The only step I have left right now is to take my flight exam and I will have my private license. I have been going over the material for the oral part of the test and still have more time to put in to that part. I am wondering what to expect when I'm taking the exam, how long will it take, what to watch out for and advice for a person who is nervous about taking the exam.

Thanks,
Dean

• RE: Practical Exam,CessnaPilot, 20:26z, 11-23-04
  • RE: Practical Exam,Deangin, 01:05z, 11-24-04
• RE: Practical Exam,Ben_Chiu, 20:13z, 11-24-04

Dean,

Heya. I don't remember all the details, but here are a few hints, most of which you probably already expect. The oral part of the exam took about 15-20 minutes as I recall. Definitely know what all the symbols and numbers on your sectional stand for and mean. Know the dimensions, restrictions and radio protocol for the different airspaces, and whether or not you can or can't enter MOA's, ADIZ, etc. Know the visibility and cloud clearances for VFR flight in those airspaces.

Also be able to answer all questions regarding the type of aircraft your testing in, i.e., fuel quantity, oil quantity, type and horsepower of engine, etc. Know your light gun signals in case of radio failure.

The Gliems Private Pilot Exam book and the ASA Private Oral Exam Guide were helpful. They aren't going to expect you to know everything, no one does, but you should be comptetent and have a pretty good grasp of the basics. As far as what to watch for... the advice I got at the time was 'don't bullshit the instructor. If you don't know it, tell him straight away'. That applied more to the flight test than the oral, but all the same I'm tossing it in there.

I say study til your reasonably confident in your knowledge and relax. It will probably be far easier than you are worrying about.

Good luck and let us know how it went.

Thanks a ton for the advice, I'll keep you posted on the out come. Hope to have it in the bag in a week or two.

Greetings Dean:

Welcome to the Forum.

Although they must cover the same task when giving a practical, every examiner is different. Also, because the task list is longer than a typical practical test period, the DPE is somewhat free to pick and choose what they want to see.

What to expect as far as time and will vary, but the flight portion will be somewhere about 1.5 to 2 hours. Your instructor will be the best person to ask about specifics, but all checkrides start with paperwork, payment, then a briefing of what to expect. Most DPE's will then go into the oral. How they conduct the oral varies, but you'll be asked questions and will have to explain your choices for your flightplan (some DPE's will have you put together a flight plan before the test and others will have you do it on the spot) and you'll then have to make a go/no-go decision based on all of the information available to you.

Being nervous about taking your practical is very common, so don't feel bad about that. Everyone is nervous to some extent even if they know the material cold. What I can pass along is remember that the whole point of the practical test is to see if can operate safely as pilot in command. The DPE should tell you (you should ask if they don't) that you'll be PIC during the checkride. You've done this before if you're ready for your checkride. Some find it less nerve racking if they view the DPE as a passenger and not an examiner.

If you're still very apprehensive about it, most DPE's will gladly meet with you before your checkride at no charge so you know they don't have fangs (wells most don't! ) etc.. Just let them know that you're nervous about the upcoming test, etc.. Like I said, it's very common, and DPE's will go out of their way to help. I've yet to meet a DPE that doesn't want you to earn your ticket. However, they won't just give it to you. You have to demonstrate you're up to the responsibility.

Hope this helps and good luck on your checkride.

Ben