Flight Training - September/October 2023 - 28

PREFLIGHT CHECKRIDE 101
BY NATALIE BINGHAM HOOVER
HORROR STORIES
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN THE FAA SHOWS UP FOR YOUR CHECKRIDE?
AOPA_FT Magazine_Sep-Oct 2023.pdf 1 8/29/2023 3:15:45 PM
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD HORROR STORIES
of the FAA sitting in on a checkride?
The surly FAA inspector sits over in the
corner glaring at the applicant who ultimately
fails because no one ever passes
with the FAA. Well, that's not entirely
true. Let me tell you how it actually looks.
Designated pilot examiners like me must
undergo regular oversight by the FAA.
So, every now and then, an FAA inspector
will come watch me give a complete
practical exam, including the ground and
flight portions.
This year, the FAA came for a private
pilot checkride I was giving in a Piper
Archer. The friendly inspector showed
up 15 minutes or so before the ride, so
when the applicant arrived, I introduced
everyone. " This gentleman is here from
the FAA. Don't be alarmed. He is here
to observe me, not you. And the good
news is, you get a free checkride because
I waive my fee for these observation
rides. " Do you think the applicant then
relaxed and settled in without another
thought for the extra stranger in the room
wearing an FAA lanyard and taking notes
on his big yellow pad? Um...not exactly. If
anything, the applicant looked even more
nervous than when he initially walked in
the room.
If you fly long enough, you are bound
to experience an FAA observation at
some point. For my pilot in command
type ride in the Beechjet 400, an FAA
inspector was present. And for one of
my airline trips in the CRJ-200, an FAA
inspector joined us for a leg in the jumpseat.
When this happens to you,
just operate the aircraft like you normally
would. If you are a safe pilot who
operates your aircraft in accordance with
the regulatory requirements, you really
have nothing to fear. But there are a couple
of things to keep in mind to help the
process go more smoothly.
Contrary to public opinion, you
are not being " double examined. " The
FAA inspector is truly there to observe
the designated examiner, not you. The
inspector will have his or her list of
items to evaluate, including things like
if the DPE is using a current testing
document (airman certification standards
or practical test standards). Is the
DPE giving the three required briefings?
Pretest, preflight, and postflight? Is the
DPE conducting him- or herself in a professional
manner, showing up on time,
dressed appropriately, and so on? You
will notice none of these things have to
do with you, the applicant. So, as much
as possible, forget there's an extra person
and focus on the task at hand, which is
demonstrating your knowledge and skill
as a pilot.
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Flight Training - September/October 2023

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