Course Description

The Principles and Methods of Instruction (PMI) Course delivered by the Royal Victorian Aero Club is designed to prepare future flight instructors with the instructional knowledge and teaching skills required to train student pilots effectively. The course is conducted in a classroom environment by highly experienced Grade 1 flight instructors.

Throughout the program, participants will explore the core theories of learning and instruction, communication strategies, lesson planning, student evaluation, and the human factors that influence training. Content is aligned with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements for flight instructor training.

Each session incorporates interactive presentations, collaborative activities, micro-teaching opportunities, and guided discussions to reinforce instructional techniques. Students will also have access to training resources, including reference texts, lesson plan templates, and practice teaching exercises to support their development as instructors.

Upon completion, participants will possess a strong understanding of instructional principles, learning theory, and effective teaching methods. They will be well prepared to undertake the instructional flight training component and complete their Pilot Instructor Rating Exam (PIRC).

Course Objectives

• To develop a comprehensive understanding of adult learning principles and effective instructional methods
• To prepare students for the PMI requirements of the Flight Instructor Rating syllabus
• To build core skills in communication, lesson planning, and student evaluation
• To promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and effective instruction within aviation training environments
• To provide a foundational understanding of human factors as they relate to teaching and learning

Prerequisites

You must holding a valid Australian PPL, CPL or ATPL licence, of either aeroplane or helicopter category, to complete the Pilot Instructor Rating Exam (PIRC).

If you do not hold an Australian PPL or CPL or ATPL licence or Certificate of Validation (CoV), then any pass obtained in this exam won’t be valid.

Required Materials (not included in course fee)

• CASA Flight Instructor Rating reference materials
• Writing materials
• Laptop or tablet
• Any additional resources recommended by your instructor

For any questions regarding this course, please contact our friendly team on 03 8586 7777.
If you wish to pay via PayID, Bank Transfer, or Cash, please call Flight Operations (Monday to Friday) on 03 8586 7777.