Definition
In aircraft checkout and transition training, a structured outline developed by the instructor that sequences the ground and flight instruction needed to qualify a pilot in an unfamiliar aircraft, tailored to the pilot's experience, the aircraft's systems and handling characteristics, and the training objectives.
Plain English
A written training plan the instructor builds before starting an aircraft checkout, so each lesson is in the right order and nothing important is skipped.
Context Anchor
Used in flight training, especially when an instructor is preparing a checkout, transition lesson, or review flight.
Derivation
Plan comes from an older word meaning a flat drawing or map. Action comes from a word meaning to do. Together, the phrase points to a mapped-out way of doing something, not just an idea.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures consistent, thorough training that builds pilot confidence and reduces the risk of overlooking critical skills.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a casual intention. In this context, a plan of action is a prepared training path with specific items to cover and a goal to reach.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the complex aircraft checkout, the instructor built a plan of action covering systems ground school, emergency procedures, and three flight lessons.
Example Sentence 2
Before the transition training began, the CFI reviewed the plan of action with the student to set clear expectations.