1. Practical Test Standards (including light sport) Dean Carswell

2. PTS text can be downloaded from SSF website –
at the FAA Publications link,
or direct from
Google “FAA Practical Test Standards”

3. Latest Changes
What follows next is discussion on the non-updated Private Glider PTS – update likely soon
At the end – review of the changes to Commercial Glider and CFIG Glider PTS introduced in 2006
Note that all practical tests will be conducted using the updated standard after the effective date of the update – the updated Commercial and CFIG are already in effect.
PTS for sport pilot and sport pilot instructor -

4. What are Practical Test Standards?
Standards to be used by FAA examiners when conducting glider pilot practical tests.
Flight instructors are expected to use the PTS when preparing applicants for practical tests.
 Applicants must be familiar with the PTS during their training.
Every part of the PTS is mandatory – no part is optional.  

5. Where do the PTS come from?
 FAR Part 61 specifies the areas in which knowledge and skill require to be demonstrated by a practical test applicant.
The PTS contains the AREAS OF OPERATION and specific TASKS in which pilot competency is required to be demonstrated.
Ergo a TASK is an AREA OF OPERATION

6. A TASK is a segment of an AREA of OPERATION.
 The examiner is not required to follow the precise order in which the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS are set out, so long as the result is a complete and efficient test. TASKS with similar OBJECTIVES may be combined to give an orderly and efficient flow for the test.
For example, Boxing The Wake may be combined with Maintaining Tow Positions.

7. The OBJECTIVE lists the important elements that must be satisfactorily performed to demonstrate competency in a TASK.  
The OBJECTIVE includes:
1. Specifically what the applicant should be able to do.
2. Conditions under which the TASK is to be performed.
3. Acceptable performance standards. 
A NOTE is used to emphasize special considerations required in the AREA OF OPERATION or TASK.

8. An example of a specific AREA and TASK –
IX. AREA OF OPERATION: SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS
A. TASK: MANEUVERING AT MINIMUM CONTROL AIRSPEED
 REFERENCES: Soaring Flight Manual, Glider Flight Manual.
 OBJECTIVE: To determine that the applicant:
 1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to maneuvering at minimum control airspeed, including flight characteristics and controllability. 

9. An example of a specific AREA and TASK –
2. Establishes and maintains the airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack or change in configurations would result in a stall in straight or turning flight in various configurations and bank angles.
3. Adjusts the airspeed to avoid stalls in turbulent air or as bank is increased.
4. Applies control inputs in a smooth and coordinated manner.
5. Uses proper procedures to avoid stalls when raising a lowered wing.
6. Maintains heading, ±10°, during straight flight, and the desired bank angle, ±10°, during turns.

10. What are the REFERENCES given in the PTS?
14 CFR part 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
and 15 others, including the SSA Soaring Flight Manual (Jeppeson Sanderson)
Note: The References do NOT include the new FAA Glider Flying Handbook. [The FAA GFH IS a reference in the Commercial and CFIG PTS]

11. Special Emphasis
Examiners shall place special emphasis upon the operations that are most critical to flight safety. These include -
Precise aircraft control
Sound judgment in decision making
Stall/spin awareness
Wake turbulence avoidance
Low-level wind shear
Collision avoidance
Runway incursion avoidance
Checklist usage.

12. Flight Instructor Responsibility
The flight instructor is responsible for training the applicant to acceptable standards of knowledge and skill in ALL subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in every TASK within each AREA OF OPERATION – no exceptions.
Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is responsible for emphasizing the performance of effective visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures.

13. Examiner Responsibility
The examiner must determine whether the applicant meets the acceptable standards of knowledge and skill. There is no formal division between the “oral” and “skill” portions of the practical test.
Oral questioning, to determine knowledge of TASKS and related safety factors, may be used at all times, especially during the flight portion of the practical test.
During the flight portion, the examiner shall evaluate the applicant’s use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures. 

14. Use of Distractions During Practical Tests
To evaluate ability when attention is divided, the examiner SHALL cause realistic distractions during the test. Examples of distractions might include –
Identifying a field suitable for an emergency landing.
Identifying features or objects on the ground.
Removing objects from stowage.
Simulating radio tuning and communications.
Questioning by the examiner.

15. Satisfactory Performance
Satisfactory performance is based on the applicant’s ability to safely:
1. Perform the TASKS specified in the AREAS OF OPERATION 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.

16. Unsatisfactory Performance
If the applicant does not meet the standards required for a TASK, the associated AREA OF OPERATION is failed and the practical test is failed.
If the test is discontinued, credit will be given only for the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS satisfactorily performed. During the retest any TASK may be reevaluated, including those previously passed.

17. Unsatisfactory Performance
Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification are:
1. Any action or lack of action 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. 

18. Applicant's Use of Checklists
Throughout the test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an appropriate checklist. Proper use is dependent on the specific TASK being evaluated.
Must the applicant always read off from a written checklist?
NO – written checklists should be used only where appropriate. Examples of where use of a written checklist is appropriate are –
Pre-flight checklist

19. Applicant's Use of Checklists
Critical Assembly checklist
Pre-takeoff checklist.
Examples of where use of a written checklist is not appropriate are –
Pre-maneuvering checklist
Pre-landing checklist
Where use of a written checklist is not appropriate, the applicant must learn the list by rote, and repeat verbally.

20. Applicant Prerequisites
Meet age and speak-English requirements.
Passed knowledge test within preceding 24 months and present test report.
Hold at least student pilot certificate.
Satisfactorily accomplished ALL required ground and flight training and aeronautical experience including 3 flights with CFIG within preceding 60 days.
Have required logbook endorsements.
Present completed test application (Form ) – paper or IACRA.

21. Lastly
Note the repeated references, and importance given, to effective visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures.

22. And Now What’s New
Updated list of applicable publications – includes the FAA Glider Flying Handbook
Abbreviation section added
“Plan of action” explained in more detail, including requirement to use ‘scenarios’
Additional Special Emphasis items
Enhanced requirement for evaluation of applicant’s Aeronautical Decision Making and Risk Management skills
Explanation of testing of ‘Single-Pilot Resource Management”

23. And Now What’s New New special emphasis areas include –
Positive aircraft control
Positive exchange of flight controls procedure
LAHSO
CFIT
ADM and risk management
TFRs and SUAs
Aviation security

24. And Now What’s New
Additional Task – Airworthiness Requirements; Performance and Limitations
Examiner must evaluate ability, throughout the test, use of good decision making procedures in order to evaluate risks
Single-Pilot Resource Management – use of ALL available resources – human resources, hardware and information
What else?
Go and READ the new PTS!

25. Practical Test Standards
END