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What Your Designated Pilot Examiner Wants You to Know

Having all of the documents present and streamlined gets you off to a good start. RGtimeline/iStock
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Applicants must ensure meticulous preparation before a check ride, including accurate record-keeping (FAA 8710), thorough understanding of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), verifying aircraft airworthiness, and bringing original knowledge test documents.
  • Pilots need to move beyond rote memorization, developing a deep, working knowledge of aircraft systems and strong aeronautical decision-making (ADM) skills, especially for real-world scenarios and system failures.
  • Both instructors and applicants should prioritize scenario-based training on the ground to develop effective emergency plans and risk assessment capabilities, rather than solely focusing on maneuvers to pass the check ride.
  • Passing a check ride marks the beginning of a pilot's continuous learning journey, emphasizing the importance of lifelong proficiency, conservative judgment, and seeking help when encountering unfamiliar situations.
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Every year for the past decade, I have attended EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Flying my 1965 Mooney from California to the big event has been the norm, with most of those years flown VFR, which added a layer of stress to the planning and execution of those flights.

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