Flight Training - January/February 2021 - 20

PREFLIGHT CHECKRIDE 101

BY NATALIE BINGHAM HOOVER

CHECKRIDE PROFESSIONALISM
SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

punctuality enough for the big day. If your appointment is for 9 a.m., arrive by 8:30. This will also give
gallery is filled with people. The judge sits front
you time to relax and clear your head. The last thing
and center, gavel in hand. There are two attorneys.
The prosecuting lawyer looks like he just rolled out
you want is to be scrambling into the room when the
examiner is already there waiting for you.
of bed. His hair is a mess. His shirt is wrinkled, no
Look the part. I'm not saying wear that threetie. Before asking a question, he fumbles through
piece suit, but you do want to be dressed in business
a jumbled stack of papers, finding it hard to string
together a cohesive sentence, using slang and curse
casual to convey the impression that you take this
day seriously. However, make sure the clothes
words on occasion. Contrast that image (of the
and especially the shoes are comfortable. Nobody
worst lawyer ever) with the defense attorney.
expects slacks and a tie when it's 125 degrees in
He is a true professional, arriving early, dressed in
the cockpit, but a golf polo
a three-piece suit. His argument is clear and concise, his
and khaki shorts would be
paperwork organized. Who do
While those FAA standards reasonable.
Have your paperwork and
you think wins the case? No
may be black and white,
logbook in order. I've had applimatter how guilty the defendant may be, the jury is going
cants who show up missing
a lack of professionalism
knowledge tests, photo IDs,
to have a hard time seeing the
by the applicant can
and the checkride fee. It is
evidence though all the other
painful for us both to watch
distractions.
make things look pretty
the frantic scramble through
Think of your checkride day gray before you ever
like that courtroom. Are you, as
their bag to find the missing
item-or, worse, having to call
the applicant, going to show up answer the first question.
someone from home to bring
prepared and professional or
it to them. Do yourself a favor
are you going to make the evaluator search for evidence that you are a competent
and make a folder that has every document and
item you will need to show the examiner during
pilot? Guys and gals, the examiner is only human.
the paperwork phase. The Airman Certification
While those FAA standards may be black and white,
Standards (ACS) has a helpful document in the
a lack of professionalism by the applicant can make
appendices titled Practical Test Checklist. Use it
things look pretty gray before you ever answer the
first question. If you want to get started on the right
to make sure you have everything you need to help
your day run smoothly.
foot, here are some easy ways to make a great first
Use good manners. When we're stressed, we tend
impression:
not to be our best selves, but by all means, remember
Remember, all of your communication says something about you. Texting the examiner at 10 p.m. on a basic manners when dealing with your evaluator.
Sunday night to ask for a checkride date is unprofes- For example, watch your language; no cussing. Don't
badmouth your CFI. Put your phone on silent.
sional. These things should be done during business
These are simple things, but they will go a long
hours. Also, if you make an appointment, do your
way toward creating a good rapport between you
best to honor it. Last minute cancellations show a
lack of respect. Examiners understand certain things and the person who hopefully will issue you that
are out of your control, but being prepared for a date brand-new pilot certificate.
to which you agreed should not be one of them.
Be early. My husband's high school basketball
NATALIE BINGHAM HOOVER is an FAA-designated pilot
coach used to say, " If you're early, you're on time.
examiner and chief flight instructor of a busy flight
school near Memphis, Tennessee.
And if you're on time, you're late. " I cannot stress
IMAGINE, IF YOU WILL, A COURTROOM SCENE. THE

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021

Flight Training - January/February 2021

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