Top Checkride Mistakes
Top checkride mistakes as viewed from the perspective of an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.
Learjet Down
In “Learjet Down” we look at a tragic accident which offers many high-level lessons to pilots of GA aircraft.
What the ACS is really trying to tell you
By understanding how evaluators use the ACS, you can better prepare yourself for your practical test. Follow along as we break down the ACS to its central underpinnings.
The Importance of Accurate Flight Planning
The importance of accurate pre-flight planning cannot be overstated. How important is this task beyond the private pilot practical test? Let’s take a look at the pilotage and dead reckoning task and consider why it’s evaluated.
Untangling the Knots
TAS, IAS, CAS? Aircraft performance? AFM? Walk through them from a checkride perspective.
Multiengine takeoffs
On takeoff, regardless of the weather, the pilot’s attention needs to be focused purely on the task at hand. A quick, but sure and smooth reaction is required in the event of a low-speed, low altitude engine failure. The proper reaction is driven by the proper takeoff briefing.
The “Secret Sauce” of VFR charts
Most pilots know the basics of VFR charts such as sectionals or TACs (Terminal Area Charts). “Landmarks, airports, navaids, airspace. Got it.” But there’s a lot more under the hood.
Common Approach Briefing Miscues
Let’s work through the MMU ILS 23 IAP together and talk about common “approach briefing miscues,” and how you can avoid them.
Checkride Jitters
It’s completely normal to feel a case of the nerves or jitters as the day of the checkride approaches. Here are my “Top 10” suggestions for managing those concerns. Relax. Although it’s difficult, consciously controlling your breathing and thinking calm … Continued
Understanding Airworthiness: Pt. III
(Continued from Part II) Step 4: ADs I warned you we’d get back to ADs! Virtually all aircraft have had one or more Airworthiness Directives issued against the type certificate. These are nothing more than formal recognition that a safety issue has … Continued