FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instructional TechniquesHard
Before flying, an instrument student sits in a chair at home, closes their eyes, and mentally walks through every callout, instrument scan pattern, and control input for a full RNAV approach, visualizing each step as if actually flying. Which instructional technique is the student using?
- ADemonstration-performance method
- BOverlearning
- CChair flying (mental practice)
- DPositive transfer of learning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Chair flying (mental practice)
Chair flying, also called mental practice or imagery training, involves mentally rehearsing a procedure step by step without the aircraft, reinforcing procedural memory and reducing cognitive load during actual flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Demonstration-performance requires an instructor showing and the student physically performing, not solo mental rehearsal.
- B. Overlearning is continued physical practice after mastery, not purely mental rehearsal.
- D. Positive transfer refers to prior learning aiding new learning, not a rehearsal technique.
Chair Flying (Mental Practice)
A technique where a pilot mentally rehearses procedures and callouts without physically operating the aircraft, reinforcing memory and reducing workload.
- Also called mental imagery or armchair flying
- Reinforces sequence and callouts for complex procedures
- Can be used for approaches, emergencies, and checklists
Memory trick: Chair flying = flying the whole approach without ever leaving your couch.