.II.I.S1Skill

Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis to the first fuel stop.

AI.II.I.S2Skill

Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative to airport, runway and taxiway closures; and other flight publications.

AI.II.I.S3Skill

Create a navigation plan and simulate filing a VFR flight plan.

AI.II.I.S4Skill

Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.

AI.II.J 14 CFR and Publications

To determine the applicant understands the Code of Federal Regulations and other relevant publications, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.J.K1Knowledge

14 CFR parts 1, 61, and 91.

AI.II.J.K2Knowledge

49 CFR part 830.

AI.II.J.K3Knowledge

Advisory Circulars, INFOs, and SAFOs.

AI.II.J.K4Knowledge

Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards.

AI.II.J.K5Knowledge

Pilot's Operating Handbooks or flight manuals.

AI.II.J.K6Knowledge

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

AI.II.J.R1Risk management

Use of expired charts, manuals, or publications without current updates.

AI.II.J.S1Skill

Teach at least one of the elements listed in K1 through K6.

AI.II.K Endorsements and Logbook Entries

To determine the applicant understands logbook entries and endorsements, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.K.K1Knowledge

Required logbook entries for instruction given.

AI.II.K.K2Knowledge

Required student pilot pre-solo knowledge test, solo endorsements, and logbook entries.

AI.II.K.K3Knowledge

Other required pilot logbook endorsements (e.g., Class B Airspace, Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)).

AI.II.K.K4Knowledge

Preparation of a recommendation for a pilot practical test, including appropriate logbook entry and relevant certificate/rating application for:

AI.II.K.K4aKnowledge

Initial pilot certification

AI.II.K.K4bKnowledge

Additional pilot certification

AI.II.K.K4cKnowledge

Additional aircraft qualification

AI.II.K.K5Knowledge

Endorsement of a pilot logbook for the satisfactory completion of an FAA flight review.

AI.II.K.K6Knowledge

Required flight instructor records.

AI.II.K.K7Knowledge

Flight instructor renewal and reinstatement requirements.

AI.II.K.R1Risk management

Endorsements without appropriate limitations or expiration dates.

AI.II.K.S1Skill

Describe and prepare logbook entries/endorsements required for at least two of the events specified in the elements or sub-elements of K1 through K5.

AI.II.L Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)

To determine the applicant understands water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.L.K1Knowledge

Characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:

AI.II.L.K1aKnowledge

Size and location

AI.II.L.K1bKnowledge

Protected and unprotected areas

AI.II.L.K1cKnowledge

Surface wind

AI.II.L.K1dKnowledge

Direction and strength of water current

AI.II.L.K1eKnowledge

Floating and partially submerged debris

AI.II.L.K1fKnowledge

Sandbars, islands, and shoals

AI.II.L.K1gKnowledge

Vessel traffic and wakes

AI.II.L.K1hKnowledge

Direction and height of waves

AI.II.L.K1iKnowledge

Other characteristics specific to the area

AI.II.L.K2Knowledge

Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.

AI.II.L.K3Knowledge

Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.

AI.II.L.K4Knowledge

How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.

AI.II.L.K5Knowledge

Operating restrictions at various bases.

AI.II.L.K6Knowledge

Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.

AI.II.L.K7Knowledge

Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.

AI.II.L.K8Knowledge

Naval vessel protection zones.

AI.II.L.K9Knowledge

No wake zones.

AI.II.L.R1Risk management

Local conditions.

AI.II.L.R2Risk management

Impact of marine traffic.

AI.II.L.R3Risk management

Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.

AI.II.L.R4Risk management

Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.

AI.II.L.S1Skill

Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.

AI.II.L.S2Skill

Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.

AI.II.L.S3Skill

Identify marine navigation aids.

AI.II.L.S4Skill

Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.

AI.II.L.S5Skill

Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.

AI.II.L.S6Skill

Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.

AI.II.M Night Operations

To determine the applicant understands night operations, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.M.K1Knowledge

Physiological aspects of vision related to night flying.

AI.II.M.K2Knowledge

Lighting systems identifying airports, runways, taxiways and obstructions, as well as pilot controlled lighting.

AI.II.M.K3Knowledge

Airplane equipment and lighting requirements for night operations.

AI.II.M.K4Knowledge

Personal equipment essential for night flight.

AI.II.M.K5Knowledge

Night orientation, navigation, chart reading techniques and methods for maintaining night vision effectiveness.

AI.II.M.K6Knowledge

Use of instruments to verify the aircraft attitude at night.

AI.II.M.K7Knowledge

Visual illusions at night.

AI.II.M.K8Knowledge

Night taxi operations.

AI.II.M.K9Knowledge

Interpretation of traffic position and direction based solely on position lights.

AI.II.M.R1Risk management

Inoperative equipment.

AI.II.M.R2Risk management

Weather considerations specific to night operations.

AI.II.M.R3Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.II.M.R4Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.II.M.R5Risk management

Effect of visual illusions and night adaptation during all phases of night flying.

AI.II.M.R6Risk management

Runway incursion.

AI.II.M.R7Risk management

Night currency versus proficiency.

AI.II.M.S1Skill

Teach at least one of the elements listed in K1 through K9.

AI.II.N High Altitude Operations - Supplemental Oxygen

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated

AI.II.N.K2Knowledge

Physiological factors, including:

AI.II.N.K2aKnowledge

Impairment

AI.II.N.K2bKnowledge

Symptoms of hypoxia

AI.II.N.K2cKnowledge

Time of useful consciousness (TUC)

AI.II.N.K3Knowledge

Operational factors, including:

AI.II.N.K3aKnowledge

Characteristics, limitations, and applicability of continuous flow, demand, and pressure- demand oxygen systems

AI.II.N.K3bKnowledge

Differences between and identification of "aviator's breathing oxygen" and other types of oxygen

AI.II.N.K3cKnowledge

Precautions when using supplemental oxygen systems

AI.II.N.R1Risk management

High altitude flight.

AI.II.N.R2Risk management

Use of supplemental oxygen.

AI.II.N.R3Risk management

Management of compressed gas containers.

AI.II.N.R4Risk management

Combustion hazards in an oxygen-rich environment.

AI.II.N.S1Skill

Provide an adequate briefing on use of supplemental oxygen equipment.

AI.II.N.S2Skill

Operate or simulate operation of the installed or portable oxygen equipment in the aircraft, if installed or available.

AI.II.N.S3Skill

Determine the quantity of supplemental oxygen required in a scenario given by the evaluator.

AI.II.O High Altitude Operations - Pressurization

To determine the applicant understands flight in pressurized aircraft at high altitudes, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.O.K1Knowledge

Fundamental concepts of aircraft pressurization system, including failure modes.

AI.II.O.K2Knowledge

Physiological factors, including:

AI.II.O.K2aKnowledge

Impairment

AI.II.O.K2bKnowledge

Symptoms of hypoxia

AI.II.O.K2cKnowledge

Time of useful consciousness (TUC)

AI.II.O.K2dKnowledge

Effects of rapid decompression on crew and passengers

AI.II.O.R1Risk management

High altitude flight.

AI.II.O.R2Risk management

Malfunction of pressurization system, if equipment is installed.

AI.II.O.S1Skill

Operate the pressurization system, if equipment is installed.

AI.II.O.S2Skill

Respond appropriately to simulated pressurization malfunctions, if equipment is installed.

AI.II.P One Engine Inoperative (OEI) Performance (AMEL, AMES)

To determine the applicant understands elements related to multiengine performance, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.II.P.K1Knowledge

Proficient use of appropriate performance charts, tables, graphs, or other data to determine airplane performance and limitations for all phases of flight.

AI.II.P.K2Knowledge

Effects of exceeding limitations.

AI.II.P.K3Knowledge

Effects of atmospheric conditions on performance.

AI.II.P.K4Knowledge

Factors to be considered to determine required performance is within the airplane's single and multiengine cababilities.

AI.II.P.K5Knowledge

Aerodynamics of OEI operation including:

AI.II.P.K5aKnowledge

Critical engine

AI.II.P.K5bKnowledge

Effects of bank angle on VMC

AI.II.P.K5cKnowledge

Zero side slip

AI.II.P.K5dKnowledge

Reasons for loss of directional control

AI.II.P.K6Knowledge

The relationship between minimum control speed (VMC) and stall speed and the effect of density altitude on that relationship.

AI.II.P.K7Knowledge

How to determine the best course of action after an engine failure.

AI.II.P.R1Risk management

Exceeding the critical angle of attack.

AI.II.P.R2Risk management

Loss of directional control.

AI.II.P.R3Risk management

Flying over terrain that exceeds the single engine service ceiling.

AI.II.P.R4Risk management

Fuel management.

AI.II.P.S1Skill

Compute the expected single engine climb performance.

Other areas in this standard

Last updated 11 November 2026.