Before the test begins: We must validate.
I will spend approximately 30-60 minutes ensuring the applicant and the aircraft are eligible for the test. This is called the "Validation" process. The common errors are in red.
Pilot: I will verify your original Identification, Certificate, Medical and Knowledge Test report. They will be compared against each other and IACRA. Please have these documents laid out for me to view.
Aircraft Series: Please ensure the correct Make/Model/Series is noted at the time of booking and is also noted the same in IACRA. I understand that it has been a practice to only put "CE-172" however, please include the series, such as "CE-172N," if it is known. Amongst other reasons, this helps me verify that all ADs are met for the aircraft being used.
IACRA: All information on IACRA must match your documents, hours fulfilled, and all is correct. Have a paper copy as a back up in case we cannot access IACRA
the doctor's name MUST match exactly in IACRA - if it does not, AFB will return the application and your certificate will be delayed.
Logbook: This is the longest part of the validation process.
Totals: Ensure your pages are totaled, in pen, and signed.
Tabs: Please tab the required tasks for the certificate you are seeking.
Full Stops: If a full stop is required, it needs to be noted in the comments section.
Regulatory Codes: Please put the codes that meet the required experience. It helps validation go faster.
Endorsements: Regulatory codes are needed on each endorsement and the verbiage must align to the regulations.
Written: If the student took their written based on the completion of an online ground school, they must furnish
that certificate AND
as per 61.35(a)(1) an endorsement from an authorized instructor stating that this training was reviewed and received.
Ground/Flight training logged: INSTRUCTORS page
It is easiest to validate if the required concepts are in a table format, the hours are listed, and the instructor has signed it.
Aircraft: Please review the maintenance logs to ensure all maintenance/ADs are current and where the required information is found.
If I can receive as much of the requested documents ahead of time, we will catch & fix errors, expediting this process.
OVERVIEW OF THE DAY:
GREETING & VALIDATION: 30-60 minutes; this can take longer if the above items are not in order and/or are not correct.
PRETEST BRIEFING: about 20 minutes
"THE TEST HAS BEGUN" This is when the oral portion begins.
See "What to Expect" for an overview of the oral and elements that are covered.
BREAKS: 5-10 minute breaks are offered about every hour.
PREFLIGHT BRIEFING: 15-20 minutes
BREAK: 10-30 minutes (set by the applicant)
PREFLIGHT: Usually about 20-30 minutes, sometimes longer if fuel is needed or an issue is found.
FLIGHT: About 2 hours (PA/CA); 1.3-1.5 (IR) Pacing is up to the applicant. Some applicants do the required checks and are able to go right into the maneuver, while others need more time to set up. I will never rush an applicant.
POST FLIGHT: 5-10 MINS
POST FLIGHT BRIEFING/PAPERWORK: 30-60 Minutes - first and foremost, ensuring the paperwork is correct so there are no glitches moving forward, debriefing items that were good and others that can be improved upon, and other post flight tasks. After that, we usually end up just chatting.
Actual testing, ground and flight, is about 4 hours for a prepared applicant.