CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT CHECK

photo credit: lug00ber

CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT CHECK REQUIREMENT – Student shall plan a cross country flight that is assigned by the Check Instructor.

1. Lesson Objective:

The cross country flight check will be conducted by a designated check instructor who will evaluate the student’s ability to safely conduct solo VFR cross country flight operations. Additionally, the student’s proficiency in conducting uncontrolled airport operations will be assessed. This lesson completes stage two and prepares the student pilot for their first solo cross country flight.

2. Introduction and Briefing

A. Put the applicant at ease and advise applicant of available comfort facilities (rest room, water fountain, vending machine, etc).
B. Confirm type of practical test or retest.
C. Provide a casual overview of the test.
D. Verify that the applicant is aware of PTS requirements and tolerances.
E. Advise the applicant:

• The Cross Country Flight Check shall be conducted in accordance with the appropriate part 61 or Part 141 Syllabus and the Private Pilot PTS.
• The check airman will be using a Plan Of Action (Used to Organize the Cross Country Flight Check).
• He/She will be taking notes for the debrief – good or bad. Don’t let that bother you.
• Oral questioning will continue throughout the test.
• Perfection is not the standard.
• Three possible outcomes are:

1. Satisfactory
2. Unsatisfactory – Further training required.
3. Incomplete (Aircraft malfunction, weather, etc).

3. Paperwork Validation

A. Student Pilot Certificate
B. Minimum Third Class FAA Medical
C. Photo ID – State/Government Issued
D. Acceptable Account Balance
E. Flight Training Course Minimums as listed in the Private Pilot PTS
F. Aircraft Documents (certificates, inspection endorsements, and equipment)
G. Verify that required equipment is available (if applicable).

• Current aeronautical Charts.
• Computer and plotter.
• Flight plan form and logs.
• Current FAR/AIM, AFD, and PTS.
• View limiting device for flight test.

H. Any Questions??

I. Announce “THE TEST HAS BEGUN”

4. Oral Quiz – Private PTS

A. Weather Information

It is suggested that the student be asked various questions on WX reports at a WX computer.

• Decode an Routine Aviation Weather report (METAR).
• Decode a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF).
• Decode an Area Forecast (FA).
• What sections comprise an Area Forecast (FA)?
• Decode a Winds Aloft Report (FD).
• Decode a Pilot Report (PIREP).
• Ask questions particular to Surface Analysis Charts, Radar Summary Charts, Winds Aloft Forecasts, Significant WX Prog. Charts, Convective Outlooks.

Scenario: You are planning to fly a cross country flight across the state of Florida. You check the weather and notice that there are thunderstorms forming slightly north and slightly south of your planned cross country flight route. It is recommended that you remain clear of thunderstorms by a certain distance. What is that distance? Why? (20nm, because hail can be thrown outward that far)

• What are the differences between AWOS, ASOS, ATIS?
• From the above information, could we legally fly and accomplish the tasks we are required to do for this cross country flight?
• What are the standard temperature and pressure values for sea level?
• What does “dew point” mean?
• How do you determine the stability of the atmosphere?
• What effects of stable and unstable air have on clouds, turbulence, precipitation and visibility?
• Is frost considered to be hazardous to flight? Why?
• What action is recommended if you inadvertently encounter icing conditions?
• Before a cross country flight, what are your primary sources of weather information?
• What types of weather briefings are available from an FSS briefer?
• What is EFAS?
• What is HIWAS? Where do you find a HIWAS report?
• What is a TWEB?

As soon as you call up the FSS briefer they inform you that an AIRMET (T) has been issued for most of Florida, along your cross country flight route. Who are they a concern to most? What is an AIRMET? What are the 3 kinds of AIRMETS? (Airman’s Meteorological Information; Pilots of small aircraft; Valid for 6 hours;

1. (T) = Turbulence or surface winds ? 30 knots,
2. (S) = IFR conditions and mountain obscuration,
3. (Z) = Icing conditions and freezing levels).

What is a Convective SIGMET?

What does the FAA classify as being a Severe Thunderstorm? (Severe convective activity; Surface winds greater than or equal to 50 knots, Hail at the surface greater than or equal to ¾ of an inch in diameter, Tornados).

What is a SIGMET? What is a SIGMET? Who are they a concern to? What are they issued for? How long do they last? (Significant Meteorological Information; Pilots of ALL aircraft; Issued for:

Severe icing, Severe turbulence, Dust storms lowering visibilities to less than 3sm, Sand storms lowering visibilities to less than 3sm, Volcanic ash lowering visibilities to less than 3sm, Tropical storms and hurricanes; They last for 4 hours. 6 hours for hurricanes).

Define the terms IFR, MVFR, and VFR

B. Cross Country Flight Planning/Lost Procedures

Show me your Navigation log and the course line drawn on your sectional for your cross country flight.

If I’m flying from Airport A_____ to Airport B_____ VFR, what options do I have as far as my altitude is concerned? (Hemispheric rule – WEST Mag. course of 180-359 EVEN thousands +500)

What is pilotage? Dead Reckoning?

What is your wind correction angle and how did you compute it?

What cruising altitude did you select and why did you choose it?

How long are sectionals good for?

What are Maximum Elevation Figures? Why are they important?

What is variation and why must we accommodate for it?

Have the student identify different types of airspace along their cross country flight route.

Where can you obtain specific information about Special Use Airspace on the sectional?

Will the checkpoints you have selected be easily visible from our cross country flight route and altitude?

Show me on your E6B how you computed ETE, ETA, GS, Fuel Burn, etc.

What are the VFR Day and Night fuel reserve requirements?

Give the student a position on a sectional and ask them to explain which FSS and how they would contact FSS via airborne and/or ground communication. Cover the various means to contact FSS.

Discuss the services available from FSS.

Discuss the principles of the VFR Flight Plan.

How long after the ETA do you have to close a Cross Country Flight Plan?

What happens after a Cross Country Flight Plan elapses?

Discuss VFR Flight Following principles.

What is an AFD? What pertinent information can you get from an AFD?

How often are AFD’s published?

Explain the procedures for a diversion to an alternate.

Explain the lost procedures.

Discuss emergency situations and give scenarios (bad WX, a/c problems, etc.) for the student to work through.

If I’m flying to an uncontrolled field, at what distance out should I make a position report on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency? (10nm).

What is the AIM’s recommended entry procedure for an uncontrolled airport?

What is the AIM’s recommended departure procedure for an uncontrolled airport?

How did you find your True Course?

C. National Airspace System

• Randomly select classes of airspace and ask for VFR weather minimums.
• What are the two classifications of airspace?
• What altitudes define Class A airspace?
• Can you enter Class A airspace with a Private Pilot certificate?
• Must you have a clearance to enter Class A airspace?
• What equipment must you have to enter Class A airspace?
• Ask the student to show you Class B airspace on the sectional.
• Explain the solid magenta circle centered on the Primary Class B airport.
• What pilot certification and what aircraft equipment are required for Class B operations?
• Can a student pilot fly in all Class B airspace? If not, where can you find that information?
• What constitutes a clearance to enter Class B airspace?
• What are the maximum speeds for operating in and below Class B airspace?
• Define Class C airspace.
• What are the normal vertical and lateral boundaries of Class C airspace?
• While approaching a Class C airport you call up the approach frequency, and ATC says “N123AB standby“. Can you enter Class C airspace?”
• Ask the student to show you Class C airspace on the sectional.
• What pilot certification and what aircraft equipment are required for Class C operations?
• Can you fly over (not in) Class C airspace without a transponder?
• What constitutes a clearance to enter Class C airspace?
• Ask the student to show you Class D airspace on the sectional.
• What are the dimensions of Class D airspace?
• What pilot certification and what aircraft equipment are required for Class D airspace?
• What constitutes a clearance to enter Class D airspace?
• Give all the possible locations and dimensions of Class E airspace.
• What class airspace are Victor Airways?
• What are their dimensions and altitudes?
• Can Class E airspace go to the surface? If so, show me on the sectional.
• What pilot certification and what aircraft equipment are required for Class E airspace?
• Where can Class G airspace exist?
• What are the maximum and minimum altitudes for Class G airspace?
• What is the maximum indicated airspeed an aircraft may operate at below 10,000 feet MSL in U.S. airspace? (250 KIAS)
• The approach control tells you to IDENT. What does that mean?
• Define special use airspace.
• List and define the six types of special use airspace?
• Of the six special use airspace areas, which is not depicted on a sectional?
• What is an ADIZ and where are they found?
• Where are all controlled classes of airspace defined in the FARs?
• What is a TRSA?
• What services are available from a TRSA?
• What is a TFR?
• Interpret a TFR NOTAM.
• Discuss intercept procedures.

D. Airplane Systems/ Equipment Malfunctions

While flying outside of Class D airspace, you notice that you are unable to establish two-way radio contact with the Control Tower. What actions should you take?

While flying within Class D airspace, you lose radio contact. You notice a steady red light coming from the control tower. What actions should you take?

What does each of the following light gun signals mean? 91.125 – The examiner should provide various light gun scenarios.

What is the max. gross weight of the aircraft to be used for the solo flight?

What is the maximum engine oil capacity for the aircraft to be used for the solo flight?

What is the manufacturer’s minimum engine oil capacity for the aircraft to be used for the solo flight?

What is the minimum allowable oil capacity for the aircraft to be used for the solo flight?

How many usable gallons of fuel does the aircraft to be used for the solo flight contain?

How many usable gallons of fuel does the aircraft to be used for the solo flight have when both tanks are filled to the tabs?

The octane rating of aviation fuel is designated by color. What type of fuel can used in the aircraft to be used for the solo flight?

As you begin cranking the airplane engine on start-up, you hear a loud boom and notice flames shooting through the cowling. What is the recommended action?

As you are flying along your planned cross-country route, you hear the engine begin to sputter and then quit. What is the recommended action?

While flying a cross-country, you see a gradual decrease in engine RPM. What do you expect to be the cause? How do you correct the problem?

What actions should you take if you experience an electrical fire in flight (smoke in the cabin)?

5. Flight Test (Areas to be covered during the flight exam)

A. Area of Operation III: Airport Operations

• Non-towered Airport Operations
• Traffic Pattern

B. Area of Operation VII: Navigation

• Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
• VOR Navigation
• Course Interception
• Navigation Systems and Radar Services
• Diversion to Alternate
• Lost Procedures
• Use of Mixture During Cruise Flight**

C. Basic Instrument Flight

• Straight-and-Level Flight
• Constant Airspeed Climbs
• Constant Airspeed Descents
• Turns to Headings
• Recovery From Unusual Attitudes
• Radio Communications, Navigational Systems/Facilities, and Radar Services.

D. Area of Operation X: Emergency Operations

• Emergency Approach and Landing
• Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
• Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

E. Make sure all safety practices and procedures are followed while conducting the above Tasks.

6. Lesson Completion Standards:

The student shall demonstrate the ability to plan and safely conduct a VFR cross country flight. During the flight the student shall demonstrate proper navigation procedures. During the cross country flight: altitude +/- 200 feet, heading +/- 15 degrees, position +/- 3 NM, and ETA +/- 5 minutes.

7. Debrief

A. All aspects of the ground and flight portion of the Cross Country Flight Check should be debriefed and discussed.
B. Make suggestions or recommendations to help the student improve.
C. Answer any questions the student may have.
D. Complete all the necessary paperwork.
E. Student Logbook.

Pre-Solo Flight Exam

photo credit: Armchair Aviator

This plan of action for a typical pre-solo flight exam is an example only and should be used used as a reference tool for both students and CFI’s. This stage check will in no way be limited to the items included here. The Check Instructor has discretion as to what material and concepts will be covered/tested beyond what is listed on these pages.

1. Lesson Objective:

A. This Flight Exam, conducted by a designated check instructor, will evaluate the student’s readiness for solo flight. Both the student’s aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency will be assessed. This lesson would typically complete Stage One of an approved Private Pilot training syllabus.

2. Introduction and Briefing

A. Put the applicant at ease and advise applicant of available comfort facilities (rest room, water fountain, vending machine, etc).
B. Confirm type of practical test or retest.
C. Provide a casual overview of the test.
D. Verify that the applicant is aware of the requirements and tolerances required under the Federal Aviation Regulations for solo flight.
E. Advise the applicant:

• The Flight Exam is conducted in accordance with the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards.
• The examiner should be using a written Plan Of Action (Used to Organize the Stage Check).
• Will be taking notes for the debrief – good or bad.
• Oral questioning will continue throughout the test.
• Perfection is not the standard.
• Three possible outcomes are:

1. Satisfactory
2. Unsatisfactory – Further training required.
3. Incomplete (Aircraft malfunction, weather, etc).

3. Paperwork Validation

A. Student Pilot Certificate
B. Minimum Third Class FAA Medical
C. Photo ID – State/Government Issued
D. Aircraft Documents (certificates, inspection endorsements, and equipment)

• Current aeronautical Charts.
• Computer and plotter.
• Flight plan form and logs.
• Current FAR/AIM, A/FD, and PTS.
• View limiting device for flight test.

E. Any Questions??
F. Announce “THE TEST HAS BEGUN”

4. Oral Quiz – Private PTS

A. Certificates and Documents

• How old do you have to be to be eligible for a student pilot certificate?
• If your student pilot certificate was issued on April 15, 2008 what day will your certificate expire on?
• What endorsements does a student pilot need prior to going solo?
• How long does each endorsement last?
• After receiving the required logbook endorsements for solo flight, your friend (who is not a pilot) asks you if he can go for a ride. Are you allowed to take your friend flying?
• Please name ALL the student pilot limitations
• Does the Private certificate expire? If so, when?
• What kind of currency must you maintain with a Private certificate?
• What class of medical must be maintained to exercise the privileges of the Private certificate?
• How long is the above-mentioned medical good for?
• If I received a medical on January 4th, 2007, and I am 36, what is the last day I can legally fly with a:
• 3rd class medical?
• 2nd Class medical?
• 1st Class medical?
• What is a SODA?
• What is a Special Issuance?
• As a Private pilot, are you required to log every flight in a logbook?
• What, if any, flights are you required to log?
• What documents are required to be on board your aircraft?
• What items must a pilot have in their possession during a flight?
• What is an airworthiness certificate and when does it expire?
• What is a registration certificate and when does it expire?
• What is a POH?
• What is an AFM?
• What is a PIM?
• What are the differences between a POH, an AFM, and a PIM?

B. Airworthiness Requirements

• Who is responsible for assuring an aircraft is in an airworthy condition prior to flight?
• After reviewing than maintenance log for the airplane you will be flying for this stage check you notice that the altimeter has not been tested. Can you fly this airplane under VFR for this stage check?
• In order for an aircraft to be in a safe condition for flight, the FAA requires certain inspections. What are they?
• What required equipment is necessary for VFR Day?
• What required equipment is necessary for VFR Night?
• What is a MEL?
• Do all aircraft have MEL’s?
• How do we determine, when there is inoperative equipment, that our flight is still legal?
• What is special flight permit and give a few examples of why you would need one?
• What is an airworthiness directive and who is responsible for ensuring they are properly complied with?
• How often and when must ELT batteries be changed?

C. 14 CFR ? Regulations applicable to student pilots:

• What is Title 14 CFR?
• What is 14 CFR Part 1?
• For the purpose of pilot certification, what does the term Aircraft Category mean? Aircraft class?
• Is multiengine-land a category or class?
• What is 14 CFR Part 61?
• After obtaining a private pilot certificate, you decide to take your friends up for a ride. In order to carry passengers, what must you do prior to your flight? What must you do if your flight is at night?
• After obtaining you private pilot certificate, your permanent address changes. Two months have passed. Can you continue to use your pilot certificate? Why?
• After obtaining your private pilot certificate, you decide it would be fun to fly a faster airplane. You decide to get checked out in the Piper Arrow. What must you receive prior to operating that airplane by yourself?
• What is 14 CFR Part 91?
• According to Part 91.119 what is the lowest altitude you can fly at over a congested area?
• According to Part 91.119 what is the lowest altitude you can fly at in other than a congested area?
• According to Part 91.151, what are the fuel requirements for DAY VFR flight? NIGHT VFR flight?
• What is the minimum visibility and ceiling conditions that a pilot may operate under VFR in controlled airspace?
• Under 91.17 what is the minimum amount of time required to wait after the consumption of any alcohol?
• If you decide to go out drinking heavily the night before a flight, but you stop drinking 8 hours prior to the flight, will you be legal to proceed with your flight? Why or why not? Name ALL aspects of that regulation.
• What class of airspace is the airport where the solo flight is to be conducted located in?
• What is Airspace ? Class A, B, C, D, E, G ? Explain in detail each one? Part 71 and Part 91.126 – 91.135
• What is a Restricted area? Part 73 and 91.133
• What is an MOA? What is TFR? What is an Alert Area?
• While flying outside of Class D airspace, you notice that you are unable to establish two-way radio contact with Melbourne Tower. What actions should you take?
• While flying within Class D airspace, you lose radio contact. You notice a steady red light coming from the control tower. What actions should you take?
• What does each of the following light gun signals mean? Ground and in flight.

D. Private PTS Introduction:

• What is the purpose of the PTS?
• Discuss the difference between the terms “shall” and “must” versus “should” and “may.”
• Name some FAA special emphasis areas as listed in the Private Pilot PTS
• Which is required to be accomplished first, the ground or flight portion?
• What is an Area of Operation?
• What is a Task?
• What is the purpose of sections labeled as “NOTE?”
• Name at least four (4) sources that the PTS is based on.
• If a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) elects to begin a particular Area of Operation, how many Tasks in that Area of Operation must they complete?
• Can you fail the Practical Test if only one (1) Task is failed?

D. Performance and Limitations:
Please name all of the following V-speeds for the airplane to be used for the solo flight :

• Vso =
• Vs1 =
• Vx =
• Vy =
• Cruise Climb =
• Vglide =
• Vfe =
• Vno =
• Vne =
• Va =
• Max crosswind =
• Define maneuvering speed. What is its purpose?
• How do you calculate maneuvering speed?
• Name the various control surfaces that manipulate lift.
• What is the wing chord?
• What is meant by angle of attack?
• What is the relative wind?
• What is a forward slip?
• What is a side slip?
• Define Stall.
• What is the difference between center of pressure and center of gravity?
• How would flying with an aft CG affect aircraft performance? Forward CG?

E. Take off and Landing Distance Calculations:

• Have the student to determine the take off and landing distance.
• Name some factors that affect take off and landing distance.

F. Operation of Systems:

• What is the elevator / stabilator?
• What is the purpose of trim? What does it do?
• What is the purpose of flaps?
• What flap positions does your airplane have?
• Describe the engine on your airplane.
• What safety feature does the your airplane possess to retain engine power in the case of induction blockage?
• Describe the fuel system on the your airplane.
• How many usable gallons of fuel does your airplane hold?
• How many fuel sumps do you check during the pre-flight of your airplane?
• The octane rating of aviation fuel is designated by color. What type of fuel is used in your airplane?
• What items should you look for when examining fuel during any pre-flight?
• How should you properly dispose of contaminated fuel after draining it from the sump(s)?
• Where is the fuel mixed with air in your airplane engine?
• What kind of carburetor does the your airplane have?
• How many quarts of oil should your airplane be operated with?
• What things should you look for when checking the oil during the pre-flight?
• Does your airplane use hydraulic fluid?
• If so, for what system?
• Describe and discuss the electrical system on your airplane.
• How many amps and volts are the alternator and battery rated for?
• Which of the above is the primary source of electrical power?
• What are the indications of a alternator failure in-flight?
• What should you do if your alternator failed in-flight?
• Ask various GPS(If equipped), transponder, and audio panel related questions concerning their operation.
• Describe the heater on your airplane.
• What are Magnetos? What do they do?
• If after a solo flight, you shut down the aircraft engine, but you leave the key in the ignition in the BOTH position. Why is this a safety hazard?

G. Safety Procedures and Practices

• While conducting the pre-flight on the airplane you are using for your first solo flight, you notice that the left main tire is bald. What course or action do you take?
• Does the yellow painted taxiway line always provide wingtip clearance?
• After returning from a solo flight and while taxiing on the ramp you notice there is a shortcut in between two tied-down aircraft. Can you taxi through the line of airplanes en route to your parking spot?
• What is the required fuel reserve at all times?
• What actions should you take in the case of an engine fire during start-up? Please name the steps in the procedure in order of importance.
• You clear the prop and start the engine. You notice the oil pressure gauge does not indicate oil pressure within 30 second. What should be your next action?
• Take out the airport diagram: From the ramp, Tower clears you to taxi to the active runway. Can you taxi all the way to the beginning of the active runway from your position?
• While en route to the airport you experience engine power loss. What is the procedure in order of importance you will follow to handle the situation?
• Upon reaching the practice area during a flight, what are the first things you do prior to starting to maneuver?
• In order to recover from a stall, what do you need to do?
• While approaching to land on runway 9 you get a wind check from the Tower. They report the wind is at 150 at 15 knots. How do you handle the crosswind?
• Upon landing extremely hard you bounce back up into the air. What should be your next action?
• Where are the practice areas located?

H. Wake Turbulence Avoidance:

• You are holding short of the runway and are next in line after a departing Boeing 747 (a huge 4 engine jet). Tower clears you for takeoff. How should you depart the area?
• How do you land behind a large aircraft?
• When does an aircraft produce the greatest wake turbulence? What characteristics or configuration produces the greatest wake turbulence?

5. Flight Test (Areas to be covered during the flight exam)

A. Area of Operation II: Pre-flight Procedures

• Pre-flight Inspection
• Cockpit Management
• Engine Starting
• Taxiing
• Before Takeoff Check

B. Area of Operation III: Airport Operations

• Radio Communications
• Traffic Patterns

C. Area of Operation IV: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-arounds

• Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
• Normal and Crosswind Approach and Landing
• Go-arounds/Rejected Landings

D. Area of Operation VI: Ground Reference Maneuvers

• Rectangular Course
• S-Turns
• Turns Around a Point

E. Area of Operation VIII: Slow Flight and Stalls

• Maneuvering During Slow Flight
• Power-off Stalls
• Power-on Stalls

F. Area of Operation IX: Basic Instrument Maneuvers

• Straight-and-Level Flight
• Constant Airspeed Climbs
• Constant Airspeed Descents
• Turns to Headings

G. Area of Operation X: Emergency Operations

• Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated)
• Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
• Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

H. Make sure all safety practices and procedures are followed while conducting the above Tasks.

6. Pre-solo stage check Completion Standards:

This lesson is complete upon sufficient demonstration of the student’s aeronautical knowledge and skill to safely conduct a solo flight.

7. Debrief

A. All aspects of the Stage Check should be debriefed and discussed.
B. Make suggestions or recommendations to help the student improve.
C. Answer any questions the student may have.
D. Fill out all necessary paperwork.

• Student Logbook

Has your flight instructor covered all of these elements?

Other than your first solo flight as a student pilot, the thing that causes the most apprehension and anxiety for pilots of all levels is the Checkride.  Are you prepared for your pilot Checkride?

Whatever aviation checkride you might be preparing for, from pre-solo to Airline Transport Pilot, will be addressed on this website. In fact, providing student pilots with the information and resources they need to be successful on their initial checkride attempts will be our main purpose here at The New AviationMD. Why, because no pilot wants to fail a checkride as it may affect their future, especially if a career as a professional pilot is your goal.

How we plan to do that is by providing comprehensive aviation resources developed from over twenty years of aviation experience. The last five of which were spent as a Check Pilot for all pilot stage checks and certification checkrides; from pre-solo through Flight Instructor.

Most websites you’ll encounter only list the requirements for aviation checkrides and thus fail to provide the insights required for checkride success. These requirements are already common knowledge and specific as they’re listed in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR’s), as well as the appropriate Practical Test Standards (PTS) guides. Here at The New AviationMD, we plan to break down these requirements into the finest detail and present them to you from an examiners perspective.

Thus, please become a member of our site by signing up to receive our free pilot tips newsletter. And hang on as we gear up for your aviation checkride success. Also, feel free to comment or ask questions on any of the posts here at www.aviationmd.com and we’ll provide a personal response in a timely manner.