Tip's for giving first time BFR?

[BoDEAN]

Got my first BFR I'm giving to a gentleman this Wednesday, who I have never met. Any tips? Or just pick out random questions out of the BFR Oral Exam guide, then go up and fly?

 

[scubabri]

I first interview him and figure out what type of flying he/she is going to be doing. Then I try and taylor the BFR around that.

For example, if they do a lot of XC, then I make sure that VOR navigation and lost procedures and airspace is up to speed.

I also use the ASA's "Guide to the Flight Review" book as a crutch to help me ask some questions to see where they are.

Try looking also at AC61-10a, also this:

http://www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=1429

and this:

http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa03.html

if you don't have an AOPA membership, PM me and I'll email the docs to you.

I have the most fun on flight reviews, especially the they guys who have to have 2 certificates for all the type ratings they have

b

 

[BoDEAN]

Thank you. Yes, I am an AOPA member.

 

[bobbysamd]

BFRs

You got part of it. I would interview your client and read through his logbook to get a sense of the flying he does. At that point, you tailor his BFR to his needs.

You should hit some of the more basic points in the PTS, such as currency, medical certificates, etc. You could have him plan a simple cross-country and watch him get weather. After he plans the x-c, you can review his flight log and ask him a question or two about how he derived his calculations. You can then take the sectional and ask him about a few symbols. I would go into some depth about airspace and TFRs, etc.

At the start of the flight, you could ask him to start off on the x-c. When you're satisfied he knows what he's doing you can give him a diversion. On the way to that airport you can give him a stall or two, perhaps MCAS and constant-altitude turns, and pull the engine for the off-airport emergency. At that airport, work on landings with at least two stop-and-goes so he at least has currency to carry pax (your last at your home field would be the third full-stop). On the way back, give him some hoodwork. All this can be varied, depending on your client's needs.

Finally, a BFR is not like a practical test or stage check. You want to be sure he exhibits knowledge and flies safely, but you're not out to break his balls. One can usually tell shortly after the oral begins if someone knows his/her stuff and how good a pilot the person is a few minutes into the flight.

Hope that helps. Good luck with giving your first BFR.

 

[SATCFI]

Bobby,

Not sure why the landings would have to be to a full stop, unless it was in a tailwheel airplane or at night.

 

[bobbysamd]

Landings

Bobby,

Not sure why the landings would have to be to a full stop, unless it was in a tailwheel airplane or at night.

You have a point. The landings can be touch-and-goes.

 

[Timebuilder]

Bobby mentioned TFR's. They are a real problem on the east coast, particularly camp david.

Also cover the intercept procedures, maybe saying "an F-16 is alongside, doing such-and-such. What do you do to respond?" or something like that. Remember, your name and cert number will be in this guy's logbook. Be dilligent.

Along with quizzing him about the flying he does, ask him about what kind of flying he sees himself doing soon. Is it in any way different or more challenging that what he has been doing? Will he be doing it in a different area of the country? Should you recommend a mountain flying checkout in the notes? Does he plan on flying over water? Cover those if they are indicated by the pilot.

Mention the TFR and intercept training in the notes when you sign him off, and anything else that is a recommendation or something that merits further attention. Word it nicely.

 

[Mr. Irrelevant]

I second scubabri's suggestion on finding out what type of flying the person does. Definitely review their logbook. I would only tailor the review to their current flying to a certain point. If they fly often, they'll be strong on certain points. I like to push them a little and have them talk about or do things they normally don't.

Most people don't go up and practice stalls. I've found people get very nervous doing these. Usually can't get themselves to fully stall. If the person is nervous, do your best to make them feel comfortable. This can go a long way to making it a fun day for them. Sometimes you have to remind people it is not pass/fail.

I'm a big stickler for checklists however it's important to know when not to be. Had one guy with his own plane who had placards all over the panel. Must have been 20 of them. All reminding him of different tasks to perform.

Don't be afraid to tell the person they need to get more remedial before you will sign them off. I'd say about half of the ones I do I have people come back for more flying. The BFR is alot of fun. Good way to build contacts and friends.


Mr. I.