[Codyjp]

What I really like to do is give students some fake weather. Such as, the cielings are dropping to XXXX altitude and the winds are coming up at these airports, KABC, KCDF etc. Then suddenly, there are thunderstorms developing over there. Now, what/where are you going to do? Of course this 'worst case weather' is all fake it makes them find an airport to divert to, and then go there.

On my commercial checkride and the examiner said go to XYZ airport. Great, I would if I only had a clue where XYZ airport was. (I wasn't too familiar with the area yet).

The above method makes the student find the appropriate airport(s) instead. Of course, I still do the normal style of diversions, but I just like the weather scenario better.

I also like them to do it under the hood when they are capable. There is a nearby airport near a VOR. They can fly directly to the VOR, then estimate a radial, distance and time to the airport and they usually can get to the airport (based on time) withing 1/4 mile. I surely hope they never do that crap in actual but it gives them confidence with the VOR's and navigation.