FAA-S-8081-7A13 The examiner shall place special emphasis on the applicant's demonstrated ability to teach precise aircraft control and sound judgment in decision making. Evaluation of the applicant's ability to teach judgment shall be accomplished by asking the applicant to describe the oral discussions and the presentation of practical problems that would be used in instructing students in the exercise of sound judgment. The examiner shall also emphasize the evaluation of the applicant's demonstrated ability to teach spatial disorientation, wake turbulence and low level wind shear avoidance, checklist usage, positive exchange of flight controls, and any other directed special emphasis areas.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRACTICAL TEST PREREQUISITES An applicant for a flight instructor initial certification practical test is required by FAR’s to:
1. have reached the age of 18 years;
2. read, speak, write, and understand the English language;
3. hold a commercial pilot or airline transport pilot certificate with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;
4. hold an instrument rating if applying for an airplane, airship, or instrument instructor rating;
5. have passed the appropriate flight instructor knowledge test(s) since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which he or she takes the practical test;
6. have the prescribed aeronautical experience and instruction for a flight instructor certificate with the rating sought; and
7. obtain a written statement from an appropriately certificated and qualified flight instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in the AREAS OF OPERATION listed in FAR Section 61.187 for the flight instructor rating sought in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test, and that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency was indicated on the knowledge test report.1 1 AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors, states that the instructor may sign the recommendation on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, in lieu of this statement, provided all appropriate FAR Part 61 requirements are substantiated by reliable records.
FAA-S-8081-7A 14 An applicant holding a flight instructor certificate who applies for an additional rating on that certificate is required by FAR’s to:
1. hold an effective pilot certificate with ratings appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;
2. have at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class aircraft appropriate to the rating sought;
3. have passed the appropriate knowledge test prescribed for the issuance of a flight instructor certificate with the rating sought since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which he/she takes the practical test; and
4. obtain a written statement from an appropriately certificated and qualified flight instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight instruction in the applicable AREAS OF OPERATION listed in FAR Section 61.187 for the flight instructor rating sought in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application. The statement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant competent to pass the practical test, and that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which a deficiency was indicated on the knowledge test report.1 Although FAR Section 61.191 refers to additional flight instructor ratings, the basis for the knowledge and practical tests required for any additional flight instructor rating can be found in FAR Section 61.187(a).
AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST The flight instructor applicant is required by FAR Section 61.45 to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft:
1. have fully functioning dual controls except as provided in FAR Section
61.45; and
2. be capable of performing all appropriate TASKS for the flight instructor rating sought and have no operating limitations that would prohibit the performance of any TASK. ( NOTE: A touchdown autorotation is a required TASK for the flight instructor - helicopter practical test.)
USE OF SIMULATORS AND FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICES All flight instructor practical tests shall be conducted in accordance with FAR Section 61.45 and in an actual aircraft. Use of an approved simulator or flight training device (FTD) is not authorized for any in-flight TASK of a flight instructor practical test unless approved in the practical test standards or under conditions and limitations of a regulatory exemption. However, such devices may be used to assist in evaluating the instructional ability of an applicant during any TASK not involving a flight maneuver.
FAA-S-8081-7A15
CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM) CRM refers to the effective use of ALL available resources including human resources, hardware, and information. Human resources includes all groups routinely working with the cockpit crew (or pilot) who are involved with decisions that are required to operate a flight safely. These groups include dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, and weather services. CRM is not a single TASK but a set of knowledge and skill competencies that must be evident in all TASKS in these practical test standards as applied to either single pilot or crew operations.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITY An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training the flight instructor applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the TASKS within each AREA OF OPERATION in the appropriate flight instructor practical test standard. Flight instructors shall use a written training syllabus containing, as a minimum, every TASK in the practical test standard when training applicants. This will not only ensure coverage of all TASKS that may be evaluated during a practical test but also satisfy the requirement for maintaining a copy of the training syllabus used to train each applicant.
Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing safe, proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level of knowledge, skill, and the ability to impart that knowledge and skill to students. The flight instructor shall certify that the applicant is:
1. able to make a practical application of the fundamentals of instructing;
2. competent to teach the subject matter, procedures, and maneuvers included in the standards to students with varying backgrounds and levels of experience and ability;
3. able to perform the procedures and maneuvers included in the standards to at least the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level2 while giving effective flight instruction; and
4. competent to pass the required practical test for the issuance of the flight instructor certificate with the associated category and class ratings or the addition of a category and/or class rating to a flight instructor certificate.
Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is responsible for emphasizing the performance of, and the ability to teach, effective visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures.
2 Commercial Pilot skill level is defined as performing a procedure or maneuver within the tolerances listed in the FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards. If the maneuver appears only in the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards, the term means that the applicant’s performance is expected to be more precise than indicated by the stated tolerances.
FAA-S-8081-7A 16
POSITIVE EXCHANGE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS During flight training, there must always be a clear understanding between students and flight instructors of who has control of the aircraft.
Prior to flight, a briefing should be conducted that includes the procedure for the exchange of flight controls. A positive three-step process in the exchange of flight controls between pilots is a proven procedure and one that is strongly recommended.
When the instructor wishes the student to take control of the aircraft, he/she will say “You have the flight controls.” The student acknowledges immediately by saying, “I have the flight controls.” The flight instructor again says “You have the flight controls.” When control is returned to the instructor, follow the same procedure. A visual check is recommended to verify that the exchange has occurred. There should never be any doubt as to who is flying the aircraft.
EXAMINER3 RESPONSIBILITY The examiner who conducts the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets acceptable standards of teaching ability, knowledge, and skill in the selected TASKS. The examiner makes this determination by accomplishing an Objective that is appropriate to each selected TASK, and includes an evaluation of the applicant's:
1. ability to apply the fundamentals of instructing;
2. knowledge of, and ability to teach, the subject matter, procedures, and maneuvers covered in the TASKS;
3. ability to perform the procedures and maneuvers included in the standards to at least the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level while giving effective flight instruction; and
4. ability to analyze and correct common errors related to the procedures and maneuvers covered in the TASKS.
It is intended that oral questioning be used at any time during the practical test to determine that the applicant can instruct effectively and has a comprehensive knowledge of the TASKS and their related safety factors.
During the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall act as a student during selected maneuvers. This will give the examiner an opportunity to evaluate the flight instructor applicant’s ability to analyze and correct simulated common errors related to these maneuvers.
FAA-S-8081-7A17 3 The word "examiner" is used throughout the standards to denote either the FAA inspector or FAA designated pilot examiner who conducts an official practical test.
FAA-S-8081-7A 18
SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE The practical test is passed if, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant demonstrates satisfactory performance with regard to:
1. knowledge of the fundamentals of instructing;
2. knowledge of the technical subject areas;
3. knowledge of the flight instructor's responsibilities concerning the pilot certification process;
4. knowledge of the flight instructor's responsibilities concerning logbook entries and pilot certificate endorsements;
5. ability to demonstrate the procedures and maneuvers selected by the examiner to at least the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level while giving effective instruction;
6. competence in teaching the procedures and maneuvers selected by the examiner;
7. competence in describing, recognizing, analyzing, and correcting common errors simulated by the examiner; and
8. knowledge of the development and effective use of a course of training, a syllabus, and a lesson plan.
UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE If, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet the standards of performance of any TASK performed, the associated AREA OF OPERATION is considered unsatisfactory and, therefore, the practical test is failed. The examiner or applicant may discontinue the test at any time when the failure of an AREA OF OPERATION makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate or rating sought. The test may be continued only with the consent of the applicant. If the test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled to credit for only those AREAS OF OPERATION satisfactorily performed.
However, during the retest and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be re-evaluated including those previously considered satisfactory.
Specific reasons for disqualification are:
1. failure to perform a procedure or maneuver to the COMMERCIAL PILOT skill level while giving effective flight instruction;
2. failure to provide an effective instru ctional explanation while demonstrating a procedure or maneuver (explanation during the demonstration must be clear, concise, technically accurate, and complete with no prompting from the examiner);
3. any action or lack of action by the applicant which requires corrective intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight;
4. failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers.
When a notice of disapproval is issued, the examiner will record the applicant’s unsatisfactory performance in terms of AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS.
FAA-S-8081-7A19 SECTION 1
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
ROTORCRAFT - HELICOPTER Practical Test Standards
FAA-S-8081-7A 20 CONTENTS: SECTION 1
ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE1-v
CHECKLISTS:
Applicant's Practical Test Checklist (Helicopter)1-vii
Examiner's Practical Test Checklist (Helicopter)1-ix
AREAS OF OPERATION:
I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING
A. THE LEARNING PROCESS1-1
B. HUMAN BEHAVIOR1-1
C. THE TEACHING PROCESS1-2
D. TEACHING METHODS1-2
E. CRITIQUE AND EVALUATION1-2
F. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CHARACTERISTICS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES1-3
G. PLANNING INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITY1-3
II. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS
A. AEROMEDICAL FACTORS1-4
B. VISUAL SCANNING AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE1-4
C. USE OF DISTRACTIONS DURING FLIGHT TRAINING1-5
D. PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT1-5
E. HELICOPTER FLIGHT CONTROLS1-5
F. HELICOPTER WEIGHT AND BALANCE1-6
G. NAVIGATION AND FLIGHT PLANNING1-6
H. NIGHT OPERATIONS1-7
I. REGULATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS1-7
J. USE OF MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST1-8
K. NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM1-8
L. LOGBOOK ENTRIES AND CERTIFICATE
ENDORSEMENTS1-8
III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION
A. CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS1-9
B. WEATHER INFORMATION1-9
C. OPERATION OF SYSTEMS1-10
D. PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS1-10
FAA-S-8081-7A21 IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE
PERFORMED IN FLIGHT
MANEUVER LESSON1-11
V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES
A. PREFLIGHT INSPECTION1-12
B. COCKPIT MANAGEMENT1-13
C. ENGINE STARTING AND ROTOR ENGAGEMENT1-14
D. BEFORE TAKEOFF CHECK1-15
VI. AIRPORT AND HELIPORT OPERATIONS
A. RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND ATC LIGHT SIGNALS1-16
B. TRAFFIC PATTERNS1-17
C. AIRPORT AND HELIPORT MARKINGS AND LIGHTING1-18
VII. HOVERING MANEUVERS
A. VERTICAL TAKEOFF AND LANDING1-19
B. SURFACE TAXI1-20
C. HOVER TAXI1-21
D. AIR TAXI1-22
E. SLOPE OPERATION1-23
VIII. TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GO-AROUNDS
A. NORMAL AND CROSSWIND TAKEOFF AND CLIMB1-24
B. MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE TAKEOFF AND CLIMB1-25
C. ROLLING TAKEOFF1-26
D. NORMAL AND CROSSWIND APPROACH1-27
E. STEEP APPROACH1-28
F. SHALLOW APPROACH AND RUNNING/ROLL-ON
LANDING1-29
G. GO-AROUND1-30
IX. FUNDAMENTALS OF FLIGHT
A. STRAIGHT-AND-LEVEL FLIGHT1-31
B. LEVEL TURNS1-32
C. STRAIGHT CLIMBS AND CLIMBING TURNS1-33
D. STRAIGHT DESCENTS AND DESCENDING TURNS1-34
FAA-S-8081-7A 22 X. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS
A. RAPID DECELERATION1-35
B. STRAIGHT-IN AUTOROTATION1-36
C. 180° AUTOROTATION1-37
XI. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
A. POWER FAILURE AT A HOVER1-38
B. POWER FAILURE AT ALTITUDE1-39
C. SETTLING-WITH-POWER1-40
D. LOW ROTOR RPM RECOVERY1-41
E. ANTITORQUE SYSTEM FAILURE1-41
F. DYNAMIC ROLLOVER1-42
G. GROUND RESONANCE1-42
H. LOW “G” CONDITIONS1-42
I. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS1-43
J. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND SURVIVAL GEAR1-43
XII. SPECIAL OPERATIONS
A. CONFINED AREA OPERATION1-44
B. PINNACLE/PLATFORM OPERATION1-45
XIII. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES
AFTER-LANDING AND SECURING1-47
FAA-S-8081-7A23
ADDITION OF A HELICOPTER CLASS RATING (AND A
ROTORCRAFT CATEGORY RATING, IF APPROPRIATE) TO A
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE
REQUIRED
AREAS OF
OPERATION
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE AND RATING HELD
ASE AME RG GP GNP IAH LB LA
I N N N N N N N N
II Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
III Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
IV N N N N N N N N
V Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
VI N N N N Y N Y N
VII Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
VIII Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
IX Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
X Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
XI Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
XII Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
XIII Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y LEGEND ASE Airplane Single-Engine AME Airplane Multiengine RG Rotorcraft Gyroplane GP Glider Powered GNP Glider Non-Powered IAH Instrument Airplane/Helicopter LB Lighter-Than-Air Balloon LA Lighter-Than-Air Airship NOTE: If an applicant holds more than one rating on a flight instructor certificate and the table indicates both a Y (Yes) and an N (No) for a particular AREA OF OPERATION, the N entry applies. This is logical since the applicant has satisfactorily accomplished the AREA OF OPERATION on a previous flight instructor practical test. At the discretion of the examiner, the applicant’s competence in all AREAS OF OPERATION may be evaluated.
FAA-S-8081-7A 24
APPLICANT'S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST (BALLOON) APPOINTMENT WITH EXAMINER:
EXAMINER’S NAME__________________________ LOCATION _________________________________ DATE/TIME _________________________________
ACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT Aircraft Documents:
Airworthiness Certficate Registration Certificate Operating Limitations Aircraft Maintenance Records:
Airworthiness Inspections FCC Station License (if applicable)
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT Current Aeronautical Charts Computer and Plotter Flight Logs Current AIM
PERSONAL RECORDS Pilot Certficate Current and Appropriate Medical Certificate Completed FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test Report or Computer Test Report Pilot Logbook with Appropriate Instructor Endorsements FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval (if applicable) Approved School Graduation Certificate (if applicable) Examiner's Fee (if applicable)