FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instructional TechniquesMedium
While flying an ILS approach with a CFII, an instrument student begins to make an unsafe control input due to spatial disorientation. According to standard positive exchange of flight controls procedure, what is the FIRST action the instructor should take?
- AImmediately take the controls without saying anything to avoid startling the student
- BAsk the student if they would like the instructor to take over
- CState clearly, 'I have the flight controls'
- DWait for the student to say 'You have the flight controls' before acting
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. State clearly, 'I have the flight controls'
The AIM-recommended three-step process for exchanging flight controls requires the instructor to clearly state 'I have the flight controls,' after which the student acknowledges 'I have the flight controls' relinquished and the instructor visually confirms control. Silently taking over or waiting passively defeats the purpose of a clear, verbal exchange that prevents confusion about who is flying.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Silently taking control without verbal notice risks confusion over who is flying, violating the positive exchange procedure.
- B. Asking a question in an unsafe situation wastes critical time and is not the standard clear verbal exchange.
- D. Waiting passively could allow the unsafe situation to continue; the instructor must initiate the exchange.
Positive Exchange of Flight Controls
A standardized three-step verbal (and visual) procedure ensuring both pilots know exactly who is flying the aircraft at all times.
- Instructor says 'I have the flight controls'
- Student acknowledges 'I have the flight controls' (relinquishing)
- Instructor visually confirms before assuming control
Memory trick: Say it, hear it, see it — three steps to a safe handoff