Private Checkride...preparation...?

[Rick_Michael]

I have 30hrs, and I'm quite a newbie. Just starting to feel everything. I'm currently doing self-study for my private, but intend to go to another school (that has ground school) for my commercial.

 

That being said, I do have to make due with what I have now. Currently I've completely read through the reccomended reading of FAR/AIM; I've read the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook; I'm 30pgs into Principles of Helicopter Flight (aerodynamics); studying 900 questions that may be asked of me (via a software study program called Ready Ride); plan to get a book on weather and navigation...and then of coarse I need to understand the full dynamics of the E6b.

 

I'm sure the above is by no means a full indentification of what needs to be studied. If you went through the checkride, please tell me what I should focus on and what books I should read. Your experience is very welcome. I'm not sure if I'm overloading myself with stuff I don't need and need to make a more concise view of what I need to do or I'm on the right track and a broad view of my study is good.

 

What did you do to prepare and what was done in your private checkride specifically (both oral and the physical flight)?

[Copterpilot213]

Hi Rick, I have a bunch of tips that I've saved on my computer at home, so I'll post them later today. However, if you search for "private checkride advice" I bet you'll find a lot of good info as well.

Edited March 24, 2008 by Copterpilot213

[qwerty]

I had a checklist I made myself that I used for both my private and my commercial, and the ground went very well on both of those. If you're interested in looking at it feel free to message me.

 

And for the flight I think most of its about nerves, just relax and enjoy it.

 

When you get your instructor signs you off to go, and you feel confident in going than you're probably ready. Just show the examiner what you already know, and before you know it you'll have your PPL.

[Pogue]

What did you do to prepare and what was done in your private checkride specifically (both oral and the physical flight)?

If you don't already have it, get the PTS (Practical Test Standards). They tell you exactly what you will be required to know or demonstrate for the oral and check flight. The test prep books are generally oriented to the written test, which is the easiest of the three in my opinion. Good Luck!

[kodoz]

Hi Rick,

...Spending some time with your en route charts and AFD will help.

...I'd know how to use an E6B, but you'll be much happier with a CX2.

...Know your POH forward and backward.

...Unless you have a VOR/ADF-equipped ship, I wouldn't kill myself knowing navigation with those beyond what you need for the written...some good resources are here and here

...For weather, you can try Aviation Weather and Aviation Weather Services (old editions on Amazon are here--be sure to get the 2007 edition of the AWS book)

...and keep doing what you're doing

--c

[Goldy]

If you don't already have it, get the PTS (Practical Test Standards).

 

Ditto. And I think you can still download it from the FAA site free of charge...or buy it for $5 bucks. Send me an email and I can send you a link to a site with a bunch of collaborated ideas..

 

Good Luck,

 

Goldy

[Copterpilot213]

This is actually the only thing I found on my computer that I'd saved. Someone else wrote this and I saved it becuase it's good advice.

 

"Here are some tips to help keep your oral exam manageable:

 

1. Keep your answers direct and to-the-point: If the examiner holds up a pen and asks you what it is, simply respond, "That is a pen." Do not go into what type of pen it is, color of ink, etc. (Do not open doors for further examination -- especially if you volunteer inaccurate information).

 

2. Study especially hard the "Special Emphasis Areas" in the front of the Practical Test Standards booklet. If you get through all of those (ie, nail them), the examiner will be pleased and less inclined to dig deeper. (FAA has instructed examiners to fail students who don't know the special emphasis areas.)

 

3. Relax!

 

4. Get a good score of 90 percent, or better, on the written. Examiners will smell less blood on you and be inclined to leave you alone.

 

5. Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Eat a hearty breakfast for brain food. You will need it.

 

6. Remember, examiners once -- themselves -- were private pilot candidates. They were just like you. No different. So, relax."

 

Hope that helps.

[Tom22]

I am willing to bet that the second part of the check ride will cover airworthiness. After the examiner looks at your medical and asks questions about it. My advice to you would be to have all the airworthiness requirements organized on a list so that you are not stumbling through the maintenance logbook looking for them. Know the current status of airworthiness directives and time or date of recurring action, the next inspection, mandatory service bulletins, current status of life-limited components. Have all the airworthiness requirements tagged in the maintenance log for quick reference when the examiner asks to show him/her.

 

It is also expectable to make a powerpoint presentation on everything and have it printed out. This is so you do not have to paint mental pictures for the examiner. I would do this if you time to, it is not necessary but convenient. For example, if the examiner asks how the electrical system works, you have a picture to show him/her. You can use the picture to guide you through the discussion. Have all your books there with you and relax.

[ADRidge]

Don't over-answer questions. That nearly got me on my stage 3 oral for the school. Know airspace in and out. This doesn't mean memorize "3152" or something like that. My school loves scenarios. My examiner pointed to an uncontrolled strip, gave me hypothetical wx conditions for the area and said "I've got an EMS patient I need to fly from here to here. Can I do it?" The destination was a Charlie airport, and with the wx, we could not complete it as a VFR flight.

 

Also, weather is a big one, mainly because it's one of the drier aspects of ground. At least it was for me. Weather can kill you, and any examiner worth their ratings will make sure you're not going to do something stupid like get into IIMC or fly under a thunderstorm.

[lockedcj7]

I like the ASA test prep books and prepware software for the written. Once you can consistently make a 90 or above, you're ready for the written. Get (and study) the PTS. Once the time comes, ask your CFI if you can do a mock checkride with another instructor. It will identify problem areas (if there are any) and boost your confidence.

[Autorotator]

I used this book all the way throught my CFII. It is full of really good information, weather, aerodynamics, weight and balance, etc. Best $70 spent on a book.