Preparing student for checkride

[BoDEAN]

One of my students is close to his private pilot checkride.
Any tips on getting him ready effectively?

First time I've hit this road in my short CFI career.

 

[pilotman2105]

Send him up with another CFI if one is around and willing. Have the CFI run him through everything. You could do this for the ground as well. Then have the other CFI report back on any strengths and weaknesses. Do another lesson or two of fine tuning, then send him off to the checkride.

And congrats by the way on finishing up a student.

 

[Ralgha]

Take Pilotman's advice if you can.

If you can't, just be an anal retentive **** and don't sign off the student until they can hold heading and altitude dead on using partial panel instruments with one eye closed, and one arm and one foot tied to the seat.

But seriously. If you can't find another CFI, then take them on a mock checkride yourself. You know what the standards are, so brief them on what's expected before the flight, then sit there like a bump on a log except to tell them what you want to see next. Don't look simply for being within the standards too. They should be easily within standards. Jerking the airplane around to stay inside the limits shouldn't cut it. They should be somewhat smooth and should be confident in each maneuver. Don't accept rote recitiation of flows. IE engine failure: fuel valve, mixture, carb heat, mags, primer (for example). Make sure they not only say it, but also do it and verify each, knowing what they're looking for.

Anyway, doing a mock ride like this should show you what (if anything) needs some work. Then you can polish those up and do the mock ride again if you want.

Same goes for the ground, ask them questions in ways that you haven't before to see if they really get it or just memorized the book.

Then when the real checkride starts, just bang your head against a wall until you knock yourself out. That makes it pass much faster and avoids the apprehension of wondering how well they're doing.

Grats.

 

[350DRIVER]

Put him through the ringer for the remainder of your flights with him..... Make sure he is within PTS time after time and I would also step it up a notch and really put him to the test. Be harder and more difficult on him..



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[Timebuilder]

Make sure you drill him on current topics of interest to the FAA, such as runway incursions. Revisit any subject areas that were deficient with the written test results.

Everything to PTS, as mentioned, until he shows he is "comfortable" as the PIC.

I also stressed the correct engine-out procedures and the deadstick landing. Just as in our discussion regarding the Seneca training, do this using a throttle reduction, not a mixture or fuel valve shutoff (difficult for the instructor in a piper, eh?).

Fortunately, this is not as nerve wracking as the first solo you approve as a CFI.

 

[deez_nutz2000]

Make sure you drill him on current topics of interest to the FAA, such as runway incursions. Revisit any subject areas that were deficient with the written test results.

Everything to PTS, as mentioned, until he shows he is "comfortable" as the PIC.

Timebuilder is right on.....make sure YOU know those emphasis items in the first few pages of the PTS, then make sure you have gone through them with your student. I know it seems like a bunch of bull$hit, but the DPA FSDA (chicago) has been coming down hard on applicants that are weak on these items and bending cfi's over left and right. Good luck...let us know how it turns out..

 

[350DRIVER]

but the DPA FSDA (chicago) has been coming down hard on applicants that are weak on these items and bending cfi's over left and right.

How bout dem OKC and MCO feds?!?

I had the honor years ago of doing my CFI ride with Clint B. (OKC FSDO) who was responsible for yanking Bob Hoover's medical, what a trip he was....

overall nice guy though once the ego thing wore off and he knew I wouldn't be going down easy or pinking this ride. He probably could have busted me for something small but I think he realized that I was well within PTS.

If he is "prepared" then all the pieces of the puzzle should fall into place.

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[Flying Colors]

Everyone is giving some excellent advice. I would like too add that I taught out of SBY where most of my FAA guys came from the BWI FSDO and they during the oral went thur the required inspections. So just kind of show them if not all ready where to find the 100 hr inspection in the maintenance records, VOR check, ARROW, etc.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[bobbysamd]

Stage check

Send him up with another CFI if one is around and willing. Have the CFI run him through everything. You could do this for the ground as well. Then have the other CFI report back on any strengths and weaknesses

An excellent suggestion. I did that for my very first signoff. If there is such a person in your school, send your student to the most brutal, anal instructor on the property. You should get a good reading on your student that way. Of course, you would return the favor. In fact, sending students for "stage checks" might be a good suggestion for your first few signoffs. You will receive invaluable feedback - perhaps better than the DE might provide.

Hope that helps a little more.

 

[Matterhorn]

We require the pre-checkride check with another CFI for every student at our school weather its PVT, INST, COM, CFI, single, multi, whatever. We try to do it at least a week before their ride so they can improve on any weak areas. It is by far the best way to see the student perform under pressure.
Have the other CFI write down EVERYTHING good, bad or indifferent.

Good luck and congratulations in advance on becoming a “grown-up” instructor. (The first one’s often the hardest.)

 

[hydroflyer]

I too agree with sending him up with another CFI for evaluation purposes. Something else I would do for myself and tried to encourage my students to do, is to go up for a relaxing flight the day before and just do a couple of maneuvers and a few landings. It doesn't need to be long, but seems to help get a person into the frame of mind for a checkride and builds up confidence.

 

[flyer172r]

On your last few lessons, don't help the student out at all unless they need it. If they can complete every maneuver (while flying safely with good judgement) to PTS standards, they're probably ready.