Meet Ryan C. Binns — Skyfarer’s Flight Training Advisor
Ryan is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) based in Orlando, Florida, and a respected educator in the general aviation community. His knowledge, generous contributions to aviation instruction, and real-world flying experience make him a great fit to help guide our mission: making flight training more accessible, personalized, and effective for every student and pilot.
A Passion for Flight—and for Teaching It
Ryan has been flying since 2005 and instructing since 2020, building up a wide range of experience in both private and instrument training.
He is also an aircraft owner – flying a 1984 Mooney M20J – and has undertaken extensive cross-country trips (as of 2024 he has flown in 49 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces)
By training, he holds a B.S. in computer science and works professionally as a software engineer, but his passion is aviation. As a flight instructor, Ryan's technical background complements his instruction. He is known not only for his technical skills and practical insights, but also for his ability to teach and connect with students at all levels—from brand-new private pilot students to advanced instrument trainees and future CFIs.
Educational Resources and Published Materials
Ryan is especially known for creating and sharing extensive training materials online. He has assembled a complete “CFI Binder” of lesson plans and resources covering all tasks in the FAA flight instructor syllabus (Areas I–XIV). These lesson plans were originally developed for the old Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards and have been updated for the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) effective 2024. He openly posts these plans on his website and flight instruction blog.
Ryan's websiteFree and Open Resources
All of the PDF lesson plans and checklists are provided free of charge “to give thanks for the wonderful resources” he received as a student. (Editable Word versions are available for purchase.) In addition, Ryan publishes various quick-reference aids. For example, he offers logbook experience checklists for Private and Commercial training, a simple preflight “PAVE” risk checklist, maneuver quick-reference sheets, endorsement summaries, and other CFI aids. He also prepared scenario-based ground lessons, such as an IFR Cross-Country Planning exercise that uses a realistic flight scenario to teach IFR flight planning.
Editable Versions
Instructional Methods and Programs
Ryan’ teaching style is systematic and scenario-driven. His lesson plans explicitly emphasize risk management and ADM: for instance, his “Techniques of Flight Instruction” lesson (Task F) incorporates modern decision-making mnemonics (PAVE, DECIDE, CARE, TEAM) and covers the five hazardous attitudes and their antidotes. He also stresses integrated flight instruction, positive control exchanges, and a “sterile cockpit” approach during critical phases – all drawn from FAA recommendations.
Impact on the Flight-Training Community
Ryan has built a reputation for giving back to the general aviation community. His freely available instructional materials are frequently cited by other CFIs and students.
By lowering barriers (free downloads, affordable editable versions, and open sharing), he supports both new and seasoned instructors. His emphasis on modern ACS standards and safety-mindset also helps align training with current FAA expectations.