A Look at the Flight Test Process

The Flight Test Process is the practical exam which enables pilots to earn certification to fly planes. There are three parts of this exam, oral, written, and in flight. The oral part of the exam usually takes place in the examiner's office. This is done well before the actual flight test is administered. The written part of the exam focuses on detail, and how thorough the prospective pilot is. The in flight potion of the exam stresses how well the pilot maneuvers the plane, knows his instruments, and even answers questions under pressure. Oftentimes, he is drilled with questions by the examiner while performing his test flight.

Aeronautical Knowledge

"Adequate aeronautical knowledge is the foundation upon which to build piloting skill and judgment." (Fowler) Pilots who know how to fly, but don't understand the mechanics of what they are doing can be dangerous. Logic must be tempered by sound judgment and common sense. It is important to understand the theory behind a maneuver, as well as how to perform one.

Knowledge of aerodynamic forces, as well as aircraft limitations must be understood. Different planes respond to circumstances according to how they are built. A pilot must be able to explain the differences between aerodynamic forces, as well as understand how to fly planes according to their abilities.

Flight test examiners are not quiet during the in-flight portion of the test. They will ask questions to test the pilot's aeronautical knowledge throughout this part of the exam. When a pilot makes a maneuver, the examiner will ask him why he did what he did. Many times, these answers relate to the aerodynamics of the plane. It is not only important to understand the need to do something; you also must be able to explain why you did it to the examiner.

The Importance of Being Thorough

The written portion of the Flight Test Process is crucial. Pilots need to become one with their planes. They need to understand the mechanics of planes, natural elements, air speeds, wind speeds, and ground speeds, landmark visualization skills, landing variables, instrument interpretation, and in flight safety measures. All of these things are thoroughly tested in the written portion of the exam.

Pilots must understand how planes are made, and how they function. The written portion of the Flight Test Process is critical in determining if the pilot knows how to read his instruments correctly. It tests the pilot's knowledge of air density, angles, and coordinating controls. Emergency landing procedures are also tested in the written part of the exam.

Proof of Ability

When a pilot has expressed appropriate knowledge of the basics of flying through the oral and written portions of the Flight Test Process, he is scheduled to perform the in flight portion of the practicum. In this part of the test, the pilot must physically demonstrate his ability to safely fly a plane.

Examiners expect skillful maneuvering, with an understanding of why the pilot does what he does. Maneuvers will be tested in a specified manner, and the pilot will be evaluated on his demonstrative abilities, as well as how well he tolerates the stress of being questioned throughout the process. One of the goals of the examiner is to make sure the pilot uses sound judgment under pressure.

Pilots must exercise good judgment. If they don't, it could be the difference between life and death. Pilots are not allowed to compromise when they need to make a decision. There is no room for second guessing, or trying to please others. Pilots must have complete confidence in their abilities to fly planes. If they don't, catastrophe awaits.

The Flight Test Process ensures that pilots know the mechanics of planes, understand how planes are affected by the elements, maneuver planes effectively, and know why they do what they do with confidence. It is a very detailed, intense, and difficult process designed to keep all air travelers safe.