Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In Episode 2 of our CFI ACS series, we work through Area of Operation 1, Task B: The Learning Process. This is the biggest task in the Fundamentals of Instruction — 16 knowledge topics, 3 risk management elements, and 3 skills — all drawn from Chapter 3 of the Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
I walk through every knowledge element, break down the concepts using real-world analogies and examples from my experience as a DPE and 20-year instructor, and then tie it all together with a realistic scenario covering all three skill elements — the kind of scenario you might get on your CFI practical test.
If you're preparing for your CFI checkride, stop memorizing the FOIs. Start learning how to use them. That's what this series is about.
If you haven't seen Episode 1 covering Task A (Human Behavior & Communication), go back and watch that first.
Resources:
Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9), Chapter 3
VSL ACE Guide: https://vsl.aero/aceguide
Join the VSL Aviation Discord: discord.gg/4BMChDbbxC
#CFI #FlightInstructor #ACS #FOI #PilotTraining #VSLAviation #ScenarioBasedTraining #FlightTraining #DPE #checkride
Chapters:
0:00 — Intro & Series Overview
2:07 — ACE Guide Walkthrough & ACS Structure
4:15 — K1: Definitions of Learning
5:01 — K2A: Behaviorism (T-37 Story)
9:02 — K2B: Cognitive Theory (Lego & Car Analogies)
17:02 — K3: Perceptions & Insight (Element of Threat)
23:28 — K4: Acquiring Knowledge (Math Analogy)
30:55 — K5: Laws of Learning
47:19 — K6: Domains of Learning (Cognitive, Affective, Psychomotor)
1:04:21 — K7: Characteristics of Learning
1:14:47 — K8: Scenario-Based Training (D&D Comparison)
1:20:01 — K9: Acquiring Skill Knowledge & Learning Plateaus
1:32:06 — K10: Types of Practice
1:37:04 — K11: Evaluation vs. Critique
1:39:20 — K12: Distractions, Interruptions, Fixation & Inattention
1:42:08 — K13: Errors
1:48:30 — K14: Memory (Penguins on an Iceberg)
1:23:57 — K15: Retention of Learning (Peppermint Story)
1:27:47 — K16: Transfer of Learning
1:31:13 — Risk Management (R1, R2, R3)
1:31:38 — Skills Scenario: The Returning Bonanza Pilot
1:40:04 — Wrap-Up
In Episode 2 of our CFI ACS series, we work through Area of Operation 1, Task B: The Learning Process. This is the biggest task in the Fundamentals of Instruction — 16 knowledge topics, 3 risk management elements, and 3 skills — all drawn from Chapter 3 of the Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
I walk through every knowledge element, break down the concepts using real-world analogies and examples from my experience as a DPE and 20-year instructor, and then tie it all together with a realistic scenario covering all three skill elements — the kind of scenario you might get on your CFI practical test.
If you're preparing for your CFI checkride, stop memorizing the FOIs. Start learning how to use them. That's what this series is about.
If you haven't seen Episode 1 covering Task A (Human Behavior & Communication), go back and watch that first.
Resources:
Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9), Chapter 3
VSL ACE Guide: https://vsl.aero/aceguide
Join the VSL Aviation Discord: discord.gg/4BMChDbbxC
#CFI #FlightInstructor #ACS #FOI #PilotTraining #VSLAviation #ScenarioBasedTraining #FlightTraining #DPE #checkride
Chapters:
0:00 — Intro & Series Overview
2:07 — ACE Guide Walkthrough & ACS Structure
4:15 — K1: Definitions of Learning
5:01 — K2A: Behaviorism (T-37 Story)
9:02 — K2B: Cognitive Theory (Lego & Car Analogies)
17:02 — K3: Perceptions & Insight (Element of Threat)
23:28 — K4: Acquiring Knowledge (Math Analogy)
30:55 — K5: Laws of Learning
47:19 — K6: Domains of Learning (Cognitive, Affective, Psychomotor)
1:04:21 — K7: Characteristics of Learning
1:14:47 — K8: Scenario-Based Training (D&D Comparison)
1:20:01 — K9: Acquiring Skill Knowledge & Learning Plateaus
1:32:06 — K10: Types of Practice
1:37:04 — K11: Evaluation vs. Critique
1:39:20 — K12: Distractions, Interruptions, Fixation & Inattention
1:42:08 — K13: Errors
1:48:30 — K14: Memory (Penguins on an Iceberg)
1:23:57 — K15: Retention of Learning (Peppermint Story)
1:27:47 — K16: Transfer of Learning
1:31:13 — Risk Management (R1, R2, R3)
1:31:38 — Skills Scenario: The Returning Bonanza Pilot
1:40:04 — Wrap-Up
