FAA-S-8081-8A5 In preparation for each practical test, the examiner shall develop a written “plan of action.” The examiner will vary each “plan of action ” to ensure that all TASKS in the appropriate practical test standard are evaluated during a given number of practical tests. Except for required TASKS, the examiner should avoid using the same optional TASKS in order to avoid becoming stereotyped. The “plan of action” for a practical test for initial certification shall include one or more TASKS in each AREA OF OPERATION and shall always include the required TASKS. The “plan of action” for a practical test for the addition of an aircraft category and/or class rating to a flight instructor certificate, shall include the required AREAS OF OPERATION as indicated in the Additional Rating Table at the beginning of each standard. The required TASKS appropriate to the additional rating(s) sought shall be included. Any TASK selected for evaluation during the practical test shall be evaluated in its entirety.
The flight instructor applicant shall be prepared in all knowledge and skill areas and demonstrate the ability to instruct effectively in all TASKS included in the AREAS OF OPERATION of the appropriate practical test standard. Throughout the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall evaluate the applicant's ability to demonstrate and simultaneously explain the selected procedures and maneuvers, and to give flight instruction to students at various stages of flight training and levels of experience.
The term “instructional knowledge” means the “what,” “why,” and “how” of a subject matter topic, procedure, or maneuver. It also means that the flight instructor applicant's discussions, explanations, and descriptions should follow the recommended teaching procedures and techniques explained in AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
The purpose for including common errors in certain TASKS is to assist the examiner in determining that the flight instructor applicant has the ability to recognize, analyze, and correct such errors. The examiner shall not simulate any condition that may jeopardize safe flight or result in possible damage to the aircraft. The common errors listed in the TASK Objectives may or may not be found in the TASK References; however, the FAA considers their frequency of occurrence justification for their inclusion in the TASK Objectives.
The examiner shall place special emphasis on the applicant's demonstrated ability to teach precise aircraft control and sound judgment in aeronautical 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.
FAA-S-8081-8A 6 Practical Test Prerequisites An applicant for the flight instructor —glider initial certification practical test is required by 14 CFR part 61 to:
1. be at least 18 years of age;
2. be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
If there is a doubt, use AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards;
3. hold either a commercial pilot or airline transport pilot certificate with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;
4. 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;
5. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing appropriate to the required knowledge test; and
6. have an endorsement from an authorize d instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight training in the AREAS OF OPERATION listed in 14 CFR section 61.187, for the flight instructor rating sought in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application . The endorsement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant prepared for the required practical test, and that the applicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test.
An applicant holding a flight instructor certificate who applies for an additional rating on that certificate is required by 14 CFR part 61 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 or she takes the practical test; and
4. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has been given flight training in the applicable AREAS OF OPERATION listed in 14 CFR section 61.187, for the flight instructor rating sought in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of application. The endorsement shall also state that the instructor finds the applicant prepared for the required practical test, and that the applicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject area(s) in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test. Although 14 CFR section
FAA-S-8081-8A7
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 14 CFR section 61.187.
Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test The flight instructor —glider applicant is required by 14 CF R section
61.45, to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft must:
1. have fully functioning dual controls, except as provided for in 14 CFR section 61.45(c) and (e); and
2. be capable of performing all AREAS OF OPERATION appropriate for the instructor rating sought and have no operating limitations which prohibit its use in any of the AREAS OF OPERATION required for the practical test.
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.
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 level1 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.
1 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-8081-8A 8 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.
Examiner2 Responsibility The examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets the 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 ground or flight portion of 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. T he examiner will also evaluate the applicant’s use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures, and the applicant’s ability to teach those procedures.
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;
2 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-8081-8A9
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 failed 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 and TASKS satisfactorily performed; however, during the retest, and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be re-evaluated, including those previously passed. 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 instructional 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; and
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 shall record the applicant’s unsatisfactory performance in terms of AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS.
FAA-S-8081-8A 10 Crew Resource Management (CRM) CRM refers to the effective use of all available resources; human resources, hardware, and information. Human resources include 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, but are not limited to: dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, and weather services. CRM is not a single TASK, but a set of competencies that must be evident in all TASKS in this practical test standard as applied to either crew or single pilot operations.
Applicant's Use of Checklists Throughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an appropriate checklist. Proper use is dependent on the specific TASK being evaluated. The situation may be such that the use of the checklist, while accomplishing elements of an Objective, would be either unsafe or impractical, especially in a single-pilot operation. In this case, a review of the checklist after the elements have been accomplished, would be appropriate. Division of attention and proper visual scanning should be considered when using a checklist.
Use of Distractions During Practical Tests Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight. To evaluate the applicant’s ability to utilize proper control technique while dividing attention both inside and outside the cockpit, the examiner shall cause a realistic distraction during the flight portion of the practical test to evaluate the applicant's ability to divide attention while maintaining safe flight.
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 or she will say, “You have the flight contro ls.” 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.
FAA-S-8081-8A11
ADDITIONAL RATING TABLE
ADDITION OF A GLIDER CATEGORY RATING TO A FLIGHT
INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE
AREAS OF
OPERATION
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE
AND RATING HELD
ASE AME RH RG IAH
I NO NO NO NO NO
II YES YES YES YES YES
III YES YES YES YES YES
IV NO NO NO NO NO
V YES YES YES YES YES
VI YES YES YES YES YES VII YES* YES* YES* YES* YES*
VIII YES YES YES YES YES
IX YES YES YES YES YES
X YES YES YES YES YES
XI YES YES YES YES YES XII YES** YES YES YES YES
XIII YES YES YES YES YES
XIV YES YES YES YES YES LEGEND ASE Airplane Single-Engine AME Airplane Multiengine RH Rotorcraft Helicopter RG Rotorcraft Gyroplane IAH Instrument Airplane/Helicopter * Examiner shall select kind of launch based on the applicant’s qualifications.
** Task C not required.
NOTE: The applicant who has satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training and received an endorsement from an authorized instructor on ground tow, aero tow, and/or self-launch procedures will be evaluated in only one kind of launch procedure. The applicant’s instructing privileges will include each kind of launch for which previously endorsed.
FAA-S-8081-8A13 APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST Flight Instructor—Glider EXAMINER’S NAME_______________________________ LOCATION_______________________________________ DATE/TIME______________________________________
ACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT Aircraft Documents:
Airworthiness Certificate Registration Certificate Operating Limitations Aircraft Maintenance Records:
Record of Airworthiness Inspections and Current Status of Applicable Airworthiness Directives € Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved Glider Flight Manual
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT Practical Test Standard Current Aeronautical Charts Computer and Plotter Flight Plan and Flight Log Forms Current AIM, Airport Facility Directory, and Appropriate Publications
PERSONAL RECORDS € Identification - Photo/Signature ID Pilot Certificate Completed FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application with Instructor’s Signature (if applicable) Airman 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)
FAA-S-8081-8A15 EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST Flight Instructor—Glider APPLICANT'S NAME_______________________________ LOCATION_______________________________________ DATE/TIME______________________________________ I. FUNDAMENTALS OF INSTRUCTING A. The Learning Process B. Human Behavior C. The Teaching Process D. Teaching Methods E. Critique and Evaluation F. Flight Instructor Characteristics and Responsibilities G. Planning Instructional Activity II. TECHNICAL SUBJECT AREAS A. Aeromedical Factors B. Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance C. Use of Distractions During Flight Training D. Principles of Flight E. Elevators, Ailerons, and Rudder F. Trim, Lift, and Drag Devices G. Glider Weight and Balance H. Navigation and Flight Planning I. Regulations and Publications J. National Airspace System K. Logbook Entries and Certificate Endorsements III. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. Certificates and Documents B. Weather Information C. Operation of Systems D. Performance and Limitations IV. PREFLIGHT LESSON ON A MANEUVER TO BE PERFORMED
IN FLIGHT Maneuver Lesson
FAA-S-8081-8A 16 V. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. Assembly B. Ground Handling C. Preflight Inspection D. Cockpit Management E. Visual Signals VI. AIRPORT AND GLIDERPORT OPERATIONS A. Radio Communications B. Traffic Patterns C. Airport, Runway, and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and Lighting VII. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS
AERO TOW A. Before Takeoff Check B. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff C. Maintaining Tow Positions D. Slack Line E. Boxing The Wake F. Tow Release G. Abnormal Occurrences
GROUND TOW (AUTO OR WINCH) H. Before Takeoff Check I. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff J. Abnormal Occurrences
SELF-LAUNCH K. Engine Starting L. Taxiing M. Before Takeoff Check N. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb O. Engine Shutdown In Flight P. Engine Restart In Flight Q. Abnormal Occurrences
LANDINGS R. Normal and Crosswind Landing S. Slips to Landing T. Downwind Landing
FAA-S-8081-8A17 VIII. FUNDAMENTALS OF FLIGHT A. Straight Glides B. Turns to Headings IX. PERFORMANCE AIRSPEEDS A. Minimum Sink Airspeed B. Speed-To-Fly X. SOARING TECHNIQUES A. Thermal Soaring B. Ridge and Slope Soaring C. Wave Soaring XI. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. Steep Turns B. Recovery From a Spiral Dive XII. SLOW FLIGHT, STALLS, AND SPINS A. Maneuvering at Minimum Control Airspeed B. Stall Recognition and Recovery C. Spins XIII. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A. Simulated Off-Airport Landing B. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear XIV. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES After-Landing and Securing
FAA-S-8081-8A1-1 I. AREA OF OPERATION: FUNDAMENTALS OF
INSTRUCTING NOTE: The examiner will select at least TASKS E and F.
A. TASK: THE LEARNING PROCESS REFERENCE: AC 60-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of the learning process by describing:
1. The definition and characteristics of learning.
2. Practical application of the laws of learning.
3. Factors involved in how people learn.
4. Recognition and proper use of the various levels of learning.
5. Principles that are applied in learning a skill.
6. Factors of forgetting and retention.
7. How the transfer of learning affects the learning process.
8. How the formation of habit patterns affects the learning process.
B. TASK: HUMAN BEHAVIOR REFERENCE: AC 60-14.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of human behavior by describing:
1. Control of human behavior.
2. Development of student potential.
3. Relationship of human needs to behavior and learning.
4. Relationship of defense mechanisms to student learning and pilot decision making.
5. General rules that a flight instructor should follow during student training to ensure good human relations.