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Flight Test Exercises - Ex. 1 - Aeroplane Familiarization and Preparation for Flight

A.  Documents and Airworthiness

Aim

To determine that the candidate can correctly assess the validity of the required documents to be carried on board and, from these documents, determine that the aircraft is airworthy and released for service.

Description

The candidate will determine the validity of all documents required to be carried on board the aeroplane and determine that required maintenance certifications have been completed and that no maintenance actions will become due during the proposed flight.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. determine that the documents required on board are valid;
  2. determine that the maintenance certification/release ensures aeroplane serviceability and currency of inspection for the proposed period of flight;
  3. determine the number of flying hours remaining before the next service or maintenance task;
  4. ensure that any conditions or limitations on the maintenance release can be complied with;
  5. determine the impact of deferred defects on aeroplane operations for the proposed flight; and
  6. explain the process for dealing with aeroplane unserviceabilities discovered during a flight.

B.  Performance and Limitations

Aim

To determine that the candidate has practical knowledge of the elements related to performance and limitations of the aeroplane being used for the flight test.

Description

The candidate will be required to demonstrate practical use of charts, tables and appropriate data to determine performance, including take-off, climb, cruise, single-engine cruise, endurance and landing distance and explain the adverse effects of exceeding limitations.

Essential performance speeds will be quoted from memory.  Other aeroplane performance data may be determined from the POH/AFM.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. state from memory the following essential speeds;

    1. stall speed - landing configuration (VSO);
    2. one engine inoperative best rate of climb speed (VYSE);
    3. manoeuvring speed (VA);
    4. minimum control speed (VMC);
    5. maximum landing gear extended speed (VLE);
    6. maximum landing gear operating speed (VLO)
    7. maximum flap extended speed (VFE);
    8. intentional one engine inoperative speed (VSSE).

  2. calculate, for the proposed flight:
    1. the accelerate–stop distance, where data is available;
    2. the total take-off distance required to clear a 50 foot or existing obstacle;
    3. time and fuel required to climb to a specified altitude;
    4. one engine inoperative rate of climb;
    5. one engine inoperative enroute performance at the planned cruising altitude;
    6. the power setting proposed for the planned cruising flight (percentage, manifold pressure and RPM) and the expected cruise speed in KTAS;
    7. the available flight time with the fuel load and power settings proposed for the flight; and
    8. the total landing distance required to clear a 50 foot or existing obstacle;

C.  Principles of Flight - One Engine Inoperative

Aim

To determine that the candidate has practical knowledge of the elements related to principles of flight with one engine inoperative

Description

The candidate will demonstrate practical knowledge of the elements related to principles of flight with one engine inoperative by explaining the importance of several elements affecting aeroplane performance and control during flight, following loss of power from the critical engine.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. explain the importance of reducing drag and banking properly towards the operative engine for best performance;
  2. explain the importance of establishing and maintaining recommended airspeed;
  3. explain the importance of maintaining proper pitch and bank attitudes, coordination of controls and use of trim;
  4. explain the meaning of “critical engine”;
  5. explain the factors affecting VMC;
  6. explain VSSE; and
  7. explain the one engine inoperative performance available based on the following configurations:
    1. extension of landing gear;
    2. extension of flaps;
    3. extension of both landing gear and flaps;
    4. windmilling propeller on the inoperative engine.
  8. explain the configuration, airspeed and flight profile that the aeroplane must be in to successfully complete a one-engine inoperative overshoot with the aeroplane to be used for the test.

D.  Weight and Balance, Loading

Aim

To determine that the candidate can correctly complete weight and balance calculations for the aeroplane to be used for the flight test.

Description

The candidate will be required to complete accurate computations for an assigned practical load requirement that addresses all or most of the passenger and baggage stations, using actual weights and approved weight and balance data applicable to the aeroplane to be used for the test, including take-off weight, landing weight and the zero fuel weight.  If a loading graph or computer is available with the aeroplane, it may be utilized.

Knowledge of weight and balance graphs and envelopes, and the effect of various center of gravity locations on aeroplane flight characteristics will be demonstrated.  Practical knowledge of how to correct a situation in which the centre of gravity is out of limits or in which the gross weight has been exceeded will be demonstrated.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. determine if the take-off, landing and zero fuel weights as well as center of gravity locations in each case are within permissible limits with the assigned load;
  2. demonstrate practical knowledge of how to correct a situation in which the centre of gravity location is out of limits and/or a weight limit is exceeded; and
  3. xplain the effect of various center of gravity locations on aeroplane flight characteristics.

E.  Pre-Flight Inspection (Air Item)

Aim

To determine that the candidate can systematically complete internal and external checks in accordance with the POH/AFM to ensure that the aeroplane is ready for the intended flight.  The candidate will also demonstrate knowledge of how to deal with irregularities, if found.

Description

The candidate will determine that the aeroplane is ready for the intended flight.  All required equipment and documents will be located and, as far as can be determined by pre-flight inspection, the aeroplane will be confirmed to be airworthy.  Visual checks for fuel quantity, proper grade of fuel, fuel contamination and oil levels will be carried out in accordance with the POH/AFM.  If, due to aircraft design, the POH/AFM does not prescribe a visual check of fuel levels, fuel chits, fuel logs or other credible procedures may be used to confirm the amount of fuel actually on board.

After the candidate has completed the pre-flight inspection, questions relating to the flight test aircraft will be asked.  The candidate should be able to explain what appropriate action would be taken if an unsatisfactory item were detected during the pre-flight inspection.  The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of the consequences, if such items were undetected.

The candidate will conduct an oral passenger safety briefing.  If the candidate omits the passenger safety briefing the examiner will ask the candidate to provide a briefing.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. inspect the aeroplane, using an orderly procedure, including at least those items listed by the manufacturer and aeroplane owner/operator;
  2. identify and verify switches, circuit breakers/fuses and spare fuses pertinent to day and night operations;
  3. confirm that there is sufficient fuel and oil for the intended flight, contingencies and required reserves;
  4. verify that the aeroplane is in a condition for safe flight;
  5. describe the appropriate action to take for any unsatisfactory item, detected or described by the examiner;
  6. identify and verify the location and security of baggage and required equipment;
  7. organize and arrange flight material and equipment in a manner that makes them readily available;
  8. perform an effective passenger safety briefing, including:
    1. door operation and security;
    2. use of seat belts;
    3. the location and use of emergency exits, emergency locator transmitter, fire extinguisher;
    4. smoking limitations;
    5. action to take in the event of an emergency landing;
    6. passenger considerations for aircraft evacuation;
    7. items specific to the aeroplane type being used;
    8. other items for use in an emergency.

F.  Engine Starting, Run-up and Use of Checklists

Aim

To determine that the candidate can complete the engine start, warm-up, run-up and system checks in accordance with the POH/AFM to assure readiness for flight.

Description

The candidate will use the checklists provided by the aircraft manufacturer or owner/operator and use the recommended procedures for engine starting, warm-up, run-up and aeroplane systems checks to determine that the aeroplane is airworthy and ready for flight.

The candidate will demonstrate practical knowledge of the elements related to recommended engine starting procedures, including the use of external power source, starting under various atmospheric conditions and the effects of using incorrect starting procedures.

The candidate will demonstrate practical knowledge and take appropriate action with respect to unsatisfactory conditions encountered or specified by the examiner.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. demonstrate an awareness of other persons and property before and during engine start;
  2. use the appropriate checklist provided by the manufacturer or aeroplane owner/operator;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of the effects of incorrect starting procedures;
  4. demonstrate knowledge of recommended starting procedures;
  5. accomplish recommended starting procedures;
  6. accurately complete the engine and aeroplane system checks;
  7. check flight controls for freedom of operation and correct movement;
  8. take appropriate action with respect to actual unsatisfactory conditions;
  9. demonstrate practical knowledge of how to deal with unsatisfactory conditions specified by the examiner; and
  10. determine that any radio navigation aids to be used during the flight test are serviceable.

Note:  Failure to use the appropriate checklist will constitute failure of this item.

Date modified:
2010-05-20