FAA-S-8081-23 6 Examiner1 Responsibility The examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets acceptable standards of knowledge and skill of each TASK within the appropriate practical test standard. Since there is no formal division between the “oral” and “skill” portions of the practical test, this becomes an ongoing process throughout the test. Oral questioning, to determine the applicant’s knowledge of TASKS and related safety factors, should be used judiciously at all times, especially during the flight portion of the practical test.
During the flight portion of the practical test, the examiner shall evaluate the applicant’s use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures.
Satisfactory Performance Satisfactory performance to meet the requirements for certification is based on the applicant’s ability to safely:
1. perform the TASKS specified in the AREAS OF OPERATION for the certificate or rating sought within the approved standards;
2. demonstrate mastery of the aircraft with the successful outcome of each TASK performed never seriously in doubt;
3. demonstrate satisfactory proficiency and competency within the approved standards; and
4. demonstrate sound judgment.
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.
Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification are:
1 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.
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1. Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight.
2. Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers.
3. Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the Objectives.
4. Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
When a notice of disapproval is issued, the examiner shall record the applicant’s unsatisfactory performance in terms of the AREA OF OPERATION and specific TASK failed or TASK(S) not accomplished.
The AREA(S) OF OPERATION not tested and the number of practical test failures shall also be recorded.
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.
FAA-S-8081-23 8 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/or 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 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.
Metric Conversion Initiative To assist the pilots in understanding and using the metric measurement system, the practical test standards refer to the metric equivalent of various altitudes throughout. The inclusion of meters is intended to familiarize pilots with its use. The metric altimeter is arranged in 10 meter increments; therefore, when converting from feet to meters, the exact conversion, being too exact for practical purposes, is rounded to the nearest 10 meter increment or even altitude as necessary.
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ADDITIONAL RATING TASK TABLE
ADDITION OF A GLIDER RATING TO AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL
PILOT CERTIFICATE AREA OF OPER- ATION Required TASKS are indicated by either the TASK letter(s) that apply(s) or an indication that all or none of the TASKS must be tested.
ASEL ASES AMEL AMES RH RG Balloon Airship
I B,C,D B,C,D B,C,D B,C,D B,C,D B,C,D C,D C,D
II A,B,C,E A,B,C,E A,B,C,E A,B,C,E A,B,C,E A,B,C,E ALL A,B,C,E
III B B B B B B ALL B IV ALL* ALL* ALL* ALL* ALL* ALL* ALL* ALL*
V ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL
VI ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL
VII ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL
VIII NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE A NONE
IX ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL
X ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL
XI ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL ALL *EXAMINER SHALL SELECT KIND OF LAUNCH BASED ON THE APPLICANT’S QUALIFICATIONS.
LEGEND ASEL Airplane Single-Engine Land ASES Airplane Single-Engine Sea AMEL Airplane Multiengine Land AMES Airplane Multiengine Sea RH Rotorcraft Helicopter RG Rotorcraft Gyroplane
FAA-S-8081-2311 APPLICANT’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST Commercial Pilot—Glider EXAMINER’S NAME_______________________________ LOCATION_______________________________________ DATE/TIME______________________________________
ACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT Aircraft Documents:
Airworthiness Certificate Registration Certificate Operating Limitations Aircraft Maintenance Records:
Record of Airworthiness Inspections 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 Form Flight Log Form 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-8081-2313 EXAMINER’S PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST Commercial Pilot—Glider APPLICANT’S NAME_______________________________ LOCATION_______________________________________ DATE/TIME ______________________________________ I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. Certificates and Documents B. Weather Information C. Operation of Systems D. Performance and Limitations E. Aeromedical Factors II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. Assembly B. Ground Handling C. Preflight Inspection D. Cockpit Management E. Visual Signals III. AIRPORT AND GLIDERPORT OPERATIONS A. Radio Communications B. Traffic Patterns C. Airport, Runway, and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and Lighting IV. 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
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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. Abnormal Occurrences
LANDINGS Q. Normal and Crosswind Landing R. Slips to Landing S. Downwind Landing V. PERFORMANCE AIRSPEEDS A. Minimum Sink Airspeed B. Speed-To-Fly VI. SOARING TECHNIQUES A. Thermal Soaring B. Ridge and Slope Soaring C. Wave Soaring VII.PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. Straight Glides B. Turns to Headings C. Steep Turns VIII. NAVIGATION A. Flight Preparation and Planning B. National Airspace System
FAA-S-8081-2315 IX. SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS A. Maneuvering at Minimum Control Airspeed B. Stall Recognition and Recovery X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A. Simulated Off-Airport Landing B. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES After-Landing and Securing
FAA-S-8081-231-1 I. AREA OF OPERATION: PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. TASK: CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS REFERENCES: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, and 91; AC 61-23;
Glider Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to certificates and documents by explaining—
a. pilot certificate privileges and limitations.
b. medical fitness.
c. pilot logbook or flight records.
2. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to certificates and documents by locating and explaining—
a. airworthiness and registration certificates.
b. operating limitations, placards, and instrument markings.
c. weight and balance data and equipment list.
d. maintenance requirements, appropriate records, airworthiness directives, and compliance records.
B. TASK: WEATHER INFORMATION REFERENCES: AC 00-6, AC 00-45, AC 61-23, and AC 61-84;
Soaring Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to weather information from various sources with emphasis on—
a. use of weather reports, charts, and forecasts.
b. significant weather prognostics.
2. Exhibits knowledge of the relationship of the following factors to the lifting process—
a. pressure and temperature lapse rates.
b. atmospheric instability.
c. thermal index and thermal production.
d. cloud formation and identification.
e. frontal weather.
f. other lifting sources.
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3. Explains hazards associated with flight in the vicinity of thunderstorms.
4. Makes a competent “go/no-go” decision based on available weather information.
C. TASK: OPERATION OF SYSTEMS REFERENCES: AC 61-23; Soaring Flight Manual, Glider Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the operation of instruments and systems, including as appropriate—
a. magnetic compass.
b. yaw string or inclinometer.
c. airspeed indicator and altimeter.
d. variometer and total energy compensators.
e. gyroscopic instruments.
f. electrical.
g. landing gear and brakes.
h. avionics.
i. high-lift and drag devices.
j. oxygen equipment.
2. Correctly interprets information displayed on the instruments.
D. TASK: PERFORMANCE AND LIMITATIONS REFERENCES: Soaring Flight Manual, Glider Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations, including the use of charts, tables, data to determine performance, and the adverse effects of exceeding limitations.
2. Uses appropriate performance charts, tables, and data.
3. Computes weight and balance, and determines if the weight and center of gravity are within limits.
4. Explains the management of ballast and its effect on performance.
5. Describes the effect of various atmospheric conditions on the glider’s performance.
6. Explains the applicable performance speeds and their uses.
7. Describes the relationship between airspeeds and load factors.
FAA-S-8081-231-3 E. TASK: AEROMEDICAL FACTORS REFERENCES: AIM, Soaring Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to aeromedical factors by explaining:
1. Symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective action of at least five (5) of the following—
a. hypoxia.
b. hyperventilation.
c. middle ear and sinus problems.
d. spatial disorientation.
e. motion sickness.
f. carbon monoxide poisoning (self-launch).
g. stress and fatigue.
h. dehydration and heatstroke.
2. Effects of alcohol and drugs, including over-the-counter drugs.
3. Effects of evolved gas from scuba diving on a pilot during flight.
FAA-S-8081-23 1-4 II. AREA OF OPERATION: PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. TASK: ASSEMBLY NOTE: If, in the judgment of the examiner, the demonstration of the glider assembly is impractical, competency may be determined by oral testing.
REFERENCES: Soaring Flight Manual, Glider Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to assembly procedures.
2. Selects a suitable assembly area and provides sufficient crewmembers for assembly.
3. Follows an appropriate checklist.
4. Uses proper tools.
5. Handles components properly.
6. Cleans and lubricates parts, as appropriate.
7. Accounts for all tools and parts at the completion of assembly.
8. Performs post-assembly inspection, including a positive control check.
B. TASK: GROUND HANDLING REFERENCES: Soaring Flight Manual, Glider Flight Manual.
Objective. To determine that the applicant:
1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to ground handling procedures.
2. Selects the appropriate ground handling procedures and equipment for existing conditions.
3. Determines the number of crewmembers needed.
4. Handles the glider in a manner that will not result in damage during movement.
5. Secures the glider and controls, as necessary, in proper position.