Articles for category Rotorcraft Checkride
Within the flight training industry, a key component to mitigating risk is standardization. Providing the student and instructor with repeatable tools to aid in the decision-making process provides a predictable environment in which flight training can occur safely. However, this may be a double-edged sword. On one side you have a highly standardized method of operating that is repeatable, predictable, and offers very little in the form of operational risk. On the other side, the student pilot is offered very little opportunity to make operational decisions. The key to becoming a safe, competent helicopter pilot is the ability to make good decisions.
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Rotorcraft Checkride
The FAA requires all initial pilot certificate applicants (except ATP) to demonstrate cross-country proficiency during a practical test. The Practical Test Standard (PTS) Area of Operation identifying the proficiency to be demonstrated is titled “Navigation.” Tasks included within this section of the PTS are pilotage and dead reckoning, radio navigation and radar services, diversion, and lost procedures. This portion of the exam is intended to verify that the student has sufficient knowledge to fly a helicopter safely outside of his or her local flying area.
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Rotorcraft Checkride
Within the FAA’s practical test standard (PTS) for helicopters, the proficiency requirements to successfully demonstrate a running/roll-on landing are identified. They are seemingly simple: establish and maintain: a shallow approach angle, a proper rate of closure, and proper flight control technique after surface contact. The PTS wants us to talk about surface texture, height/velocity diagram, and factors affecting performance data, all really good topics. However, I’ve found a question that few applicants can answer: Why are we here?
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Rotorcraft Checkride
In last October’s issue, we discussed time-critical reaction requirements during an unanticipated
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Rotorcraft Checkride
Any instructor having conducted significant hours of instruction has experienced instructional
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Rotorcraft Checkride
As helicopter pilots, we learn the art of autorotation early in our training program. We practice
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Rotorcraft Checkride
Did you recently take an examination facilitated by a FAA-appointed Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)?
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Rotorcraft Checkride
The FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) outline the minimum standards for a pilot applicant. The
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Rotorcraft Checkride
In an effort to find common ground with an applicant and relax them prior to a checkride, I often
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Categories:
Rotorcraft Checkride