SPORT, PRIVATE, AND COMMERCIAL PILOT

Preplan a VFR flight using a Navigation Log from departure airport to one of the following airports, a return flight plan is not needed. If departing from CHD, IWA, GEU, or GYR plan a flight to the SW at least 200NM STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCE. Only one way is required. You do not need to plan a return flight. You should be able to plan this flight without a fuel stop. Plan a departure time 2 hours after the test start time. If departing from SDL, FFZ, or DVT plan somewhere NE at least 200NM STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCE(these do not apply to IR tests-see IR page). If this is a Private test, and you do not have a Bravo airspace endorsement do not plan a flight through Bravo airspace. If your airport is not listed above plan a flight that is at least 200NM STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCE. This does not mean your flight plan is required to be a straight line.

The ACS requires you to demonstrate the ability to calculate your own navigation log. If you use electronic navigation software be prepared to demonstrate how those numbers were calculated. If you use an electronic flight bag(EFB), ensure all charts are current. If you use an EFB as a primary source of navigation and your charts are out of date it will result in a failure. Have a plan if your electronic device fails (ie paper charts/approach plates or secondary electronic device such as a phone) especially in the summer months. An IPAD overheating is not a valid reason to discontinue an examination

Practical Test Prep Recommendations:

Prepare all required preflight preparation items per 91.103 based on actual weather for the proposed flight time. The ground portion is always completed first. Plan on a departure time 2 hours after the start of your scheduled test.

Generate at least one preflight weather briefing to discuss. Acquire a legal briefing from AviationWeather.gov, https://www.1800wxbrief.com , or other sites like Foreflight. Please have an electronic or printed briefing packet prepared for efficient test discussion. If you print your information, do not print an entire weather briefing. Print the information that you personally utilize and are prepared to discuss. Ensure you are reviewing weather that applies to the scenario you are planning for with the departure time instructed above. Showing me a chart that does not apply to our planned flight times demonstrates a lack of understanding. Be prepared to tell me if you would have a go or no-go decision based off the weather you reviewed for the planned flight. File the flight plan electronically or with a briefer and be prepared to open in flight. Approved methods of filing a flight plan can be found here. Although not required, I highly recommend you call a weather briefer prior to your test. I'm finding more and more students have never talked to a briefer. You are paying a lot of money for this test and if it was me, I would want to make sure my i's were dotted and my t's were crossed. A briefer might point something out to you that you missed.

Precalculate all performance data required for the flight. Base all calculations on the actual real-time weather at the time of testing. Use my weight of 200 lbs in your weight and balance calculations. I will also have a 10lb bag. Be very familiar with the aircraft maintenance logs and prepared to determine airworthiness. Bring a list of each inspection completion date/time and next due date/time. Pictures are okay, however if available I prefer the actual maintenance documents. It will help you to tab the inspections. I've often watched nervous students take 20-30 minutes finding the most recent annual. You are demonstrating proficiency with determining airworthiness since this is something you should be checking every flight.

Reference your written test report and type or hand write the corresponding subject codes for your missed questions from the ACS on one piece of paper. You can utilize this website to decipher the codes at ACSCODES.COM or use your ACS. Do not only write the codes down(your test does that), you are demonstrating to me you know what the codes mean. This is a copy for my records and needs to be a document I can keep. Please condense to a single piece of paper(DO NOT simply highlight the codes in the ACS). Include your FTN number on the document. You can find the FTN number on your written test or in IACRA. I am required to ask you every missed question from the written test. Your instructor is required to review the missed subjects with you and endorse your log book validating this has been done. This additional instruction is required to be logged as well. It is in your best interest to not show up for the test being unfamiliar with the questions you missed on the written.. You can obtain a copy of the appropriate ACS by clicking here.

Make sure you have your pilot certificate, government ID, current medical, and log book with associated endorsements. If applicable bring completed 141 course graduation certificate. You can save some time during the test and review the pilot bill of rights found here. When we meet, you will be signing that you have read it. Have your IACRA login information available for the test. You will have to login at least once to finalize your application. Make sure you review my fee and cancellation policy HERE. In rare cases a test can not begin because the applicant is not qualified. It is your responsibility to ensure you are qualified for the test you are taking. This is TASK A in the ACS -CA.I.A.K1 Certification requirements, recent flight experience, and recordkeeping. Work with your CFI and review applicable regulations to ensure you are qualified. Unfortunately I will still have to charge you the full fee even if we can not begin the test. If the aircraft is available prior to us starting the test please have the preflight conducted prior to our scheduled start time. This allows you to discover any potential problems with the aircraft early so there is time to get it fixed if we fly. Otherwise a delay may result in having to discontinue the test due to me having other checks scheduled.

Common Errors

Applicant is unfamiliar with the ACS or has never looked at the ACS. Every question I ask you comes directly from the ACS. REVIEW THE ACS!
Surprisingly stall and spin awareness is often an area of weakness even at the commercial level. If you do not meet the ACS standards of knowledge for this subject an UNSAT is likely. Advisory Circular 61-67C is a great reference.
Expectation Bias-As a low time pilot there are a lot of situations you have not encountered. Make sure you pay attention to ATC clearances ie Fly Straight out vs Make Right Traffic
Not properly scanning for traffic or not making appropriate position calls
Do not land short of the intended touchdown point for a short field landing.
Become proficient at tracking and intercepting radials prior to the practical. This is an ACS requirement and often overlooked by instructors and students
I took the time to create this website for your benefit. Show me the courtesy of following the instructions above. I often have applicants create flight plans that were not an option or fail to bring a printed or written copy of the corresponding ACS or PLT codes clearly outlined above. Let me reiterate, I do not want a full copy of the ACS, bring me a single sheet of paper with the proper subjects, not only the codes and your FTN number.
I highly recommend you show up at least two hours prior to your check ride. It is very obvious to me when an applicant procrastinated or waited until the last minute. This is part of ADM and I do factor it into my decision regarding your certificate. I also typically complete 2-3 tests a day. If a test prior to yours results in a discontinuance or disapproval, we will most likely be starting earlier then the scheduled time. Plan ahead, it is in your best interest to be ready two hours early rather then rushing and making mistakes.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions regarding your test. I look forward to flying with you!