SR20
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 67; Flight Crew Total 1300; Flight Crew Type 170
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
While conducting a IFR training flight with a student; we were on an IFR flight plan and on initial climb vectors from ATC when we noticed the Oil Pressure indication slowly; but consistently; dropping.  It triggered a CAS caution message for Low Oil Pressure; then the pressure reading slowly recovered.  As we discussed the potential causes of this indication change; the Oil Pressure reading decreased again causing another CAS message.  At this point we both decided to return to the departure airport ZZZ.  The student informed ATC of the issue and asked to return to the airport.  We were given vectors back to ZZZ and confirmed with ATC that we [would like priority handling] We ran the appropriate checklists as a crew. We were then cleared for a visual approach and landed uneventfully at ZZZ.  This event was a great learning experience for the student and myself.  Always leaning towards caution and returning to the airport was the right move.  It would have been easy to convince ourselves that the oil pressure indication was a sensor error and continue to our destination; but this would have been very poor ADM.
While on an IFR flight plan and on initial climb vectors from ATC; we noticed the oil pressure indication slowly; but consistently dropping. It triggered a CAS message for low oil pressure; then the pressure reading slowly recovered. As we discussed potential causes of this indication change; the oil pressure reading decreased again causing another CAS message. At this point we both decided to return to the departure airport ZZZ. I informed ATC of the issue and asked to return to the airport. We were given vectors back to ZZZ and confirmed with ATC that I would [request priority handling]. We ran the appropriate checklists. This likely could have been a sensor issue; but I always prefer to be more safe than sorry.
Flight Instructor and student reported during climbout the engine oil pressure was slowly dropping and a oil pressure warning occurred. The crew made a precautionary air return.