Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM The Practical Test Determines if applicant has had required instruction Determines if applicant can safely perform required tasks The practical test is a two-part test. The oral part requires oral operating and semi-technical knowledge of the aircraft systems, navigation, weather, preflight requirements, and POH computations. The oral test will concentrate on what you are expected to know as obtained from the sources you are expected to use. Use the test as a learning situation. You will learn those areas of your training for which you are not as well prepared as you should be. Explain what you know as simply as you can. Stick to the basics as you know and understand them. Ask the examiner to reword a question that you think will give you difficulty. No examiner asks a test question to which he has not pre-decided the best answer. You must make your answer concise and complete enough to satisfy the examiner. Avoid using technical terms where it is possible to use plain language. Stick to answers that offer the safest way to operate the aircraft. You will not be failed for knowing what you are supposed to know. You can be failed for any guessing or showing of poor judgment. Only knowledge will provide the degree of self-confidence required. Any test is easy if you have the answers. You have many more answers than there are questions...your problem is to match your answers to the questions. Take and pass your written test as close to the flight test as you can to reduce study time and enhance retention. The flight test involves use of checklists, preflight, aircraft control, use of, radio, pilotage, weather facilities, radar, navigational facilities, and emergencies. Everything in the PTS must be tested. How long any part or item takes will depend on how well and quickly you please the examiner. The test requires the performance of a multitude of tasks separately and in combination. Effective division of attention is a central skill of safe flight so the examiner will present situations when you can demonstrate your ability to scan the variables, note the critical and discriminate accordingly. Distraction is a part of the test. Minimum standards must be met with smoothness, accuracy and good judgment predicated on good flying conditions. If control is ever in doubt, tolerances exceeded, or prompt corrective action not taken, minimums will have been exceeded. Failure to clear or scan area before a maneuver will be disqualifying. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM