Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.")

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

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Aero-Tips 06.27.06

Preparing to take a flight test for a pilot certificate or rating? It's important to know the "rules of engagement".

Your success or failure on the flight test hinges solely on your ability to demonstrate mastery of the Areas of Operation required by the applicable Practical Test Standards.

Note: Many Areas of Operation (example: single-pilot resource management) require a subjective evaluation by the examiner... so pass/fail isn't entirely a matter of headings, altitudes and airspeeds.

Test... and re-test

• The applicant must pass all required Areas of Operation to earn the certificate or rating.
• The examiner or the applicant can discontinue the practical test at any time, including
• • Failure of the applicant to successfully complete an Area of Operation
  • Adverse weather
  • Aircraft airworthiness
  • Any other safety-of-flight consideration
• In such cases the applicant will be given credit for completing those Areas of Operation for which he/she has completed successfully before the test was halted, but only if the applicant
• • Presents to the examiner the original notice of failure or a Letter of Discontinuance from the first attempt at examination
  • Presents a new and correct application form
  • Completes and logs any necessary additional training, and required instructor endorsements for the retest
  • Passes the remainder of the practical test within 60 days of the discontinued flight test

Who's in charge

Although the examiner is of course in a position of authority, the applicant is Pilot-in-Command for the flight test unless the examiner has agreed to assume PIC responsibility beforehand. The PIC retains all authority and responsibility for the safe conduct of the flight test with all applicable rules in effect with the exception that prohibition against carry passengers by noncertificated applicants (student pilots attempting to earn their first pilot certificate) is waived so that the "passenger" examiner may be carried.

Aero-tip of the day: Be familiar with the flight test rules before taking a Practical Test. You're responsible for safety-and demonstrating your knowledge of the rules will make you look even better to the examiner.

FMI: Aero-Tips