ISTOCK/ZORANM
By Andrew Parker
Passing the Rotorcraft Practical Test
How to make sure things go smoothly with your designated pilot examiner.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE COMPLETED MOST OF THE WORK REQUIRED to obtain your helicopter pilot license. Now it’s time to meet with an FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE) for your practical test and checkride. Like most of us, DPEs have their pet peeves. But you can avoid triggering them with proper preparation and focus. Follow the suggestions below to remain in sync with your DPE on test day.
1
DON’T let nerves ruin your readiness. Almost everyone is
nervous before a checkride, and DPEs understand this, says Randy Sharkey, FAA DPE and pilot check airman at Sweet Helicopters. Take steps to boost your confidence with thorough preparation: make sure your documentation is in order ahead of time and arrive early for your appointment. At the test site, walk around and familiarize your- self with the area. Calm your nerves before testing starts with simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualizing a successful checkride.
2
DO your homework. Know the material inside and out.
Sharkey explains that the practical test will have no surprises: what shows up on your test is in the FAA’s Practical Test Standards, which are available online.
3 4
DON’T try to bluff the examiner. If you for- get the answer to a question, be honest and
let your DPE know. The examiner will let you check your notes or the book—as long as you don’t do so for every question.
DO take your time with the preflight check- list. After you’ve passed the oral portion of
the test, tell your examiner you’d like to take a break before the checkride. Approach the preflight checklist in a slow and measured way before taking off—don’t rush this important safety practice.
5
DON’T blame the wind for your perfor- mance. If your checkride takes place on a
windy or gusty day, don’t cite the conditions as the reason you were unable to conduct certain tasks. The DPE is evaluating your ability to fly in a variety of weather conditions.
Thanks to Randy Sharkey for the tips above, which are based on his presentation at the May 25, 2023, HAI@Work webinar, “DPE Pet Peeves.” To learn more about how to prepare for your practical test, watch the recording of the webinar at
hai.rotor.org/oNlr3.
JUNE 2024 ROTOR 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
