Gold Seal Mock Check Ride Session

Introduction

• Host: Russ Still
• Type: Instrument Pilot Oral Exam
• Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
• Participants: Alex Hernandez (applicant), Todd Shellnutt (examiner)

Exam Setup

• Authentic representation of a checkride
• Focus on weather planning, decision-making, routing changes, and instrument approaches

Participant Details

• Alex Hernandez: Based in Atlanta, Gold Seal student
• Todd Shellnutt: Examiner, longtime friend of the program

Exam Format and Process

• Use of plan of action as per Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) standards
• Reference to Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
• Discussion of pilot currency, logging flight activities, and understanding of aircraft systems

Topics Covered

Pilot Currency

• Importance of maintaining instrument flight currency
• Requirements: 6 approaches, tracking NAVAID, holding patterns
• Documentation: Using logbooks (iPad and physical)

Aircraft Familiarity

• Scenario of flying different aircraft configurations (G1000 vs. six-pack)
• Risks associated with unfamiliar aircraft

Weather Planning

• Use of 1-800 WX Brief and ForeFlight for weather briefings
• Importance of understanding weather reports (METAR, TAF)
• Discussion on thunderstorms, wind shear, and cloud characteristics

Flight Planning

• Planning IFR flights, checking forecasts, alternate airport requirements
• Importance of updating databases and ensuring aircraft airworthiness

Navigation and Communication

• Understanding of airspace classifications
• Interpreting low enroute charts
• Communication protocols during radio failure

System Failures

• Handling pitot-static system failures
• Recognizing and responding to pitot icing
• Understanding aircraft systems related to IFR and icing

Flight Plan Management

• Importance of accurate and timely navigation logs
• Strategies for managing unexpected changes during flight

Debrief

• Assessment of Alex's performance: Comfortable and knowledgeable
• Key areas for improvement: Systems understanding, alternate planning

Closing Remarks

• Importance of planning for communication failures
• Training focus on thinking through scenarios
• Encouragement to visit groundschool.com for further instrument training resources

Conclusion

• Alex's good performance, though areas of improvement noted
• Instrument training is crucial for handling unexpected circumstances effectively