PIRC – FIRC OLD
Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC)
PIRC or FIRC. Used to be called Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC) and is now called Flight Instructor Rating Common Examination (FIRC)
2 hour exam, ~50 questions, 75% pass mark.
Must already hold at least a PPL. Only allowable material is; CASR Part 61 and CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019.
PIRC Permitted Materials –
- CASR Part 61 – use this extract, or create a more comprehensive extract as you study. Expect 1-3 questions on privileges and limitations and minimum requirements although there could be others.
- CAO 48.1 Instrument 2019 is not in the exam and you will NOT get any questions on this.
FAA Handbook Update – CASA has announced the FAA handbook has changed slightly, by replacing the word student with learner and repositioning one chapter. The introduction will result in only a few minor changes. CASA does not anticipate any changes to the Part 61 MOS and any exam questions changes will be minor and few. Most likely the use of the word learner instead of student.
The 9B version of the handbook will be the principal reference for PIRC from 13th August 2020 for CASA exam purposes.
Members Tips – Recommended focus areas. Expand- Part 141 and 142 requirements. Know the difference and what training is covered by each.
- The significant or dominant forces in learning e.g. motivation
- Perception, what it is and the importance of contributors e.g. sight, insight etc.
- Defence mechanisms e.g. projection
- Instructor proficiency requirements
- Know all types of assessments and when given examples you must be able to determine what type of assessment
- The affects and reactions to stress
- The needs of a student pilot and how instructors can help with those needs
- Factors around the time, length and frequency of training
- The use and importance of a training syllabus
- How habits affect training and how habits can be changed or broken
- Understand correction, application, self concept in various scenarios
- The importance and validity or written v oral v practical tests
- Effective v ineffective questions
- Chalkboards v projectors v other forms of display to classes
- Lesson plan components
- Adult learner characteristics e.g. self-driven autonomous etc
- Instructional steps
- Barriers to communication and examples
- Domains
- Open v closed questions
- Importance of knowing students background and learning styles
- Teaching and learning decision making
- Teaching and learning cognitive skill
Also the areas of the FAA Instructors Handbook covered by PPE and the Syllabus, not the entire handbook.
This exam is generally not time pressured.
PIRC Permitted Materials ExpandPIRC FIRC 1
Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC) (FIRC)
Do 20 of approx 50+ questions
PIRC Practice ExamPIRC FIRC 2
Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC) (FIRC)
Do 20 of approx 50+ questions
PIRC Practice ExamPIRC FIRC 3
Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC) (FIRC)
Do 20 of approx 50+ questions
PIRC Practice ExamPIRC FIRC 4
Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC) (FIRC)
Do 20 of approx 50+ questions
PIRC Practice ExamPIRC FIRC 5
Pilot Instructor Rating Common Examination (PIRC) (FIRC)
Do 20 of approx 50+ questions
PIRC Practice ExamThe following references are useful study material for the PIRC.
- Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9B)
This is the principal reference text and in PPE’s view the only text you need. - A suitable management book on ‘motivation’
A candidate is expected to have basic understanding of the theories of motivation proposed by:- Abraham Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’
- Douglas McGregor ‘X & Y’ Theory (this appears to be removed from version 9B, but CASA suggests you read it from handbook version 9A)
- Frederick Herzberg ‘2-Factor’ Theory.
- Look these up on the internet
While FAA-H-8083-9B provides some short paragraphs on the first two (but mainly on Maslow), most management books provide satisfactory information on the 3 theories.
- Human Factors in Flight by Frank Hawkins or any human factors book on ‘memory’, ‘motivation’, ‘stress’, etc
Optional – to supplement information in the above - Preparing Instructional Objectives by Robert F Mager
Optional – a useful text on ‘behavioural objectives’ to compliment FAA-H-8083-9A - Measuring Instructional Results by Robert F Mager
Optional – additional useful text on ‘behavioural objectives’ - PPE does not believe these books are necessary, use the internet
The examination
The PIRC is a two-hour examination, consisting generally of 50 multi-choice questions. To qualify for the award of a Pass in the PIRC the candidate must achieve at least 75% in the examination. The PIRC exam has been amended to reflect the newer version of the FAA Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9B From 13 Aug 2020) and CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards, Schedule 3. Changes in version 9A to 9B are very minor.
CASA reserves the right to reduce the number of questions without prior notice, but when doing so, will not reduce the 2 hours permitted time for the examination.
SECTION 2.4 INSTRUCTOR RATINGSUnit 2.4.1 FIRC: Instructor rating – common
1. Reserved
2. Flight rules
2.1 Legislation
2.1.1 Describe the privileges and limitations of the instructor rating and associated training endorsements.
2.1.2 Describe the flight training that must be conducted under the authority of Part 141 or 142 of CASR 1998.
3. Principles and methods of instruction
3.1 Principles of learning
3.1.1 Describe the adult learning process.
3.1.2 Explain what is meant by perception.
3.1.3 Explain the relative importance of each of the physical senses in learning.
3.1.4 Explain how the defence mechanisms listed may hinder learning:
(a) rationalisation;
(b) flight;
(c) aggression;
(d) resignation.
3.1.5 Explain how the level of stress may affect learning.
3.1.6 Explain the relation between perception and understanding.
3.1.7 State how positive and negative motivation affects learning.
3.1.8 Explain the application of the levels of learning.
3.1.9 Explain how the rate of learning may vary with practice.
3.1.10 Explain the role of each of the memory systems in terms of the model of information processing:
(a) sensory register;
(b) short-term memory;
(c) long-term memory.
3.2 Principles of instruction
3.2.1 Explain how a flight instructor could assist the process of perception and understanding.
3.2.2 State examples of how rote learning, understanding of knowledge and correlation apply to flight training.
3.2.3 Identify the outcomes of aeronautical knowledge instruction associated with the 3 domains of learning:
(a) cognitive (knowledge);
(b) affective (attitudes, beliefs and values);
(c) psychomotor (physical skills).
3.2.4 State the factors that may hinder learning with respect to aeronautical knowledge training.
3.2.5 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of guided discussion in flight training and identify flight training activities for which this technique could be suitable.
3.2.6 Give examples of positive and negative transfer in aeronautical knowledge training.
3.2.7 Explain the role of each factor listed in the communication process:
(a) source;
(b) symbols;
(c) receiver.
3.2.8 Recall how these common barriers affect communication:
(a) lack of common experience;
(b) confusion;
(c) abstractions.
3.2.9 Explain how an instructor may monitor, whether communication has been achieved.
3.2.10 Identify adult learning issues applicable to aeronautical knowledge training.
3.2.11 Explain each of the basic steps of the teaching process:
(a) preparation;
(b) presentation;
(c) application;
(d) review and evaluation.
3.2.12 State the purpose of behavioural (performance-based) outcomes in flight training.
3.2.13 Explain the following attributes of effective outcomes:
(a) achievable;
(b) observable;
(c) measurable.
3.2.14 Explain how to develop the 3 essential elements of behavioural outcomes:
(a) performance (what has to be done);
(b) performance criteria;
(c) conditions.
3.2.15 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the teaching methods listed and give practical examples of situations best suited to each of these techniques in flight training:
(a) lecture;
(b) theory or skill lesson;
(c) group learning;
(d) guided discussion;
(e) briefing.
3.2.16 Explain the role of the instructor in each of the 5 steps involved in providing skill practice to trainees:
(a) explanation;
(b) demonstration;
(c) performance;
(d) supervision;
(e) evaluation.
3.2.17 Explain the difference between a training syllabus and competency-based standards.
3.3 Lesson planning and delivery
3.3.1 Explain the general purpose and content of each of the components of a typical aeronautical knowledge lesson plan:
(a) aim/motivation/revision;
(b) outcomes;
(c) explanation of principles;
(d) explanation/demonstration of technique;
(e) threat and error management;
(f) practice;
(g) review.
3.3.2 State the reasons for limiting the duration of lessons and indicate the desirable duration of a typical lesson.
3.3.3 Explain the purpose and content of a training syllabus (or curriculum).
3.3.4 Explain the purpose and use of training aids.
3.3.5 Give examples of training aids particularly suited to aeronautical knowledge training.
3.3.6 Explain the role of the instructor in each of the following phases of review and evaluation:
(a) fault analysis (diagnosis);
(b) competency assessment;
(c) trainee self-assessment;
(d) training effectiveness.
3.4 Principles of questioning
3.4.1 Explain the reasons for questioning trainees.
3.4.2 Explain the characteristics of an effective or open question.
3.4.3 Give examples of good and poor questions.
3.4.4 Explain how oral questions can promote mental activity.
3.4.5 Explain why oral questions maintain student interest during a lesson.
3.4.6 Explain why is it essential that the instructor always confirm answers to questions.
3.4.7 Explain the purposes of oral questions.
3.4.8 Describe the desired qualities of good oral questions.
3.4.9 Describe the procedure to follow when asking a question.
3.4.10 Explain the key points to observe in the handling of student answers.
3.4.11 Explain the key points to observe in the handling of student questions. Join Here