PPL Flight Test Question

[Pavese]

Been reading up on the USA flight test routine & see it has a ground portion where the candidate gets grilled on various things (of the type which are addressed on the CDN written like airspace, cloud clearance etc.) before flying, is this the same for the CDN "Flight Test" or is it just what you see in the TC Flight Test document?

Tks.

D

[Mihai]

the ground part of my PPL was flight planning and paperwork... for instance what happens when you sell/buy a plane. that's about it.

[Av_Av]

Examiners are constrained to the Flight Test Guide. Every question asked during the groundwork must fit within the framework of the Guide. I don't know the details of the US system, but from what I understand, their oral portion is much more thorough and difficult than our groundwork. The TC philosophy is that theoretical knowledge is assessed in the written, and shouldn't be reassessed on the flight test.

[Pavese]

Examiners are constrained to the Flight Test Guide. Every question asked during the groundwork must fit within the framework of the Guide. I don't know the details of the US system, but from what I understand, their oral portion is much more thorough and difficult than our groundwork. The TC philosophy is that theoretical knowledge is assessed in the written, and shouldn't be reassessed on the flight test.

That was my impression as well however there seems to be little discussion on the topic in CDN forums. I wanted to make inquiries before bringing it up at the club.

Tks.

D

[200hr Wonder]

One thing to keep in mind is that examiner is trying to determine if you are prepared to be cut loose as a PPL. So if you stop think carefully and clearly, give a precise correct answer the ground portion will be more or less a non issue. If you studder, double talk, use lots of ummms and errrs the examiner will assume that you are perhaps a little weak in that knowledge area and drill you a little more. So for example in a very real and practical way that something like cloud clearance could come up:

You are asked to plan your trip from A to B. At the time of your arrival the weather at B is a kind Meh, marginal but still decent. You are asked if you would do the trip as planned. Seem a little unsteady about the decision, so the next question that comes up the examiner asks: What if the vis at B was 1 1/2 mile, would you still do the trip? You: No that is below my comfort level. Examiner: Well can we legally go? So in that scenario you had best know about SVFR cloud clearances etc. They may not come out and ask what is the required cloud clearances and visibility in class G airspace? They can however ask you to apply that knowledge.

So in summery, you had best have a good grasp on that sort of information The best way to make the ground portion go smoothly is to take your time, stop think about the answer and respond, don't just blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. If you are uncertain of what is being asked, there is no harm in asking "I am unsure of what you are asking, can you please clarify." The less certain you seem about an answer the more you get grilled to see if it is a weak area. Just relax, an examiner wants to pass you if you are safe. They are not trying to fail you.

*One caveat is the above would be more prone to a CPL type of situation but anything is possible on the PPL.

[172PIC]

The main questions you get are on the required documents for the aircraft, being able to prove it's airworthy through the docs including maintenance etc. in the Journey Log, and flight planning. For the flight planning don't plan on using "outside my comfort level" as a blanket reason for not completing a flight under a given scenario. Be ready to list what the legal minimums are for the airspace on the route, the aircraft's capabilities etc (does it have a transponder etc.). Do state whether or not you would fly (ex. it's legal but with my experience I wouldn't etc.), but the main point is knowing the legal stuff too. Also be ready to point out various things on the VNC. For the flight itself make sure you do the weight and balance and if you need to, plan multiple stops to make the flight.

Oh and don't forget your passenger briefings !!!

[PunkStarStudios]

Good post from the last guy. Bang on.
You'll probably get a few what-if questions - what to do on a problem right after take off is a popular one. A bit of quizzing on the map and paperwork. A what-if on W&B will surely be in there.

If you don't know the answer for something - don't fake it. Just say "Hmmm - I don't know - but if I had to guess".... and take a shot at it. You may squeak out a point for deductive reasoning and humility even if the answer at the end was wrong.

[172PIC]

One more thing - be sure you know where to find the answers too. What's in the Designated Airspace Handbook, what's in the AIM and where, etc. Know all the sources well.