Former Executive Director of NAFI |
I would like to share a
few reflections and tips from recent practical tests I have
given. In most cases, the tests I have given are proof of
fantastic candidates who are dedicated to learning and
progressing as pilots, but there are also moments that just
leave me wondering about some of the basic preparation
things that an applicant could do to make their time with me
so much easier. So here are a few things I would offer:
Yes you should bring an FAR/AIM with you (unless somehow you
have memorized it all) and yes it should be a current one.
Too many times applicants either don’t have a FAR/AIM with
them or one that is current. I’m not certain which is worse
to be honest. Not having one is bad, having an old one just
shows an applicant doesn’t care to have current information.It is a really good idea to
have a copy (digital pdf on your ipad is fine) of the
Practical Test Standards for the test your are taking (and
yes it should be current also). This is the menu the
examiner will use on the practical test. Know it and have
one. You can find these at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/#pilots
You probably should look at the aircraft inspections at
least some time more than 2 minutes before your scheduled
time for the practical test with your instructor and really
understand what the required inspections are and when they
will expire. This is a required set of questions an examiner
will ask on EVERY practical test. We have to know that we
are getting into a “legal” airplane and you will have to
show us that it meets all the requirements. There are no
exceptions.
Know when the aircraft
registration expires or where to find the information. No,
you won’t find this in the typical FARs you have bought. It
is in Part 43 of the FARs. More about aircraft registration
requirements can be found at
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/reregistration/
It is perfectly fine
to discontinue a practical test if you don’t think the
weather is good enough. Just because you and the examiner
are both there and the ground is done, it doesn’t mean you
have to fly. Here is the best question you should yourself
when deciding, “will today’s weather adversely affect my
ability to complete the required maneuvers within practical
test standards?” If the answer is yes, reschedule for the
flight. Simple as that.
Be confident in your
knowledge. An examiner’s job includes determining if you
will question things. Just because the examiner asked the
dreaded, “Are you sure?” question doesn’t mean you were
wrong. If you know something, stick with your answers, don’t
change them. If you don’t know something, don’t try to make
up an answer. The examiner will let you dig a hole then bury
you in it. Be honest and tell us if you don’t know
something.
These all seem like
pretty simplistic tips, but I can’t tell you how many times
these are a factor on practical tests. While they don’t
always result in the issuance of a disapproval, they will
always raise the stress levels and create delays in the
progress of the practical test. Think about these ahead of
time and your next practical test will get easier. If you
have already taken one, share this with a friend who has one
coming up to make their experience easier. |