PPL PTS Standards

[Travis152]

On your checkride, if you go over your PTS, say you are +120 feet when you are only allowed +100 does that result in an immediate failure? I have heard that anytime you bust the standard it is a failure, but I have also heard that if you notice it and are actually trying to get it back within the +/- you are okay. I can understand if you keep busting the standards....Everytime I do my turns around a point I always end up climbing too high during the steep turn portion of it...Wish me luck, checkride next week hopefully.

 

[gkrangers]

Depends on the examiner. If you notice it, point it out, and correct it nicely, you may be ok, as long as its an isolated incident.

 

[Travis152]

Thats what I figured. The applicant deserves to fail if they are busting it multiple times on every item tested...

 

[mikecweb]

If you are aware enough to know where you are having a specific problem. Try real hard to fix that problem now. With the example that you gave....why don't you watch your altitude very closely during that portion. Don't ever rely on any checkride for the examiner to be nice or forgiving. You're cheating yourself if you do this.

 

[User998]

It does depend on the examiner, but the majority of them out there wouldn't fail you just on that one thing.

I had an examiner explain to me one time, he's not judging as much on PTS standards as he is on overall performance. He then went onto emphasize that the PTS standards are there for a reason, and if you consistently can't hold your altitude within tolerances, and area always fighting the airplane, then yes thats disqualifying.

But if you get off on your steep turns a few degrees, or you go off a few feet on slow flight, thats not a big deal. Just let me know you recognize it, and be quick to make corrections. What I look at is the big picture. If at the end of the checkride, I can without doubt sit back and say this guy can safely fly an airplane by himself and competently, then thats what matters to me. Because ultimately I'm going to be up in the air with this guy, and I want to know that I'll be safe having him there.

 

[Catbert]

Read the first few pages of the PTS. It's all in there. It tells you what's important, what's going to happen, how to pass the test, and yes -- how to fail it.

This would be how to pass it:

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.

And this is how to fail it: (italics are mine)

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 re-
evaluated, 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.

Note that #3 in the Unsatifactory Performance area says "consistently exceeding tolerances."

Also note that #4 says "Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded."

They're pretty much saying that you may exceed the tolerances a time or two, but don't make a habit of it. As others before me have said, if you get a little out of whack, note it and correct it immediately. Shouldn't be a problem. Just remember, you won't sneak it by the examiner.

If your instructor hasn't encouraged you to sit down and spend a little time with the PTS, let me be the first to do so. Most folks focus on the list of tasks. I highly recommend reading the first 10 pages or so that tell you all the hows and whys of the Practical Test Standards. It will take all the mystery out of the test. If you don't already have it, download it here (faa.gov), or buy it from Amazon, Sporty's, or your local FBO. The more you know...

 

[gkrangers]

Oh, and be able to discuss the SPECIAL EMPHASIS AREAS!

 

[Metro752]

pratical test standards standards standards

 

[Travis152]

I have read through the PTS, I saw the quoted text from above but just wanted to clarify. Thanks for everyones help.