Putting it all Together Discussion with Designated Examiners

Putting it all Together Discussion with Designated Examiners AAAA Education Committee Commercial

Objectives • To understand the Practical Test Procedures • To prepare students for taking the Practical Test AAAA Education Committee 2

Overview • Who are Designated Pilot Examiners? • Who are the Examiners: What are their responsibilities? • What are the Practical Test Standards? • How is the flight test administered? • Some weaknesses and ideas for improvement AAAA Education Committee 3

Who are Designated Pilot Examiners? • Qualifications • Authority • Public Law • 14 CFR 183 AAAA Education Committee 4

Examiner’s Responsibilities • Determine that the applicant meets the acceptable standards • These standards are delineated in the Practical Test Standards – Private Pilot FAA-S-8081 -17 – Commercial Pilot FAA-S-8081 -18 AAAA Education Committee 5

What are the Practical Test Standards? • Compilation of what you are expected to know • Identifies what you are expected to perform and how well you must perform • Structure – Areas of Operations – Tasks – Objectives AAAA Education Committee 6

Elements of the Practical Test • Proper Paperwork – Completed 8710 -1 Application – Logbooks – Written test results • Oral Exam • Flight Test – Need Airworthy Balloon – Need Appropriate Papers AAAA Education Committee 7

How a Check Ride Works • Conducted in accordance with the Practical Test Standards • Must be complete • Special emphasis – Areas critical to aircraft safety – Precise aircraft control – Sound Judgment – Response to distractions AAAA Education Committee 8

The Oral Exam • Preflight Preparation – – – – Certificates and Documents Weather Information Flight Planning National Airspace System Performance and Limitations Operations of Systems Aero Medical Factors • Airport Operations – Correlative Exercise AAAA Education Committee 9

The Flight • Conduct a lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight • Flight Skills – – Ascents/Descents Level Flight Contour Flying Navigation • Constantly answering questions and reaction to distractions AAAA Education Committee 10

Flight Test/ Check Ride • Applicant is Pilot in Command • Receive either: – Satisfactory Performance – Unsatisfactory Performance – Letter of Discontinuance AAAA Education Committee 11

Satisfactory Performance • For the commercial applicant – Knowledge of fundamentals of instructing – Knowledge of technical subject areas – Knowledge of instructor responsibilities • Concerning the pilot certification process • Concerning logbook entries • Concerning pilot certification endorsements • Knowledge of development and effective use of a training course, syllabus and a lesson plan • Ability to demonstrate all required procedures and maneuvers to the commercial pilot skill level. AAAA Education Committee 12

Observed Weakness in Applicants • Private vs. Commercial applicants – Demonstrated performance vs. demonstrated knowledge • Instructor endorsements – Logbook entries for instruction • Reference 14 CFR 61. 107, 61. 127 – Form 8710 • Incomplete • Date format, experience, # of flights AAAA Education Committee 13

Observed (Specific) Weaknesses in Applicants (cont. ) • Sectionals – Ability to plot a course – Identifying classes of airspace • Communication – Finding correct frequencies – Knowing the basic terminology • Use of checklists – Layout and assembly – Inflation, launch, landing AAAA Education Committee 14

Suggestions for improvements • Familiarity with Part 61 of 14 CFR • Familiarity with the Practical Test Standards • Thoroughness, perhaps using an “Evaluation Checklist” • Help the student with the Form 8710 Application. AAAA Education Committee 15

After Successful Completion • Maltreatment by your crew and “friends” • Accept new responsibilities – Others will turn to you for information – Know and abide by the rules, your actions will influence others • You will train future pilots AAAA Education Committee 16