PPL Oral & Checkride Questions?

PlayaSteelo

PlayaSteelo

New Member
Hi,

After 7 months (due to my work schedule) I am finally getting back into completing my PPL. I have approximately 39 hours and need a CFI signoff as well as the 141 end of course before the checkride. I'm pretty sure i'll be rusty & probably need a couple more hrs to get back into pts standards.

I have been studying the ASA Oral Guide, King Vids, FAA Pilots Handbook, FAR/AIM, C172 POH for the past 3 weeks. I would say I have 85% of the oral down packed. Except for several items such as memorizing what each weather forecast & weather chart contains. I'm able to describe the weather forecast & charts if they are in front of me but I can not memorize what specific info is in each. :confused:

Apart from learning and having a basic knowledge, how specific should I memorize each detail of the ASA Oral Guide?

Also, how much does the DPE try to distract the student during the actual flight portion?

I realize that everything depends on the DPE but I am just looking for reinforcement on what I should be focusing on.

Any comments / advice is welcome.


Thanks in advance,
C
 
PlayaSteelo said:
Hi,

After 7 months (due to my work schedule) I am finally getting back into completing my PPL. I have approximately 39 hours and need a CFI signoff as well as the 141 end of course before the checkride. I'm pretty sure i'll be rusty & probably need a couple more hrs to get back into pts standards.

I have been studying the ASA Oral Guide, King Vids, FAA Pilots Handbook, FAR/AIM, C172 POH for the past 3 weeks. I would say I have 85% of the oral down packed. Except for several items such as memorizing what each weather forecast & weather chart contains. I'm able to describe the weather forecast & charts if they are in front of me but I can not memorize what specific info is in each. :confused:

Apart from learning and having a basic knowledge, how specific should I memorize each detail of the ASA Oral Guide?
Click to expand...

I don't want to lead you down the wrong path, but I've never heard of a DE list straight through the weather charts asking "Name everything on the weather depiction chart. What's on the surface analysis chart?" etc. Often they'll put one or two different charts in front of you (or pull them up on a computer) and ask "Anything on here that would impact the cross country flight you planned?" Of course I'm sure now someone will post saying "I was asked every detail on 247 different weather charts and wasn't allowed to look at them!" :p But what you should 100% be able to do is look at a chart, say what it is, and describe what it is showing ("Here is a cold front, here is an area of low IFR" whatever). Or be prepared if the DE asks "I want to see a weather chart that would show the location of fronts, where would I look?"

Also, how much does the DPE try to distract the student during the actual flight portion?
Click to expand...
What they did where I got my private was either drop a pencil while flying a maneuver or asked a big question like "What do flaps do?" while you're on final. "You want me to stop this maneuver so you can find your pencil?" or "I'll tell you when we're finished with the flight" are acceptable responses.
 
Check your PM's. I sent you a write up from my checkride. My examiner followed the PTS. I had the same question about the oral exam guide before the test. I would use it only as a guide and not try to memorize all the information. I think the best parts of the guide are basic answers on instruments/systems, airspace, and weather. You could spend a month or more studying all the details and symbals of weather. I had to interpret the source and know what chart to find a certain condition. Just the basics. Hope this helps.


PlayaSteelo said:
Hi,

After 7 months (due to my work schedule) I am finally getting back into completing my PPL. I have approximately 39 hours and need a CFI signoff as well as the 141 end of course before the checkride. I'm pretty sure i'll be rusty & probably need a couple more hrs to get back into pts standards.

I have been studying the ASA Oral Guide, King Vids, FAA Pilots Handbook, FAR/AIM, C172 POH for the past 3 weeks. I would say I have 85% of the oral down packed. Except for several items such as memorizing what each weather forecast & weather chart contains. I'm able to describe the weather forecast & charts if they are in front of me but I can not memorize what specific info is in each. :confused:

Apart from learning and having a basic knowledge, how specific should I memorize each detail of the ASA Oral Guide?

Also, how much does the DPE try to distract the student during the actual flight portion?

I realize that everything depends on the DPE but I am just looking for reinforcement on what I should be focusing on.

Any comments / advice is welcome.


Thanks in advance,
C
Click to expand...
 
"Clocks" & "notawannabee" Thanks for the information it was very useful. I guess the major factor is the DPE wants to see that an applicant knows how to use the information to his/her advantage instead of just memorizing word for word.


Once again thanks, I will keep you guys updated and post my expirences,
C
 
Hello notawannabee,
I am one month away from my oral as well. Could you please PM me those materials too?
Thanks,
 
Although some other pertinent info might seem what you are looking for...the redundant "know the PTS" is seriously the best way to go. It is the ultimate cheat sheet/study guide.

Make sure every day between now and your checkout you have in your hands the PTS for the PPL. You can't beat it. If you can go through it and have knowledge of each part of the oral portion it contains... you will be golden.

As far as the flight portion: Be safe, be professional, and be human. You do need to perform the tasks to standard, but your ability to present yourself to the DPE as a pilot through your demeanor, professionalism, and your attention to detail are also part of the golden ticket.... to the best handshake of your life.:)

And all of us hope you do great!
 
When the DPE hands you a weather chart and asks a question about it, remember to look for the legend before you answer. It will often include the name of the chart. I remember my private oral, the DPE handed me several charts and asked me to name them. All but one had the name written on it in the legend.
 
Notawannabe...I don't mean to intrude, but could you PM the Oral materials as well. I will use them as a guideline. thanks in advance.
 
I personally was required to talk about every detail about the cross country I had planned from start to stop. He just said explain it to him and if he deemed it adequate he would maybe ask a question or two and we would go fly. I talked for a long time about the planning and then he asked maybe 5 questions about required docs and maintenance and off we went. Not too bad really just know the ins and outs of your cross country plan and you will be fine.
 
Well I can officially say the party has just begun. Passed the PPL checkride and on the way to many new ratings & certificates. 1 down 7 more checkrides to go. :bandit:

I will share my experience as I hope to assist other student pilots as others have assisted me here on JetCareers.

First off, its true what the majority say "KNOW THE PTS". Second, before taking a checkride (minimum two-weeks before) submerse your self in the FAR/AIM, Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, ASA Oral Prep guide (be careful some examiners HATE this book, they dont like "memorization" they like knowledge), if possible Jeppesen books (very detailed), POH (very important), & last but not least try to view and understand actual aircraft/engine maintenance records (we spent 1.5 hrs on the that alone).

Of course review the regs(43,61,91,830), sectional charts (explore them as some examiners like small details), weather charts (just know whats there purpose not necessarily every symbol), systems, and know your X-country (show the examiner that you are a safe pilot, choose easy identifiable checkpoints and if available airports with navaids).

*** Remember one key point, every examiner is different and has the will to test you as they choose (within PTS guidelines) ***


My Experience:

I thought I had a good idea on how my checkride would proceed and what the DE was looking for (from other students experiences), WRONG!

First I was expecting about a 2 - 4 hour oral and a 2 hour flight. On the contrary, we spent 6 hours completing the oral. Although it was not questions back to back it was more like every question lead to a conversation . I like conversations but by the 2nd hour I was already anxious to finish.

Finally, it was time to fly and just my luck winds 19 - 26 kts, good thing it was not much of a crosswind. Here in Florida we rarely see winds above 12-14kts. Anyways the DE emphasised that it was my call as to wether or not we depart since I would be PIC. If not today I would have to wait until mid May for the DE. So I decided what the heck lets get it over with.

We depart and begin our XC as I'm focused on time, checklists and all the other good stuff. He then taps on my shoulder and apparently he's been talking to me but I have not been paying attention (not a good way to impress the DE), I see his mouth moving but I still cant here him so I check my volume, plug connections and my headset is loud and clear. Apparently his mike just stopped working. He gets frustrated I get nervous and its not a good start. From there on he writes each manuver on a piece of paper as we go along, including while I was under the hood. As if there was not enough pressure to perform the maneuvers during a CHEKRIDE add to that trying to depict instructions written on a paper in not so familiar handwriting.

I've had 4 instructors who have all taught me according to the flight schools TCO (slow flight 50 KIAS, enter ground ref maneuvers on the downwind, etc.) but thats not what the DE wanted. He wanted real slow flight w/ stall horn, no downwind entry, and so on. Honestly I really liked his philosphy on performing maneuvers, but I was really thrown off after training 40 + hours to do it one way and having to adjust to another way on a checkride. To say the least my confidence began to diminish slightly with all the distractions.

The cherry on top would be, having ATC instruct me to extend downwind while instructing another a/c to continue on course which was headed directly towards me. Good thing I saw and avoided, but I felt bad for the controller as you could tell she got extremely nervous after that "close call".

Moral of the story, its a very good idea to do research on DEs & past checkride experiences from your school but never assume the checkride will go the exact same way as the previous students. Also if you study properly (no slacking) you'll be fine, and never rush when answering a question or performing a maneuver no matter what the situation is or regardless of any DISTRACTIONS.
 
PlayaSteelo said:
Well I can officially say the party has just begun. Passed the PPL checkride and on the way to many new ratings & certificates. 1 down 7 more checkrides to go. :bandit:

I will share my experience as I hope to assist other student pilots as others have assisted me here on JetCareers.

First off, its true what the majority say "KNOW THE PTS". Second, before taking a checkride (minimum two-weeks before) submerse your self in the FAR/AIM, Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, ASA Oral Prep guide (be careful some examiners HATE this book, they dont like "memorization" they like knowledge), if possible Jeppesen books (very detailed), POH (very important), & last but not least try to view and understand actual aircraft/engine maintenance records (we spent 1.5 hrs on the that alone).

Of course review the regs(43,61,91,830), sectional charts (explore them as some examiners like small details), weather charts (just know whats there purpose not necessarily every symbol), systems, and know your X-country (show the examiner that you are a safe pilot, choose easy identifiable checkpoints and if available airports with navaids).

*** Remember one key point, every examiner is different and has the will to test you as they choose (within PTS guidelines) ***


My Experience:

I thought I had a good idea on how my checkride would proceed and what the DE was looking for (from other students experiences), WRONG!

First I was expecting about a 2 - 4 hour oral and a 2 hour flight. On the contrary, we spent 6 hours completing the oral. Although it was not questions back to back it was more like every question lead to a conversation . I like conversations but by the 2nd hour I was already anxious to finish.

Finally, it was time to fly and just my luck winds 19 - 26 kts, good thing it was not much of a crosswind. Here in Florida we rarely see winds above 12-14kts. Anyways the DE emphasised that it was my call as to wether or not we depart since I would be PIC. If not today I would have to wait until mid May for the DE. So I decided what the heck lets get it over with.

We depart and begin our XC as I'm focused on time, checklists and all the other good stuff. He then taps on my shoulder and apparently he's been talking to me but I have not been paying attention (not a good way to impress the DE), I see his mouth moving but I still cant here him so I check my volume, plug connections and my headset is loud and clear. Apparently his mike just stopped working. He gets frustrated I get nervous and its not a good start. From there on he writes each manuver on a piece of paper as we go along, including while I was under the hood. As if there was not enough pressure to perform the maneuvers during a CHEKRIDE add to that trying to depict instructions written on a paper in not so familiar handwriting.

I've had 4 instructors who have all taught me according to the flight schools TCO (slow flight 50 KIAS, enter ground ref maneuvers on the downwind, etc.) but thats not what the DE wanted. He wanted real slow flight w/ stall horn, no downwind entry, and so on. Honestly I really liked his philosphy on performing maneuvers, but I was really thrown off after training 40 + hours to do it one way and having to adjust to another way on a checkride. To say the least my confidence began to diminish slightly with all the distractions.

The cherry on top would be, having ATC instruct me to extend downwind while instructing another a/c to continue on course which was headed directly towards me. Good thing I saw and avoided, but I felt bad for the controller as you could tell she got extremely nervous after that "close call".

Moral of the story, its a very good idea to do research on DEs & past checkride experiences from your school but never assume the checkride will go the exact same way as the previous students. Also if you study properly (no slacking) you'll be fine, and never rush when answering a question or performing a maneuver no matter what the situation is or regardless of any DISTRACTIONS.
Click to expand...

Congratulations. It's a pretty amazing feeling every time you pass a checkride. No matter what it's for. I passed the oral part of my CFI checkride last week and it felt almost as good as if I'd passed the whole thing...flight portion is tomorrow (weather permitting). It's pretty amazing that you had a six hour oral for a PPL. My oral for my CFI was only about 3.5 hours, including paperwork. Anyways, enjoy your new license and never stop learning.
 
christina3hunt said:
6 hour ORAL for a private pilot WTF???
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I was thinking the same thing.. my CFI oral wasnt even that long! Congrats though! You just made it through the most difficult part of training.. The private pilot certification. Going from nothing to where you are now in my opinion is the toughest of all.. From here on out you will be building off what you already know.
 
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