The most common issue we see is that your account/password hasn't been created yet. This is likely the case if you're receiving an error stating that your account is not found, or your email address is not recognized. If you're still having issues, send an email to info@thebackseatpilot.com and we'll figure out what's causing the problem.
Definitely! Many pilots have (and passed)! We do, however, recommend that you use our lessons to supplement your own or go through and add/remove/edit the information to ensure you're well prepared for the checkride and are comfortable with the format and flow of the lessons.
And the FAA agrees. Straight from the Aviation Instructor's Handbook:
"Commercially developed lesson plans are acceptable for most training situations, including use by flight instructor applicants during their practical tests. However, all instructors should recognize that even well-designed preprinted lesson plans may need to be modified. Therefore, instructors are encouraged to use creativity when adapting preprinted lesson plans or when developing their own lesson plans for specific learners or training circumstances." (Page 7-9)
Nope! Leave the updates to us. One cost, free updates for life. The goal is to add continue finding ways to add value without adding costs.
After checkout you'll be provided a link on the checkout page. You'll also receive an email with the link to access the content.
No need to keep the email though, the easiest way is to create an account on the website. Login whenever you need to and access the most current content.
As content is added or updated, you'll receive an email summarizing the updates. Login to your account, click the My Digital Content button, and you're set!
Currently only the Private, Instrument, and Commercial PTS have been transitioned to the ACS. The FAA intends to transition the instructor PTS documents to the ACS in the future. Because the instructor checkrides are still based on their respective PTS, our lessons are still based off the required information in the PTS. With that said, we have done our best to make sure the information transitions between the PTS and ACS, and have added the ACS skill standards to each maneuvers lesson (i.e. steep turns, slow flight, etc.) so that you, and the student are aware of the different requirements.
We also developed the ACS Review eBooks to serve as a bridge between the ACS and PTS documents. While the ACS Review eBooks are not formal lesson plans, they are a task by task and element by element review of everything in the ACS. They are more of a detailed study guide and are great for instructors to review with students, or students to prep for a checkride.
When the FAA does release the Instructor ACS documents, we'll transition your lesson plans to the ACS free of charge.
Yes! The PDF e-book can work with numerous apps. Examples include ForeFlight, GoodReader, Books, Adobe, EverNote, and more! If you have the Microsoft Word app, the Word version of the eBook can be used there.
No, sorry, we currently only offer the lesson plans in a digital format.
All The Backseat Pilot lessons are for your personal (one user) use, copies may not be provided to others. Our lessons may not be shared or claimed as your own, and may not be used to create products for sharing or selling. All lessons are © 2011-2023 The Backseat Pilot. We do monitor the downloads and reserve the right to revoke access to the lessons if necessary. More details can be found on our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you for your honesty.
It's likely in the mail, and on its way to you! All of our reference cards are physical products and aren't part of the downloads.
Absolutely! We've been frustrated with cards that fall apart with continuous use (it seems like a waste of money), so we put this polyester stock to the test. We put it in the oven for an hour at 300 degrees with no issues, we poured water, coffee, ketchup, and mustard on it just to wipe it off, and every attempt to tear the card ended in failure. We are very impressed with this material and think you will be too.
