FAA MEI case studies
FAA MEI · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-25, is the FAA's testing standard for the flight instructor certificate with an airplane rating. The FAA lists it with an April 2024 publication date and an effective date of May 31, 2024. The FAA MEI case studies are 5 cases and about 3,917 words.
1Zero Single-Engine Climb at 350 Feet AGL
You are giving multiengine instruction in a PA-44-180 Seminole departing a mountain airport: field elevation 5,400 ft, OAT 28 °C, altimeter 30.10 - density altitude about 8,300 ft. Takeoff weight is 3,650 lb.
817 words, about 4 min2The Gap in the Line and the Nonrefundable Hotel
You are a CFI flying a commercial applicant's long cross-country in a Cessna 172S. You departed at 1430 local with 53 gallons usable, burning 10.2 gph, on a 2.4-hour leg.
763 words, about 4 min3Briefing a Short-Field Landing Into a Crosswind
You are briefing a private pilot applicant before a short-field landing lesson in a C172S. The runway is 2,200 ft by 40 ft with a 45-ft tree line 300 ft before the threshold; density altitude today is 4,600 ft.
782 words, about 4 min4NORDO on Downwind, Truck on the Runway
You are a CFI in the right seat of a C172 on a three-mile final to runway 18 at a non-towered airport (field elevation 800 ft, traffic pattern 1,800 ft MSL). The ASOS says wind 150° at 5 knots.
770 words, about 4 min5The Student Who Blames the Trim
Your student, a 34-year-old civil engineer, has 38 hours and soloed at 22. His landings were consistent at 15 hours, but over the last six lessons his flare has become progressively later and his final approach speed has crept from 65 to 75 knots.
785 words, about 4 min