Changing standards deserve a closer look
If you weren't cramming for a checkride last August, you may not have noticed that the practical test standards (PTS) for private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor certification underwent some substantial changes.
Leisha Bell, an aviation technical specialist in AOPA's Aviation Services department, notes that pilots are primarily concerned with the addition — or restoration — of two maneuvers to the commercial PTS. "We get quite a few questions on how to do steep spirals and power-off, 180-degree accuracy landings," says Bell. An excellent reference for these maneuvers is the recently updated Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3). Available through the government printing office ( http://bookstore.gpo.gov) and Sporty's Pilot Shop ( www.sportys.com), the Handbook describes the maneuvers in detail.
The PTS is physically smaller, says Bell, with combined sea and land sections. And areas of past controversy have been addressed. "There was always this debate about minimum controllable airspeed and slow flight," says Bell. "Now the PTS actually defines the airspeed for slow flight as one where any increase in angle of attack or load factor, or reduction of power, would result in a stall."
Changes also have been made to the area of operation covering stalls. Turns during power-off stalls are limited to 20 degrees of bank, and for power-on stalls the PTS now specifies that the power setting must be no less than 65 percent. "For most high-performance aircraft that means the attitude is still significant," says Bell, so additional text makes exceptions for these aircraft.
If you plan to take the commercial or flight instructor checkride, you now need to prepare to discuss in detail the aerodynamics associated with spins. "A lot of designated examiners harp on this now during CFI checkrides," according to the calls that Bell has fielded lately.
Another critical element in two-pilot or instructional situations is the positive exchange of flight controls. While this has been discussed before in the introduction to the PTS, it is now a separate section. "They want to hear all three sentences," says Bell — that is, the pilot assuming control states, "I have the flight controls," and the pilot relinquishing control answers, "You have the flight controls," at which point the active pilot reiterates, "I have the flight controls."
Dehydration has been added to the list of aeromedical factors that private and commercial applicants must discuss. Also, the FAA now includes special emphasis areas that most pilots should recognize: land-and-hold-short operations (LAHSO), collision avoidance, wake turbulence avoidance, runway incursions, aeronautical decision making, and checklist usage.
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resources anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technologies. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and e-mail ( [email protected]). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests while AOPA Online provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
These files contain the complete PTS for recreational through ATP certificates. They include analysis of the changes made to the PTS in August 2002.
www.aopa.org/members/files/flttrain/idxpts.html
These runway flashcards help pilots quiz themselves on airport signage and procedures.
www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation Runway Safety Program offers an online module to teach pilots about runway incursions. Completion of the program satisfies the ground school portion of the FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency Program.
www.aopa.org/asf/online_courses/runway_safety/
This ASF Safety Advisor on collision avoidance offers strategies and tactics on maintaining visual separation from other aircraft.
www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa15.pdf
This document contains the text of the FAA order on land-and-hold-short operations (LAHSO).
www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2000/lahso_order.pdf
The AOPA subject report "Is a Checklist Required for Part 91 Operations?" answers questions that pilots may have regarding checklist requirements for general aviation.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/chklst.html
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