Mystery Unveiled

  

All Check Rides are conducted in accordance with the Practical Test Standard (PTS).  Most people have a misconception about what can cause a failure. For example; the following is an Area of Operation in the Private Pilot Practical Test Standard which an applicant is being tested:

V. AREA OF OPERATION: PERFORMANCE MANEUVER

TASK: STEEP TURNS (ASEL and ASES)

REFERENCES: FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM.

Objective. To determine that the applicant:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to steep turns.

2. Establishes the manufacturer’s recommended airspeed or if one is

    not stated, a safe airspeed not to exceed VA.

3. Rolls into a coordinated 360° turn; maintains a 45° bank.

4. Performs the task in the opposite direction, as specified by the

    examiner.

5. Divides attention between airplane control and orientation.

6. Maintains the entry altitude, ±100 feet (30 meters), airspeed, ±10

    knots, bank, ±5°; and rolls out on the entry heading, ±10°.

            

 

Note the "Maintains the entry altitude, ±100 feet" statement in #6.  Would this then mean if the applicant momentarily exceed their entry altitude by more than 100 feet they will fail?  NO this alone is not a failure item, they would have to be "Consistently" exceeding this tolerance in order to fail.  Why? in the beginning of the PTS is a section that describes the criteria for "Unsatisfactory Performance", and it states "Consistently exceeding the tolerances stated in the Objectives".  This being said, if they promptly correct their deviation, they will avoid getting a "Notice of Disapproval" (Pink Slip).

Below is the excerpt from the Private Pilot Practical Test Standard:

Satisfactory Performance
Satisfactory performance to meet the requirements for certification is
based on the applicant’s ability to safely:


    1. perform the TASKs specified in the AREAS OF OPERATION for
    the certificate or rating sought within the approved standards;


    2. demonstrate mastery of the aircraft with the successful outcome
    of each TASK performed never seriously in doubt;


    3. demonstrate satisfactory proficiency and competency within the
    approved standards;


    4. demonstrate sound judgment; and


    5. demonstrate single-pilot competence if the aircraft is type
    certificated for single-pilot operations.

 

Unsatisfactory Performance
The tolerances represent the performance expected in good flying conditions. If, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet the standards of performance of any TASK performed, the associated AREA OF OPERATION is failed and therefore, the practical test is failed.
The examiner or applicant may discontinue the test at any time when the failure of an AREA OF OPERATION makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate or rating sought. The test may be continued ONLY with the consent of the applicant. If the test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled credit for only those AREAS OF OPERATION and their associated TASKs satisfactorily performed. However, during the retest, and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be reevaluated, including those previously passed. Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification are:


    1. Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires
    corrective intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight.
 

    2. Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques

   to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers.
 

    3. Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the Objectives.
 

    4. Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are
    exceeded.

 

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