What You Can Expect
- I don’t ask trick questions.
- I treat everyone with respect.
- I follow the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) to the letter.
- Perfection is not the standard — the ACS requires safe, consistent performance and sound judgment.
- I give my full attention during practical tests.
- I aim to maintain a calm, professional, and supportive environment.
Identification & Certification Integrity
- Applicant identification is verified in person at the start of the test.
- All signatures are completed in person on the day of the test.
- FAA Orders and ACS standards are followed exactly.
- The ACS is competency-based, and perfection is not required.
Scheduling Standards
- One practical test per day to support a focused, unrushed evaluation.
- Breaks are available at any time during the oral or flight portion.
- Applicants may request rest, water, or a pause when needed.
Safety & Professional Standards
I support the FAA Safety Team (FAAST) and encourage participation in the WINGS program as part of ongoing pilot development and safety culture.
All conversations during evaluations remain focused on aviation, safety, and FAA requirements.
Professional Boundaries
- I do not discuss political topics or non-aviation opinions during evaluation.
- My standard response to non-aviation topics is: “I don’t have an opinion on that matter during the evaluation.
- Each applicant receives a standardized pre-brief to ensure expectations are clear and consistent.
- All scenarios are presented as if the applicant is the PIC for the day.
- The evaluation is based solely on the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
Pre-Test Briefing
Before each test, I clearly explain:
- Test structure and expectations
- Applicant rights and options
- How unsatisfactory tasks are handled
- Coaching limitations
- Safety and turbulence considerations
- Emergency/abnormal procedure expectations
- Passenger scenario expectations
- Traffic scan and traffic-alert expectations
- Stabilized approach and go-around expectations
- Steep-turn standards
- Bounce/porpoise definitions
- Radio communication expectations
All expectations are covered in advance so nothing is a surprise.
- The evaluation is conducted in accordance with the ACS/PTS.
- You are PIC for the purpose of this test.
- No instruction will be provided during the evaluation.
- Audio/video recording is not permitted.
- Breaks may be taken at any time.
- IACRA signature is confirmed before beginning.
- After this briefing: “The test has begun.”
Communication Expectations
To support clarity and minimize workload, I maintain a calm and professional communication style throughout the evaluation. Applicants may request reduced nonessential conversation at any time.
Sterile Cockpit Practices
During takeoff, approach, landing, and missed approach, nonessential conversation is minimized unless required for safety. Applicants may call for a sterile cockpit at any time.
Personal Device Policy
- Neither the examiner nor the applicant uses personal devices during the evaluation.
- Phones should remain powered off or secured away during the test.
- If weather or ATC conditions require it to be accessible, this is explained during the pre-brief.
- No non-emergency phone use occurs during the checkride.
- Tablets/EFBs (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, charts, manuals) may be used for legitimate aviation purposes only.
Possible Outcomes
- PASS – Temporary certificate issued.
- UNSATISFACTORY – Notice of Disapproval (with required retraining areas).
- DISCONTINUANCE – For weather, aircraft issues, illness, or similar reasons.
- Not to be used to avoid an unsatisfactory performance.
Post-Test Debrief
After each test:
- A complete instructional debrief is provided
- Each evaluated Task is reviewed
- Strengths, areas for improvement, and training recommendations are discussed