Spend your time flying! We've compiled all of the information required for each task in the CFI ACS (single engine) into an awesome, easy to use lessons and slides to make your life, checkride, and instructing easier, and we'll keep them up to date for you.
Prep & Check: CFI checkride - Teach:Private & Commercial students
All content provided in PC (Word & PowerPoint), Mac (Pages & Keynote), and PDF formats!
What's Included
Lessons & Slides
CFI ACS Lessons
CFI ACS Slides
CFI ACS Extra Detail Lessons
Syllabi
Private Pilot (SE)
Commercial Pilot (SE)
CFI (SE) - NEW!
Hourly Breakdowns
Student Trackers
Save Hundreds of Hours
Everything for your CFI checkride and future all for about half a day of work
Your Cost
~ 4 hours of flight instruction (@ national average - $50/hour)
Your Gain
Hundreds of hours of prep work
Two versions of professionally designed CFI lesson plans
Professionally designed slides for each lesson
Private & Commercial Syllabi with hourly breakdowns & trackers
FREE lifetime updates for all content
Less stress, more focus on flying & teaching
Faster path to the checkride and a job - the content can pay for itself!
Awesome product and a must have for new CFI applicants. Everything you could possibly want to know is laid out in an easy to view format, making it easy to teach.
Kip
I just passed my CFI-A checkride with these lesson plans. They saved me a huge amount of time in preparation... Overall a great value and a great buy!
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Samples
CFI ACS Lessons & Samples
A lesson & PowerPoint for every task in the CFI ACS with every single Knowledge & Risk Management element included & annotated. Use the links below to view sample lessons & PowerPoints!
Your work is done! We'll do the work to keep your lesson plans current! As changes are made, regulations are updated, or we make improvements to the lesson plans, they're all yours for free. Here's what's been in the works:
October 2025 ⚡
🍂 Happy Fall! Here’s everything included in the October updates.
The biggest change is the long-awaited, totally refreshed CFI-I PowerPoint slides. They’re cleaner, sharper, easier to use, and now match the style of the recently refreshed CFI and MEI slides. (The Keynote version will be in the next update—still a little more work to do there.)
I also rolled out a few other important updates:
✏️ New CFI Prep Course Dates
Two new classes are starting this weekend (discounted due to short notice):
📅 Saturday, Oct 4 – 5:00–6:30 PM PDT 📅 Sunday, Oct 5 – 1:00–2:30 PM PDT
This class is designed for anyone:
Struggling with structure
Unsure where to start
Looking for a head start on their CFI training
Or just wanting to sharpen teaching skills
Meets once a week for 4 weeks via Google Meet. Only 4 students per class to keep it personal and helpful. Spots fill quickly! 👉 Learn more here
📋 CFI & MEI Updates
III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Corrected MOSAIC notes – Limited Aerial Work has been moved from the Sport Pilot section to the Light Sport Category Aircraft section
III.C. Weather Information: Now includes a slide on Prog Charts, plus links to current/live Prog Charts and Surface Analysis Charts
II.K. Endorsements & Logbook Entries: Fixed FSIMS 8900.1 link & added the CFI Knowledge Test endorsement to the endorsement table
Various lessons: Cleaned up text and added links
🛩️ MEI Updates
Added the Risk Management for Multi-Engine Operations lesson to the MEI Appendix
Recaps the three MEI Add-On ground lessons
Includes scenarios to help students strengthen risk management & decision-making in multi-engine op
🎯 CFI-I Updates
NEW CFI-I PowerPoint & PDF Slides – fully refreshed and ready to use
Keynote version coming soon!
🔜 What’s Next
The Keynote version of the new CFI-I slides
More multi-engine syllabus content
New products for Flight Schools & Independent CFIs
And of course, a lot of exciting new ideas - I’ll share more as they take shape!
September 2025 ⚡
We’ve got some exciting updates for September! Big changes include a brand-new Private Pilot Multi-Engine Add-On syllabus and notes on the new MOSAIC Sport Pilot changes that roll out starting October 2025 and July 2026.
🛩️ CFI Content
• III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Added notes on MOSAIC Sport Pilot changes effective October 2025 & July 2026 _______________________________________
📋 CFI ACS Review
• III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Added notes on MOSAIC Sport Pilot changes effective October 2025 & July 2026 _______________________________________
📚 MEI Content
• Added a new Private Pilot MEI Add-On Syllabus _______________________________________
✏️ NEW CFI PREP COURSES - Sep 6, Sep 7, Sep, 20, Sep 21, Sep 28 Small group format (just 4 spots) for focused, interactive learning. Perfect if you’re: • Struggling with structure • Unsure where to start • Looking for a head start on your CFI training and teaching If that’s you, you’ll want to grab a spot early before they’re gone! _______________________________________
🔜 What’s Next
• Refreshed CFI-I slides • More multi-engine syllabus content • And a whole slew of exciting new ideas - it's non-stop trying to improve and add to the content!
_______________________________________
August 2025 ⚡
This month's update brings a mix of highly requested new content and targeted refinements to keep your content sharp and consistent. The biggest change? The brand-new CFI ACS Review! I’ve also expanded the Commercial ACS Review with a new appendix that goes in depth on Common Carriage, Private Carriage, and Holding Out. Here's everything that changed:
📝 ACS REVIEWS • NEW: Highly requested CFI ACS Review has been added • Commercial ACS Review: Added Appendix with NEW Common Carriage info _______________________________________
🛩️ CFI & MEI CONTENT • II.H. Nav Systems & Radar Services: Added new DME service volumes image • II.I. Nav & Flight Planning: Removed VOR MON info (can be referenced in II.H.) • III.C. Weather Info: Corrected Winds/Temps Aloft updates to 4x per day _______________________________________
📚 CFI-I CONTENT • II.A. Instruments & Nav Equipment: Added deice/anti-ice and weather detection info • II.C. IFR Regulations & Pubs: Added Part 71 info and reorganized Parts 95 & 97 • III.A. Weather Info: Corrected Winds/Temps Aloft updates to 4x per day _______________________________________
✏️ CFI PREP COURSE - Aug 24th We’re kicking off a new CFI Prep Course on August 24th! Small group format (just 4 spots) for focused, interactive learning. Perfect if you’re: • Struggling with structure • Unsure where to start • Looking for a head start on your CFI training and teaching If that’s you, you’ll want to grab a spot early before they’re gone! _______________________________________
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • MEI Syllabi are in the works • The refreshed CFI-I slides are back - reviewing and formatting them for release will take some time • A whole slew of exciting new ideas are in the works. I’ll share more once they’re a bit more tangible!
_______________________________________
June/July 2025 ⚡
This month’s updates focus on clarity, structure, and ease of use—thanks to your feedback! The biggest change: the Private and Commercial ACS Reviews have been fully reformatted using the cleaner layout from the instructor lessons, and the Airworthiness Requirements lesson also got a full overhaul for a simpler, more logical flow.
📝 ACS REVIEWS • Reformatted Private & Commercial reviews—cleaner, easier to use • Tightened up Section I content • Added a Table of Contents to all docs, in case you want to print them
📚 CFI & MEI LESSONS & SLIDES • Airworthiness Requirements lesson and slides reorganized and simplified • Replaced blurry image in Runway Incursion Avoidance
🛩️PRIVATE PILOT SYLLABUS • Added Pilot Qualifications (FLT 4) and Flight Deck Management (FLT 12) • Removed default dates for faster customization
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • Updating the rest of the syllabi • New format for the Instrument ACS Review & new CFI ACS Review • ME Syllabi • Refreshed CFI-I slides • And plenty more!
______________________________________
May 2025 ⚡
The big highlights this month: the professionally refreshed MEI slides are here, and the CFI-I lessons have officially been transitioned to the new, easier-to-teach format—no more "sea of text!" Plus, a bunch of smaller fixes based on your feedback.
📝 CFI & MEI LESSONS & SLIDES • Uploaded brand new, professionally refreshed MEI Slides! • III.B. Airworthiness Requirements: Added Coleal Letter clarification on preventive maintenance • X.D. Power-On Stalls: Replaced the incorrect photo (was showing power-off) • Added a Table of Contents back to the CFI Lessons—by request! (Tip: use the Navigation Pane for quick access—it’s super handy)
📚 CFI-I LESSONS & SLIDES • Fully transitioned to the new layout and formatting to match the updated CFI lessons—cleaner, clearer, and easier to teach from
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • Transitioning the ACS Reviews to the new format • Reorganizing the Airworthiness Requirements lesson based on user feedback • CFI ACS Review still in the works!
______________________________________
April 2025 ⚡
This month was a big one—and the biggest change by far? A complete reformat of the CFI & MEI lessons! While the core content hasn’t changed much, the new layout is a huge improvement and sets the stage for even more enhancements moving forward.
📝 CFI & MEI LESSONS • Reformatted for better readability, structure, and flow • No more walls of text—easier to scan, digest, and teach from • The "CFI Condensed Lessons" are now simply CFI Lessons—designed for teaching, with Extra Detail versions available for added context and nuance • Consistent DPE feedback: It’s very easy to just read the Detailed lessons, but they need to see you teach—these updates help strike that balance
🛩️ MEI ADD-ON • Now includes all required checkride tasks (steep turns, endorsements, and more!)
📚 PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL ACS REVIEWS • Added oxygen system info under I.G. Operation of Systems
🎯 SLIDE UPDATES • III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Corrected Sport Pilot requirements (was showing Recreational) • VIII.C & D. Climbs & Descents: Fixed typos and corrected the descent forces slide (was showing climb instead)
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • Transitioning other docs to the new format • Continuing to refine and build on the new layout • Professionally refreshed MEI slides are on the way • A few of your emailed suggestions are already being implemented—thank you! 🙌
______________________________________
March 2025 ⚡
🚀 NEW Energy Management Content -Added to the CFI, CFI-I, & MEI appendices -Summarizes key points from Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 4 -References added to related lessons
📖 NEW CFI Initial Syllabus -Roadmap for training an initial CFI -First draft uploaded with more detailed, content, and explanations coming!
✈️ CFI & MEI Content -Updated links to AC 91-55 & 91-60 -III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Fixed Commercial Privileges and Limitations slide to align with lesson content
📋 ACS Reviews -Updated to reflect changes to BasicMed
📚 Syllabi Updates -All syllabi reflect the new Energy Management content
🔜 What's Next -Professionally refreshed MEI slides -CFI ACS Review -Updates & additions to the CFI syllabus -With more to come!
📋 Instrument ACS Review -I.A. Pilot Qualifications: Fixed FAR 61.65 links (section 1.A.)
🔜 What's Next -Professionally refreshed MEI slides -Instructor syllabus -Instructor ACS Reviews More exciting updates are in the works - stay tuned!
______________________________________
December 2024
CFI CONTENT -II.G. National Airspace System: Added images for different types of Class E airspace -Mac Pages Lessons: Corrected table formatting—several tables had shifted, but they’re now back in place.
CFI-I SLIDES -II.A. Instruments & Nav Equipment: Clarified lines of magnetic flux. -VI.H. Unusual Attitudes: Fixed the nose-low recovery slide. -VIII.D, E, X: Corrected typos and barbed arrow PT timing.
WHAT'S NEXT -Expect the professionally refreshed slides in early 2025 (happy new year!) -Instructor ACS Reviews -And many more ideas in the works
November 2024
ALL CONTENT -⚡New Mac Pages & Keynote documents for ALL content! -⚡New account layout breaking the content down by PC (Word & PPT), Mac (Pages & Keynote), or PDF to grab whatever document(s) fit your device(s)
CFI-I LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -II.E. Flight Controls & Systems: Reorganized Oxygen system into its own section -II.K. Endorsements & Logbooks: Reflects new recent experience requirements & rules on providing instruction to initial instructor candidates (effective Dec 1) III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Updated new BasicMed privileges (effective Nov 12) -Updated links to new AC 61-65J, 61-98E, & 61-83K
CFI-I LESSONS & POWERPOINTS II.A. Instruments & Nav Equip: Added sections on transponders, autopilot, and electronic flight displays
WHAT'S NEXT -Professional updates to the CFI & MEI PowerPoints are moving along nicely -Requests for Instructor ACS Reviews -And many more ideas in the works!
October 2024
CFI-I LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW individual files for the PowerPoints & Lessons -Updated all PowerPoints to improve the visuals, basic design & structure, and to clean up the formatting -Added pictures to various lessons
WHAT'S NEXT -Mac friendly documents are in the works (CFI & MEI are almost done) -Professional updates to the CFI & MEI PowerPoints are underway -FAA Instructor certificate expiration and currency changes
September 2024
CFI & MEI LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW individual files for the PowerPoints, CFI Detailed and now the Condensed lessons -⚡NEW individual files for the MEI & MEI Add-On lessons and their PowerPoints -Updated all PowerPoints to improve the visuals, basic design and structure, and to clean up the formatting
WHAT'S NEXT -These PowerPoints have been sent over to the designer for more improvements -CFII updates & individual files -Mac friendly documents (the hope was to have them in this update, but they’re still on the way!)
August 2024
CFI LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW individual files for the Word, PDFs & PowerPoint documents -Updated a number of PowerPoints in preparation for the professional designer's updates
WHAT'S NEXT -Continued PowerPoint improvements -Mac native documents (Pages, Keynote)
July 2024
-CFI & MEI LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW - Annotated every single ACS required Knowledge & Risk Management task -Reorganized Risk Management & Common Errors to better fit the ACS & for smoother teaching
WHAT'S NEXT -PowerPoint improvements
June 2024
-ACS REVIEWS -All (Private, Instrument & Commercial) ACS Reviews updated to the newest ACS requirements
WHAT'S NEXT -Focus on the PowerPoints
May 2024 (Update #2)
CFI & MEI LESSONS -Cleaned up, expanded on, and/or added to, and annotated, all Risk Management concepts in the CFI & MEI lessons -Added an ADM, CRM, & SRM lesson to the Appendix. This coincides with updates to the Commercial & Private syllabi ground training -⚡NEW - Added "case studies" and associated YouTube videos to the Runway Incursion lesson and the Flight Deck Management lesson
PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL SYLLABI -Updated to the match the new ACS lesson plans
WHAT'S NEXT -Updates to the ACS Reviews -More updates to the PowerPoints -The ball is rolling again with the PowerPoint developer (improved design, navigation & color)
May 2024
CFI & MEI LESSONS -⚡NEW CFI & MEI ACS PowerPoints matching the updated ACS lesson plans!
WHAT'S NEXT -A review & clean up of the new Risk Management concepts -PowerPoints are close to heading to the developer for new design, color, and navigation
April 2024
CFI & MEI Lessons -⚡NEW - Updated to the new Instructor ACS layout and content!
What's Next -PowerPoints to match the ACS content are already in the works -Once they're complete, they'll be sent to the developer for new professionally designed PowerPoints!
February 2024
CFI, CFII & MEI -Updated the Weather Theory lesson with new graphics as well as information on vertical motion and cloud formation, cloud forms, and mountain/valley & freezing fog -Created new PowerPoint slides for the Weather Theory lesson
SYLLABI (Private, Instrument & Commercial) -Updated to include suggested Flight Training Device (FTD) flight lessons based on the FAR FTD hour allowances
What's Next -Professionally designed PowerPoints - we're talking to different developers
December 2023
CFI -Added Cirrus SR20 Operation of Systems & Systems and Equipment Malfunctions lessons -Added Piper Archer III Operation of Systems & Systems and Equipment Malfunctions lessons -Removed references to the ACs incorporated into the Aviation Weather Handbook
CFII -Sections VIII, IX, X & XI: Overhauled all PowerPoints with new pictures, content and layouts (minimal changes to the lesson eBook to coincide with PPTs) -Removed references to the ACs incorporated into the Aviation Weather Handbook
ACS Reviews -Removed references to the ACs incorporated into the Aviation Weather Handbook
What's Next -A new website! -With the CFII PowerPoint overhaul complete, we'll move on to the CFI and MEI PowerPoints -Syllabi improvements & updates
October 2023
CFI & MEI II.B. Runway Incursion Avoidance: Added a section on low visibility operations III.C. Operation of Systems (Generic): Added turn indicator information & picture
CFII -V.XX. Low Visibility Taxi: New lesson & PowerPoint focusing on low visibility operations (not PTS required) -Sections V, VI & VII: Overhauled all PowerPoints with new pictures, content and layouts (minimal changes to the lessons to coincide with PPTs)
July/August 2023
-CFI & MEI -Minor updates to terminology
CFII -Updated all PowerPoints in Sections I, II, and III -Expanded content, a lot more pictures, and more modern and engaging design and layout -Updated lesson plans to coincide with new PowerPoint presentations
What's Next -The rest of the CFII PowerPoints followed by the CFI and MEI -Syllabi improvements and additions are in the works -Continued updates to coincide with the anticipated Instructor ACS -Updates based on YOUR feedback
May/June 2023
-We're continuing to update our CFI lesson plans to coincide with the FAA's latest pre-release of the Instructor ACS (haven't seen an official release date for the Instructor ACS at this point)
CFI & MEI -Added a Download All Content zip file for easier downloads
CFII -Added a Download All Content.zip file for easier downloads -II.A. Instruments & Navigation Equipment: Updated the entire lesson and added pitot/static blockage content
All Users -Creating accounts and logging in has been simplified! You can now use your -Shopify account to login to your account and access the content from the website
What's Next -Continued updates to coincide with the anticipated Instructor ACS -More modern and improved PowerPoint presentations -Updates based on YOUR feedback
April 2023
-We've started updating our CFI lesson plans to coincide with the FAA's latest pre-release of the Instructor ACS
CFI & MEI: -II.K. National Airspace System: Reorganized ADS-B info, added SFRA & Special VFR info -II.M. Logbooks & Endorsements: Reorganized lesson, added info and examples -III.B. Weather Information: Added Aviation Weather Handbook to references
CFII: -II.A. Instruments & Navigation Equipment: Added info on GPS backup nav requirements -III.A. Weather Information: Added Aviation Weather Handbook as a reference -III.B. Cross-Country Flight Planning: Updated RNAV & GPS backup nav requirements
February / March 2023
-New Commercial Pilot Syllabus added! -Designed around our CFI lesson plans & PowerPoints, and Commercial ACS Reviews -Added to all products containing the CFI Lesson Plans
CFI & MEI Content: -XV.C. Common Carriage: Added a Common Carriage lesson to the appendix to supplement the new Commercial syllabus
-New Instrument Rating Syllabus added! -Designed around our CFII lesson plans, PowerPoints, and ACS Reviews -Added to all products containing the CFII Lesson Plans
CFII: -Numerous updates to supplement the Instrument Syllabus -II.B. Aeromedical Factors: Added Illusions -II.C. Regs & Pubs Related to IFR: Expanded IFR specific AIM references -III.A. Weather Information: Added section on recognizing weather hazards -V.A. ATC Clearances: Reorganized and added information for clarity -V.B. Compliance with Procedures: Reorganized and added ATC required pilot reports -V.X. The ATC System: New lesson to supplement the instrument syllabus -VIII. Lessons A, B, C & D: Added Safety & Efficiency section to match ACS req. -XI.A. ADM, CRM, & Risk Management: New lesson to supplement syllabus and ACS req.
CFI & MEI: -II.B. Runway Incursion Avoidance: Added LAHSO info -Private Pilot Syllabus: Added numerous lesson plan references to the GND/FLT lessons
November 2022
-New Private Pilot Syllabus added! -Private Pilot syllabus designed around our lesson plans, PowerPoints, and ACS Reviews -Added to all products containing the CFI Lesson Plans
CFI & MEI: -Updates to coincide with the new syllabus training schedule -II.C. Scanning & Collision Avoidance - Added CFIT information -II.J. 14 CFR & Publications - Added info on FAR Parts 21, 39,43 & 67 as well as NTSB notification requirements, and links to FAR 61 subparts to facilitate teaching
September 2022
-All Lessons and ACS Reviews: -Added VOR MON (Minimum Operating Network) information and new service ranges -Added MOS (Model Output Statistics) weather information
June & August 2022
All Lessons: -Updated NOTAM (Notice to Air Mission) terminology -Added content on preflight self-briefings and AC 91-92
CFI & MEI: -Updated downwind leg to reference approach end of runway -Added note for incorrect text on trim tab picture from Airplane Flying Handbook
May 2022
All Lessons: -Updated NOTAM information
CFI & MEI: -Added airfoil design characteristics info to II.D. Principles of Flight -Removed WAC and added Walling Planning Chart to lesson II.G. Navigation & Flight Planning -Rephrased pitch correction terminology in VIII.D. Straight & Turning Descents -Added the ACS stall definition to XI.A. Slow Flight
April 2022
All Lessons: -Updated to latest convective outlook chart information -Updated/reorganized information to coincide with PowerPoints
MEI: -Added propeller feathering system information to XIV.A. Operation of Systems
March 2022
-Uploaded NEW PowerPoint Presentations for all CFI, CFII and MEI Lessons
February 2022
All Lessons: -Updated all FAR links
CFI & MEI: -Updated elevator terminology in II.E. Airplane Flight Controls -Added a generic systems & equipment malfunctions lesson to section XIII
Major Updates we've Incorporated
New Instructor ACS
Commercial Pilot Syllabus
Instrument Rating Syllabus
Private Pilot Syllabus
PowerPoint Presentations for all CFI, CFII, & MEI lessons
ADS-B, TIS-B, FIS-B information
2020 Aviation Instructor's Handbook
Discontinuation of NTAP
Transition to the ICAO Flight Plan
BasicMed
Using a Driver's License as a Medical
Discontinuation of Flight Watch (122.0)
Updates to the Student Pilot Certificate
FAR Training updates for Technically Advanced Aircraft
FAA updates to the Private, Instrument, and Commercial ACS (annually)
Anyone owning our PTS lesson plans will be transitioned to the ACS lessons for free when the FAA releases the documents.
Getting the Updated Lesson Plans
Create an account and access your downloads, and any updates, whenever you need.
You'll receive an email letting you know anytime new products are added and updates are made to your lesson plans!
A lesson & PowerPoint for every task in the CFI ACS with every single Knowledge & Risk Management element included & annotated. Use the links below to view sample lessons & PowerPoints!
Your work is done! We'll do the work to keep your lesson plans current! As changes are made, regulations are updated, or we make improvements to the lesson plans, they're all yours for free. Here's what's been in the works:
October 2025 ⚡
🍂 Happy Fall! Here’s everything included in the October updates.
The biggest change is the long-awaited, totally refreshed CFI-I PowerPoint slides. They’re cleaner, sharper, easier to use, and now match the style of the recently refreshed CFI and MEI slides. (The Keynote version will be in the next update—still a little more work to do there.)
I also rolled out a few other important updates:
✏️ New CFI Prep Course Dates
Two new classes are starting this weekend (discounted due to short notice):
📅 Saturday, Oct 4 – 5:00–6:30 PM PDT 📅 Sunday, Oct 5 – 1:00–2:30 PM PDT
This class is designed for anyone:
Struggling with structure
Unsure where to start
Looking for a head start on their CFI training
Or just wanting to sharpen teaching skills
Meets once a week for 4 weeks via Google Meet. Only 4 students per class to keep it personal and helpful. Spots fill quickly! 👉 Learn more here
📋 CFI & MEI Updates
III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Corrected MOSAIC notes – Limited Aerial Work has been moved from the Sport Pilot section to the Light Sport Category Aircraft section
III.C. Weather Information: Now includes a slide on Prog Charts, plus links to current/live Prog Charts and Surface Analysis Charts
II.K. Endorsements & Logbook Entries: Fixed FSIMS 8900.1 link & added the CFI Knowledge Test endorsement to the endorsement table
Various lessons: Cleaned up text and added links
🛩️ MEI Updates
Added the Risk Management for Multi-Engine Operations lesson to the MEI Appendix
Recaps the three MEI Add-On ground lessons
Includes scenarios to help students strengthen risk management & decision-making in multi-engine op
🎯 CFI-I Updates
NEW CFI-I PowerPoint & PDF Slides – fully refreshed and ready to use
Keynote version coming soon!
🔜 What’s Next
The Keynote version of the new CFI-I slides
More multi-engine syllabus content
New products for Flight Schools & Independent CFIs
And of course, a lot of exciting new ideas - I’ll share more as they take shape!
September 2025 ⚡
We’ve got some exciting updates for September! Big changes include a brand-new Private Pilot Multi-Engine Add-On syllabus and notes on the new MOSAIC Sport Pilot changes that roll out starting October 2025 and July 2026.
🛩️ CFI Content
• III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Added notes on MOSAIC Sport Pilot changes effective October 2025 & July 2026 _______________________________________
📋 CFI ACS Review
• III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Added notes on MOSAIC Sport Pilot changes effective October 2025 & July 2026 _______________________________________
📚 MEI Content
• Added a new Private Pilot MEI Add-On Syllabus _______________________________________
✏️ NEW CFI PREP COURSES - Sep 6, Sep 7, Sep, 20, Sep 21, Sep 28 Small group format (just 4 spots) for focused, interactive learning. Perfect if you’re: • Struggling with structure • Unsure where to start • Looking for a head start on your CFI training and teaching If that’s you, you’ll want to grab a spot early before they’re gone! _______________________________________
🔜 What’s Next
• Refreshed CFI-I slides • More multi-engine syllabus content • And a whole slew of exciting new ideas - it's non-stop trying to improve and add to the content!
_______________________________________
August 2025 ⚡
This month's update brings a mix of highly requested new content and targeted refinements to keep your content sharp and consistent. The biggest change? The brand-new CFI ACS Review! I’ve also expanded the Commercial ACS Review with a new appendix that goes in depth on Common Carriage, Private Carriage, and Holding Out. Here's everything that changed:
📝 ACS REVIEWS • NEW: Highly requested CFI ACS Review has been added • Commercial ACS Review: Added Appendix with NEW Common Carriage info _______________________________________
🛩️ CFI & MEI CONTENT • II.H. Nav Systems & Radar Services: Added new DME service volumes image • II.I. Nav & Flight Planning: Removed VOR MON info (can be referenced in II.H.) • III.C. Weather Info: Corrected Winds/Temps Aloft updates to 4x per day _______________________________________
📚 CFI-I CONTENT • II.A. Instruments & Nav Equipment: Added deice/anti-ice and weather detection info • II.C. IFR Regulations & Pubs: Added Part 71 info and reorganized Parts 95 & 97 • III.A. Weather Info: Corrected Winds/Temps Aloft updates to 4x per day _______________________________________
✏️ CFI PREP COURSE - Aug 24th We’re kicking off a new CFI Prep Course on August 24th! Small group format (just 4 spots) for focused, interactive learning. Perfect if you’re: • Struggling with structure • Unsure where to start • Looking for a head start on your CFI training and teaching If that’s you, you’ll want to grab a spot early before they’re gone! _______________________________________
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • MEI Syllabi are in the works • The refreshed CFI-I slides are back - reviewing and formatting them for release will take some time • A whole slew of exciting new ideas are in the works. I’ll share more once they’re a bit more tangible!
_______________________________________
June/July 2025 ⚡
This month’s updates focus on clarity, structure, and ease of use—thanks to your feedback! The biggest change: the Private and Commercial ACS Reviews have been fully reformatted using the cleaner layout from the instructor lessons, and the Airworthiness Requirements lesson also got a full overhaul for a simpler, more logical flow.
📝 ACS REVIEWS • Reformatted Private & Commercial reviews—cleaner, easier to use • Tightened up Section I content • Added a Table of Contents to all docs, in case you want to print them
📚 CFI & MEI LESSONS & SLIDES • Airworthiness Requirements lesson and slides reorganized and simplified • Replaced blurry image in Runway Incursion Avoidance
🛩️PRIVATE PILOT SYLLABUS • Added Pilot Qualifications (FLT 4) and Flight Deck Management (FLT 12) • Removed default dates for faster customization
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • Updating the rest of the syllabi • New format for the Instrument ACS Review & new CFI ACS Review • ME Syllabi • Refreshed CFI-I slides • And plenty more!
______________________________________
May 2025 ⚡
The big highlights this month: the professionally refreshed MEI slides are here, and the CFI-I lessons have officially been transitioned to the new, easier-to-teach format—no more "sea of text!" Plus, a bunch of smaller fixes based on your feedback.
📝 CFI & MEI LESSONS & SLIDES • Uploaded brand new, professionally refreshed MEI Slides! • III.B. Airworthiness Requirements: Added Coleal Letter clarification on preventive maintenance • X.D. Power-On Stalls: Replaced the incorrect photo (was showing power-off) • Added a Table of Contents back to the CFI Lessons—by request! (Tip: use the Navigation Pane for quick access—it’s super handy)
📚 CFI-I LESSONS & SLIDES • Fully transitioned to the new layout and formatting to match the updated CFI lessons—cleaner, clearer, and easier to teach from
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • Transitioning the ACS Reviews to the new format • Reorganizing the Airworthiness Requirements lesson based on user feedback • CFI ACS Review still in the works!
______________________________________
April 2025 ⚡
This month was a big one—and the biggest change by far? A complete reformat of the CFI & MEI lessons! While the core content hasn’t changed much, the new layout is a huge improvement and sets the stage for even more enhancements moving forward.
📝 CFI & MEI LESSONS • Reformatted for better readability, structure, and flow • No more walls of text—easier to scan, digest, and teach from • The "CFI Condensed Lessons" are now simply CFI Lessons—designed for teaching, with Extra Detail versions available for added context and nuance • Consistent DPE feedback: It’s very easy to just read the Detailed lessons, but they need to see you teach—these updates help strike that balance
🛩️ MEI ADD-ON • Now includes all required checkride tasks (steep turns, endorsements, and more!)
📚 PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL ACS REVIEWS • Added oxygen system info under I.G. Operation of Systems
🎯 SLIDE UPDATES • III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Corrected Sport Pilot requirements (was showing Recreational) • VIII.C & D. Climbs & Descents: Fixed typos and corrected the descent forces slide (was showing climb instead)
🔜 WHAT’S NEXT • Transitioning other docs to the new format • Continuing to refine and build on the new layout • Professionally refreshed MEI slides are on the way • A few of your emailed suggestions are already being implemented—thank you! 🙌
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March 2025 ⚡
🚀 NEW Energy Management Content -Added to the CFI, CFI-I, & MEI appendices -Summarizes key points from Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 4 -References added to related lessons
📖 NEW CFI Initial Syllabus -Roadmap for training an initial CFI -First draft uploaded with more detailed, content, and explanations coming!
✈️ CFI & MEI Content -Updated links to AC 91-55 & 91-60 -III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Fixed Commercial Privileges and Limitations slide to align with lesson content
📋 ACS Reviews -Updated to reflect changes to BasicMed
📚 Syllabi Updates -All syllabi reflect the new Energy Management content
🔜 What's Next -Professionally refreshed MEI slides -CFI ACS Review -Updates & additions to the CFI syllabus -With more to come!
📋 Instrument ACS Review -I.A. Pilot Qualifications: Fixed FAR 61.65 links (section 1.A.)
🔜 What's Next -Professionally refreshed MEI slides -Instructor syllabus -Instructor ACS Reviews More exciting updates are in the works - stay tuned!
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December 2024
CFI CONTENT -II.G. National Airspace System: Added images for different types of Class E airspace -Mac Pages Lessons: Corrected table formatting—several tables had shifted, but they’re now back in place.
CFI-I SLIDES -II.A. Instruments & Nav Equipment: Clarified lines of magnetic flux. -VI.H. Unusual Attitudes: Fixed the nose-low recovery slide. -VIII.D, E, X: Corrected typos and barbed arrow PT timing.
WHAT'S NEXT -Expect the professionally refreshed slides in early 2025 (happy new year!) -Instructor ACS Reviews -And many more ideas in the works
November 2024
ALL CONTENT -⚡New Mac Pages & Keynote documents for ALL content! -⚡New account layout breaking the content down by PC (Word & PPT), Mac (Pages & Keynote), or PDF to grab whatever document(s) fit your device(s)
CFI-I LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -II.E. Flight Controls & Systems: Reorganized Oxygen system into its own section -II.K. Endorsements & Logbooks: Reflects new recent experience requirements & rules on providing instruction to initial instructor candidates (effective Dec 1) III.A. Pilot Qualifications: Updated new BasicMed privileges (effective Nov 12) -Updated links to new AC 61-65J, 61-98E, & 61-83K
CFI-I LESSONS & POWERPOINTS II.A. Instruments & Nav Equip: Added sections on transponders, autopilot, and electronic flight displays
WHAT'S NEXT -Professional updates to the CFI & MEI PowerPoints are moving along nicely -Requests for Instructor ACS Reviews -And many more ideas in the works!
October 2024
CFI-I LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW individual files for the PowerPoints & Lessons -Updated all PowerPoints to improve the visuals, basic design & structure, and to clean up the formatting -Added pictures to various lessons
WHAT'S NEXT -Mac friendly documents are in the works (CFI & MEI are almost done) -Professional updates to the CFI & MEI PowerPoints are underway -FAA Instructor certificate expiration and currency changes
September 2024
CFI & MEI LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW individual files for the PowerPoints, CFI Detailed and now the Condensed lessons -⚡NEW individual files for the MEI & MEI Add-On lessons and their PowerPoints -Updated all PowerPoints to improve the visuals, basic design and structure, and to clean up the formatting
WHAT'S NEXT -These PowerPoints have been sent over to the designer for more improvements -CFII updates & individual files -Mac friendly documents (the hope was to have them in this update, but they’re still on the way!)
August 2024
CFI LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW individual files for the Word, PDFs & PowerPoint documents -Updated a number of PowerPoints in preparation for the professional designer's updates
WHAT'S NEXT -Continued PowerPoint improvements -Mac native documents (Pages, Keynote)
July 2024
-CFI & MEI LESSONS & POWERPOINTS -⚡NEW - Annotated every single ACS required Knowledge & Risk Management task -Reorganized Risk Management & Common Errors to better fit the ACS & for smoother teaching
WHAT'S NEXT -PowerPoint improvements
June 2024
-ACS REVIEWS -All (Private, Instrument & Commercial) ACS Reviews updated to the newest ACS requirements
WHAT'S NEXT -Focus on the PowerPoints
May 2024 (Update #2)
CFI & MEI LESSONS -Cleaned up, expanded on, and/or added to, and annotated, all Risk Management concepts in the CFI & MEI lessons -Added an ADM, CRM, & SRM lesson to the Appendix. This coincides with updates to the Commercial & Private syllabi ground training -⚡NEW - Added "case studies" and associated YouTube videos to the Runway Incursion lesson and the Flight Deck Management lesson
PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL SYLLABI -Updated to the match the new ACS lesson plans
WHAT'S NEXT -Updates to the ACS Reviews -More updates to the PowerPoints -The ball is rolling again with the PowerPoint developer (improved design, navigation & color)
May 2024
CFI & MEI LESSONS -⚡NEW CFI & MEI ACS PowerPoints matching the updated ACS lesson plans!
WHAT'S NEXT -A review & clean up of the new Risk Management concepts -PowerPoints are close to heading to the developer for new design, color, and navigation
April 2024
CFI & MEI Lessons -⚡NEW - Updated to the new Instructor ACS layout and content!
What's Next -PowerPoints to match the ACS content are already in the works -Once they're complete, they'll be sent to the developer for new professionally designed PowerPoints!
February 2024
CFI, CFII & MEI -Updated the Weather Theory lesson with new graphics as well as information on vertical motion and cloud formation, cloud forms, and mountain/valley & freezing fog -Created new PowerPoint slides for the Weather Theory lesson
SYLLABI (Private, Instrument & Commercial) -Updated to include suggested Flight Training Device (FTD) flight lessons based on the FAR FTD hour allowances
What's Next -Professionally designed PowerPoints - we're talking to different developers
December 2023
CFI -Added Cirrus SR20 Operation of Systems & Systems and Equipment Malfunctions lessons -Added Piper Archer III Operation of Systems & Systems and Equipment Malfunctions lessons -Removed references to the ACs incorporated into the Aviation Weather Handbook
CFII -Sections VIII, IX, X & XI: Overhauled all PowerPoints with new pictures, content and layouts (minimal changes to the lesson eBook to coincide with PPTs) -Removed references to the ACs incorporated into the Aviation Weather Handbook
ACS Reviews -Removed references to the ACs incorporated into the Aviation Weather Handbook
What's Next -A new website! -With the CFII PowerPoint overhaul complete, we'll move on to the CFI and MEI PowerPoints -Syllabi improvements & updates
October 2023
CFI & MEI II.B. Runway Incursion Avoidance: Added a section on low visibility operations III.C. Operation of Systems (Generic): Added turn indicator information & picture
CFII -V.XX. Low Visibility Taxi: New lesson & PowerPoint focusing on low visibility operations (not PTS required) -Sections V, VI & VII: Overhauled all PowerPoints with new pictures, content and layouts (minimal changes to the lessons to coincide with PPTs)
July/August 2023
-CFI & MEI -Minor updates to terminology
CFII -Updated all PowerPoints in Sections I, II, and III -Expanded content, a lot more pictures, and more modern and engaging design and layout -Updated lesson plans to coincide with new PowerPoint presentations
What's Next -The rest of the CFII PowerPoints followed by the CFI and MEI -Syllabi improvements and additions are in the works -Continued updates to coincide with the anticipated Instructor ACS -Updates based on YOUR feedback
May/June 2023
-We're continuing to update our CFI lesson plans to coincide with the FAA's latest pre-release of the Instructor ACS (haven't seen an official release date for the Instructor ACS at this point)
CFI & MEI -Added a Download All Content zip file for easier downloads
CFII -Added a Download All Content.zip file for easier downloads -II.A. Instruments & Navigation Equipment: Updated the entire lesson and added pitot/static blockage content
All Users -Creating accounts and logging in has been simplified! You can now use your -Shopify account to login to your account and access the content from the website
What's Next -Continued updates to coincide with the anticipated Instructor ACS -More modern and improved PowerPoint presentations -Updates based on YOUR feedback
April 2023
-We've started updating our CFI lesson plans to coincide with the FAA's latest pre-release of the Instructor ACS
CFI & MEI: -II.K. National Airspace System: Reorganized ADS-B info, added SFRA & Special VFR info -II.M. Logbooks & Endorsements: Reorganized lesson, added info and examples -III.B. Weather Information: Added Aviation Weather Handbook to references
CFII: -II.A. Instruments & Navigation Equipment: Added info on GPS backup nav requirements -III.A. Weather Information: Added Aviation Weather Handbook as a reference -III.B. Cross-Country Flight Planning: Updated RNAV & GPS backup nav requirements
February / March 2023
-New Commercial Pilot Syllabus added! -Designed around our CFI lesson plans & PowerPoints, and Commercial ACS Reviews -Added to all products containing the CFI Lesson Plans
CFI & MEI Content: -XV.C. Common Carriage: Added a Common Carriage lesson to the appendix to supplement the new Commercial syllabus
-New Instrument Rating Syllabus added! -Designed around our CFII lesson plans, PowerPoints, and ACS Reviews -Added to all products containing the CFII Lesson Plans
CFII: -Numerous updates to supplement the Instrument Syllabus -II.B. Aeromedical Factors: Added Illusions -II.C. Regs & Pubs Related to IFR: Expanded IFR specific AIM references -III.A. Weather Information: Added section on recognizing weather hazards -V.A. ATC Clearances: Reorganized and added information for clarity -V.B. Compliance with Procedures: Reorganized and added ATC required pilot reports -V.X. The ATC System: New lesson to supplement the instrument syllabus -VIII. Lessons A, B, C & D: Added Safety & Efficiency section to match ACS req. -XI.A. ADM, CRM, & Risk Management: New lesson to supplement syllabus and ACS req.
CFI & MEI: -II.B. Runway Incursion Avoidance: Added LAHSO info -Private Pilot Syllabus: Added numerous lesson plan references to the GND/FLT lessons
November 2022
-New Private Pilot Syllabus added! -Private Pilot syllabus designed around our lesson plans, PowerPoints, and ACS Reviews -Added to all products containing the CFI Lesson Plans
CFI & MEI: -Updates to coincide with the new syllabus training schedule -II.C. Scanning & Collision Avoidance - Added CFIT information -II.J. 14 CFR & Publications - Added info on FAR Parts 21, 39,43 & 67 as well as NTSB notification requirements, and links to FAR 61 subparts to facilitate teaching
September 2022
-All Lessons and ACS Reviews: -Added VOR MON (Minimum Operating Network) information and new service ranges -Added MOS (Model Output Statistics) weather information
June & August 2022
All Lessons: -Updated NOTAM (Notice to Air Mission) terminology -Added content on preflight self-briefings and AC 91-92
CFI & MEI: -Updated downwind leg to reference approach end of runway -Added note for incorrect text on trim tab picture from Airplane Flying Handbook
May 2022
All Lessons: -Updated NOTAM information
CFI & MEI: -Added airfoil design characteristics info to II.D. Principles of Flight -Removed WAC and added Walling Planning Chart to lesson II.G. Navigation & Flight Planning -Rephrased pitch correction terminology in VIII.D. Straight & Turning Descents -Added the ACS stall definition to XI.A. Slow Flight
April 2022
All Lessons: -Updated to latest convective outlook chart information -Updated/reorganized information to coincide with PowerPoints
MEI: -Added propeller feathering system information to XIV.A. Operation of Systems
March 2022
-Uploaded NEW PowerPoint Presentations for all CFI, CFII and MEI Lessons
February 2022
All Lessons: -Updated all FAR links
CFI & MEI: -Updated elevator terminology in II.E. Airplane Flight Controls -Added a generic systems & equipment malfunctions lesson to section XIII
Major Updates we've Incorporated
New Instructor ACS
Commercial Pilot Syllabus
Instrument Rating Syllabus
Private Pilot Syllabus
PowerPoint Presentations for all CFI, CFII, & MEI lessons
ADS-B, TIS-B, FIS-B information
2020 Aviation Instructor's Handbook
Discontinuation of NTAP
Transition to the ICAO Flight Plan
BasicMed
Using a Driver's License as a Medical
Discontinuation of Flight Watch (122.0)
Updates to the Student Pilot Certificate
FAR Training updates for Technically Advanced Aircraft
FAA updates to the Private, Instrument, and Commercial ACS (annually)
Anyone owning our PTS lesson plans will be transitioned to the ACS lessons for free when the FAA releases the documents.
Getting the Updated Lesson Plans
Create an account and access your downloads, and any updates, whenever you need.
You'll receive an email letting you know anytime new products are added and updates are made to your lesson plans!
CFI Specifics
Get a clear picture of our CFI content and additions. We added a specific Operation of Systems lesson and Systems & Equipment Malfunctions lesson for each of the aircraft listed.
ACS Lessons
72
Covers all single-engine PTS sections & tasks
Additional Lessons
3
Forces of Flight & Maneuvers
Weather Theory
Airworthiness Requirements (FARs)
Aircraft Systems
9
Generic System Operation
Cessna 152 & 172S
Cirrus SR20
Diamond DA20 & 40
Piper Archer II & III
Piper Arrow
Appendix
5
Energy Management
Flight Review
Plan of Action
Common Carriage
ADM, CRM, & SRM
Syllabi
3
Private (SE) Syllabus
Commercial (SE) Syllabus
CFI (SE) Syllabus
Hours Breakdown
Student Trackers
FAQ
Let's clear up some common questions
How do I get the downloads?
You'll receive a link to the content on the checkout page as well as in an email. No need to save either of those though, just create an account on the website and login to access the most current content whenever you need to!
Will the content be shipped to me?
Only our reference cards are shipped. Everything else (lessons, PowerPoints, ACS Reviews, syllabi, etc.) is only delivered digitally.
After checkout you'll receive a link on the website as well as via email to download the content. No need to keep the email. Just create an account on the website. You can access the most current content there whenever you need to.
Can I print the content?
Yep! You're free to print the content. We recommend finding a commercial printer (FedEx Office, Kinkos, etc.) to keep the costs down. The lesson plans and other content is quite lengthy.
What aircraft is the content designed for?
While the lessons were originally developed around the Diamond aircraft, over the years they have been updated to be more generic and useful to everyone. The limited aircraft specific information remaining has been annotated with a highlighted yellow asterisk for easy recognition and updates.
Additionally, we've been adding a number of aircraft specific systems lessons and equipment & malfunctions lessons. Here's what we have so far!
These lesson plans the follow the ACS well. Totally worth the price.
G
Gurtej Sandhu
Great
They are great the align perfectly with acs
So great to hear, Gurtej! Definitely reach out with any questions as you make your way through the content - happy to help wherever we can!
M
MARIA CECILIA Melendres
CFI Lesson Plans
Thank you, Maria!
K
Karl
This really hurts to say
But, I have to dock 2 Stars from Gryffindor. While all my positives still stand from the CFII Lesson Plans, there's one massive massive negative that I need to point out; Task II.I. is garbage. I had to rewrite a sizeable chunk of it because the Flight Planning portion, especially the E6B portion, had no detail what soever. Also the Hazards segements in later lesson plans are just incredibly repetative.
Hey Karl, thanks so much for the thoughtful review.
It stings to hear II.I. didn’t meet expectations, but I appreciate you pointing it out. The Extra Detail version of the lesson has a lot more... detail - which may be exactly what you were looking for there. It breaks down a lot of the calculations, whereasthe standard lessons were condensed to just include the main steps to keep things streamlined. The Extra Detail version also mentions when to reference the E6B, but I didn’t want to overload the lesson with another lesson on how to use an E6B, especially when a lot of students and instructors are going electronic, and when the instructions are, for the most part, included on the instrument. I'll definitely see what I can do to balance everything out though.
As for the Risk Management/Hazards, I totally agree. They’re annoyingly repetitive. Unfortunately, that’s baked into the design of the ACS itself - it repeats the same risk management concepts across numerous tasks. That said, I’m working on tightening them up so they’re a lot less tedious but still checkride-ready.
Really appreciate you taking the time to share the information—it helps a ton. And I'm glad to hear the rest of the content is working out well. If you come across anything else, don't hesitate to reach out - info@thebackseatpilot.com. Thanks!
This course for new flight instructors is outstanding. Marcus was clear, practical, and engaging, equipping new instructors with essential skills and confidence. Highly recommend!
Thanks so much, Samuel! I really appreciate your feedback. It was great having you in the class and seeing how you approached instruction with such professionalism and insight. I’m glad you found value in the course and hope it adds even more tools to your already strong teaching skill set!
