RUDDER & WRENCH candidate who contributes to my file at that flight school has shared that one of my pet peeves during practical exams is the lack of a standard preflight briefing. Alas, I continue to discover otherwise so I will share some of my gouge here through a situation that happens all too frequently. SAVE ON THE THINGS YOU NEED... AND THE THINGS YOU WANT ENJOY AOPA MEMBERS-ONLY DISCOUNTS ON: - Avionics - Hangars & Ground Equipment - Parts - Pilot Supplies - Services - Training - Travel Start saving with AOPA today! aopa.org/lifestyles During a practical exam last summer for the commercial certificate, I asked the candidate Pat to plan a cross-country flight to Asheville, North Carolina. The scenario involved transporting a couple to a Friday night wedding rehearsal dinner near the airport in Asheville. FAR 91.103 requires that the pilot in command, before beginning the flight, " become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. " Pat brought out his electronic flight bag software and walked me through various weather tools that showed the conditions suitable for a VFR flight. Given the atmospheric conditions, Pat computed the projected takeoff and landing distances and showed that both the destination and departure airports offered a healthy safety margin for obstacle clearance. A high-pressure system that dominated the southeast promised perfect weather to enjoy the and flight instructor to discuss any problems. This debrief is an important feedback loop that helps the flight school operate with greater safety and saves future candidates from repeating errors. While I continually change myhttp://www.aopa.org/lifestyles