While I am not a supporter of rigid lesson plans on the flight line, they are quite useful when developing new material and as an instructor teaching tool. I think the most of common mistakes in using lesson plans can be avoided by following the advice given in The FAA Aviation Instructor’s Handbook:
- Be Familiar with the Lesson Plan.
- Use the Lesson Plan as a Guide.
- The Lesson Plan is not a Substitute for Thinking.
- Adapt the Lesson Plan to the Class or Students.
- Revise the Lesson Plan Periodically.
To this advice I might also add that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The best course of action is usually to follow a curriculum that has already been developed, and supplement it with lessons that reflect your local requirements. In flight training these are readily available from a number of sources both privately and from government agencies.