1. Presented to: By: Date: Federal Aviation Administration PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST DPE Recurrent Course Ken Pannell, ASI 09/07/2007

2. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 2 OBJECTIVE THE EXAMINER SHALL DEVELOP AND USE A WRITTEN PLAN OF ACTION USING THE EXAMINER TEST GUIDE, PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS, AND REFERENCES FOR GUIDANCE.

3. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 3 A Plan of Action is Important!

4. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 4  WHY DO YOU NEED A PLAN OF ACTION?

5. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 5 Use of the Practical Test Standards Book  The FAA requires that all private pilot practical tests be conducted in  accordance with the appropriate private practical test standards and the  policies set forth in the INTRODUCTION. Applicants shall be evaluated  in ALL TASKS included in each AREA OF OPERATION of the  appropriate practical test standard, unless otherwise noted.  An applicant, who holds at least a private pilot certificate seeking an  additional airplane category rating and/or class rating at the private pilot  level, shall be evaluated in the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS  listed in the Additional Rating Task Table. At the discretion of the  examiner, an evaluation of the applicant’s competence in the remaining  AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKs may be conducted.  If the applicant holds two or more category or class ratings at least at  the private level, and the ratings table indicates differing required  TASKS, the “least restrictive” entry applies. For example, if “ALL” and  “NONE” are indicated for one AREA OF OPERATION, the “NONE”  entry applies. If “B” and “B, C” are indicated, the “B” entry applies.  In preparation for each practical test, the examiner shall develop a  written “plan of action.” The “plan of action” shall include all TASKs in  each AREA OF OPERATION, unless noted otherwise.

6. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 6 Use of the Practical Test Standards Book continued  If the elements  in one TASK have already been evaluated in another TASK, they need  not be repeated. For example, the “plan of action” need not include  evaluating the applicant on complying with markings, signals, and  clearances at the end of the flight, if that element was sufficiently  observed at the beginning of the flight. Any TASK selected for  evaluation during a practical test shall be evaluated in its entirety.  The examiner is not required to follow the precise order in which the  AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKs appear in this book. The  examiner may change the sequence or combine TASKs with similar  Objectives to have an orderly and efficient flow of the practical test. For  example, Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals may be  combined with Traffic Patterns. The examiner’s “plan of action” shall  include the order and combination of TASKs to be demonstrated by the  applicant in a manner that will result in an efficient and valid test.

7. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 7  WHAT RESOURSES SHOULD YOU USE TO DEVELOP A PLAN OF ACTION?

8. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 8 RESOURSES  From appropriate and current Practical Test Standards  Examiner test guide  Reference material listed in PTS.

9. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 9  Which briefings are required in your Plan of Action for a practical test?

10. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 10 Must Include PRE-TEST BRIEFING PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFING POST-FLIGHT BRIEFING

11. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 11

12. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 12 PUT THE APPLICANT AT EASE . Make the applicant feel at ease  Let them know what to expect for the day.

13. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 13  Does it make any difference which portion of the test is administered first?.

14. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 14  In accordance with the PTS,  THE GROUND PORTION OF THE PRACTICAL TEST MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT PORTION.

15. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 15 FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE Pilot Examiners should use the Examiner Test Guide and the appropriate Practical Test Standard(s) to organize their plan of action. This guide is not a substitute for a plan of action. You may modify this material to meet your specific needs. Pilot Examiners should assure that they give three briefings to each applicant: Pretest, Preflight, and Postflight. APPOINTMENT  1. Applicant  Name ____________________ Telephone_________________  2. Instructor  Name ____________________ Telephone_________________  3. Practical Test  Certificate and/or rating sought__________  Retest (Yes/No) Yes - FAX copy  Aircraft make and model _______________  Location of test - time and date __________  4. Required Documentation  Class of medical (if applicable) __  Valid knowledge test results (if applicable) __  Aircraft - certificates, logbooks, and equipment __________  FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating  Application, completed and (if required) signed by instructor;  IACRA - Applicant's FTN & Application ID No. ___________  Special considerations - drug convictions ____________  Identification - Photo/signature I.D. __  Flight time records and requirements __  Required endorsements __  5. Practical Test Standards (PTSs)  Are you familiar with the PTS__  PTS checklist of required equipment __  6. Fee8710.3E PG 5-25

16. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 16 PRACTICAL TEST FLIGHT PLANNING 1.Cross-country to be planned (if applicable) __ 2. Weight and balance computations __ 3. Aircraft performance computations __ 4. Flight planning facilities/FSS telephone numbers __ DPE - AM I PREPARED? __ SET THE ENVIRONMENT 1. Be on time 2. Physical testing environment Ensure privacy Eliminate possible interruptions Have calls held, etc. 3. Psychological testing environment Show genuine interest in the applicant Be polite, courteous, receptive Manage your prejudices Keep personal or business problems to yourself

17. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 17 PRETEST BRIEFING 1. Put the applicant at ease (small talk, etc.) 2. Advise applicant of available comfort facilities 3. Confirm type of practical test or retest 4. Provide casual overview of the test 5. Collect/Verify the required documents specified during the appointment: FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application __ Photo/signature I.D. (Note type on 8710-1 and return) __ Pilot Certificate (Verify against I.D. & FAA Form 8710-1 and return) __ Medical (note limitations) __ Knowledge test results (if appropriate) __

18. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 18 PRETEST BRIEFING (Cont'd) Logbook or training records (Verify that the applicant meets all requirements and appropriate endorsements) __ Aircraft documents (Verify location & scheduled availability) 6. Verify that required equipment (hood, etc.) is available 7. Verify that applicant is aware of PTS requirements and tolerances 8. Advise the applicant that: FAA Practical Test IAW the ____________ PTS Will be using a Plan of Action (Used to organize the Practical Test) Will be taking notes for the debrief Perfection is not the standard Oral questioning will continue throughout the test Three possible outcomes are: Temporary airman certificate Notice of disapproval of application Letter of Discontinuance 9. Any Questions? 10. Collect Fee __ 11. Announce "THE TEST HAS BEGUN!"

19. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 19 EXAMINER RESPONSIBILITY Testing at the Highest Level ! Correlation Rote Understanding Application

20. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 20  ORAL QUESTIONING  1. Access all levels of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application,  Correlation. Correlation: Should be the objective of aviation  instruction.  2. Scenario situations are one of the evaluator's better tools for more comprehensive testing and will, to the greatest extent  practicable, test the applicant's correlative abilities. Scenarios also aid in evaluating pilot judgment, knowledge, and skill.  3. Characteristics of a good oral test questions. Reliable, Valid,  Usable, Objective, Comprehensive, and Non-discriminating.  4. Oral questioning may continue throughout the test.

21. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 21  PREFLIGHT BRIEFING  1. Profile of flight test  2. Pilot in Command (14 CFR § 61.47)  3. Emergencies - actual and simulated Engine failure - takeoff and landing  Other emergencies-Feathering  4. Transfer of controls (if applicable)  5. Collision avoidance (CFI applicant required to instruct)  Looking for reported traffic  Clearing the area before maneuvers  6. First preflight - weight and balance - VFR/IFR option  7. Advise that oral questioning will continue - Perfection is not the  standard  8. Testing with Plan of Action will continue IAW PTS  9. Will continue taking notes  10. Continue/discontinue if task is unsatisfactory  11. Answer any questions  12. Advise applicant to return aircraft documents to the aircraft  13. Begin flight evaluation

22. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 22  What should you do if the aircraft is not airworthy?

23. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 23  If you have not announced  “THE TEST HAS BEGUN”, you must return all documents and refuse to test the applicant.

24. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 24 FLIGHT TEST 1. Be sure to take plan of action with you to the aircraft 2. Conduct flight test according to the Practical Test Standards 3. No instruction 4. No second chance when maneuver is unsatisfactory 5. Continue testing if maneuver is incomplete or you need more information to make a decision

25. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 25 6. Unsatisfactory performance: Exceeding aircraft limitations Examiner intervention Inappropriate emergency procedures Outcome of the maneuver being seriously in doubt Poor judgment Not within approved standards Failure to apply aeronautical knowledge Not being the master of the aircraft Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the objective Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded 7. Use realistic distractions during the flight test 8. Did the applicant meet the objective of the task? P Did the applicant complete the procedure described? T Did the applicant perform the maneuver within the tolerances? S Did the applicant meet all safety considerations? If you can answer YES to each of these questions without reservation, the applicant has satisfactorily completed the task.

26. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 26  EMPHASIS AREAS: As a result of studies into the cause factors of incidents, accidents, and violations, it is imperative that pilot examiners give special consideration and exercise their most conservative judgment in evaluating the applicant's knowledge of the following areas:  1. Preflight  Aircraft manuals and documentation  Pilot and medical certificates  Weather  Airport area and surroundings  2. Preflight inspections  Landing gear  Engine(s)  Adequacy of fuel supply & ATC communications and airspace  considerations  3. Clearances  Instructions  Operations to/from/within/near Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace  4. Proper use of the flight controls/brakes on the ground  5. Landing flare  6. Avoidance of objects in the air and on the ground  7. Maintenance of adequate flying speed  8. Operations to/from/on suitable terrain for T/O, Apch, & Ldg  Config.& Proc.  9. Observance of minimum safe altitudes--congested and non  congested areas  10. Use of stabilized approach/flight path procedures  11. Forced landings

27. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 27 QUESTION GUIDELINES  Establishing rapport: don't try to impress people, rather make them feel comfortable and not intimidated. rapport  Better listening: all too often, you are thinking about your next question and not listening to the applicant’s answer. listening  Higher motivation: the right answer will not be imposed by you, it will be owned by your applicant, who, thus, will be more motivated to follow it up with further discussion. motivation

28. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 28  POST - FLIGHT  1. General  Reaffirm outcome  Allow applicant some time to self  Prepare temporary airman cert./disapproval notice/letter of  discontinuance  Offer to sign applicant's logbook  2. Temporary Airman Certificate  Establish a positive atmosphere  Highlight above average performance  Debrief using the plan of action  Have applicant review and sign temporary airman certificate  Examiner signs and issues temporary airman certificate  Advise of duration - 120 days  Ensure applicant has proper documents  Verify that you have the proper documents  Brief flight instructor of applicant's performance

29. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 29  3. Disapproval Notice  Establish a positive atmosphere  Highlight above average performance as well as deficient tasks  Debrief using the plan of action  Use PTS to explain reasons for disapproval  Do not criticize the flight instructor  Be alert for Denial, Anger, Bargaining, or Depression  Issue disapproval notice  Advise re-test credit for satisfactorily completed items is  60 days  Ensure applicant has proper documents  Verify that you have the proper documents  Brief flight instructor of applicant's performance

30. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 30 FLIGHT PROFILE EXAMPLE AOAITEMDESCRIPTIONCOMMENTS AOAITEMDESCRIPTIONCOMMENTS IIAPreflight Inspection IIAPreflight Inspection BCockpit Management BCockpit Management CEngine Starting DTaxiing EBefore Take-off Check IVANormal & Crosswind T/O and Climb VIIACross Country Pilotage and Dead Reckoning BLocate Position to VOR/Navigation systems CDivert to Practice area -- Airport nearby

31. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 31 FLIGHT PROFILE VASteep Turns--+/- 100’ +/- 10kts +/-5 degrees Rollout +/- 10 degrees Rollout +/- 10 degrees IXBASIC INSTRUMENTS AStraight-and-level flight - ALT200/H20/A/S10 AStraight-and-level flight - ALT200/H20/A/S10 BConstant A/S Climbs -200/20/10 DTurn to Heading -200/10/10 CConstant airspeed descents - 200/20/10 EUnusual attitudes EUnusual attitudes

32. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 32 FLIGHT PROFILE VIIIAManeuvering During Slow Flight (Specify Vs) 1500’AGL +/-100’ HD+/-10 A/S +10-0 1500’AGL +/-100’ HD+/-10 A/S +10-0 Bank +/-10 Bank +/-10 CPower On Stall-HD+/-10 CPower On Stall-HD+/-10 BPower off Stall-HD+/-10 BPower off Stall-HD+/-10 XAEmergency Descent ( Simulated Engine fire or cockpit smoke) A/S +/-10

33. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 33 FLIGHT PROFILE VI A. Rectangular Course B. S-Turns B. S-Turns C. Turns around a point C. Turns around a point 600’-1000’AGL-+/-100’ A/S +/- 10 KTS 600’-1000’AGL-+/-100’ A/S +/- 10 KTS

34. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 34 FLIGHT PROFILE CONTINUE TO AIRPORT FOR T/O AND LANDINGS AND AOO IIIB (TRAFFIC PATTERNS) CONTINUE TO AIRPORT FOR T/O AND LANDINGS AND AOO IIIB (TRAFFIC PATTERNS) IVFShort Field approach and landing IVFShort Field approach and landing HGo-Around HGo-Around FShort Field approach and landing FShort Field approach and landing EShort Field Takeoff and climb EShort Field Takeoff and climb DSoft-Field approach and landing DSoft-Field approach and landing CSoft-Field takeoff and climb CSoft-Field takeoff and climb

35. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 35 RETURN HOME IVBNormal and Crosswind approach and landing IVBNormal and Crosswind approach and landing **K**Forward Slip to a landing **K**Forward Slip to a landing XII AAfter landing procedures XII AAfter landing procedures BParking and Securing BParking and Securing

36. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 36 QUESTION  CAN AN APPLICANT FAIL THE TEST IF THEY HAVE PERFORMED VERY SATISFACTORLY UP TO THIS POINT? XII AAfter landing procedures BParking and Securing BParking and Securing

37. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 37  WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES?

38. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 38 POST-FLIGHT: SATISFACTORY DEBRIEF USING PLAN OF ACTION

39. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 39

40. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 40 SATISFACTORY  Give the applicant some time to themselves.  Debrief in a private room or area.  Let them know what maneuvers were really good.  Give them suggestions for continued improvement.  Suggest continued instruction for Instrument rating.  Let them know you will contact their instructor.  Complete the files I.A.W. /8710.3E.  Sign logbook  Make applicant aware of wings program for B.F.R.

41. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 41 POST-FLIGHT: UNSATISFACTORY DEBRIEF USING PLAN OF ACTION

42. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 42

43. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 43 UNSATISFACTORY  Give the applicant some time to themselves.  Debrief in a private room or area.  Let them know what maneuvers were really good.  Give them suggestions for additional training.  Be very honest, their safety depends on it.  Let them know you will contact their instructor.  Complete the files I.A.W. /8710.3E, submit in 5 business days.  Sign logbook, if applicant is willing.  Look at possible dates for re-test.  Stress unsafe/unsatisfactory areas of operation with instructor, give recommendations.

44. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 44  CONTINUALLY UPDATE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION.  CREATE DIFFERENT ONES WITH DIFFERENT SCENARIOS.  MAKE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE YOU ARE ISSUING CERTIFICATES TO ARE MEETING THE STANDARDS!

45. Federal Aviation Administration DPE Recurrent Seminar 2007 45 QUESTIONS?