Gold Seal Mock Check Ride Session

May 21, 2024

Gold Seal Mock Check Ride Session - Instrument Pilot Oral Exam

Introduction

  • Presenter: Russ Still
  • Session Type: Instrument pilot oral exam mock check ride
  • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Participants: Alex Hernandez (Applicant), Todd Shellnutt (Examiner)
  • Location: Atlanta
  • Purpose: Authentic representation of an instrument check ride
  • Focus Topics: Weather planning, decision making, routing changes, instrument approaches

Exam Logistics

  • Plan of Action: Series of predetermined scenarios and trigger events to address Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
  • Materials: Flight plan, ACS reference, examiner notes
  • Debrief: Thorough debriefing post-exam with written notes

Pilot Currency

Instrument Pilot Currency Requirements

  • Example Case: Rated in 2021, current date 2023
  • Conditions: Flown five approaches, tracked NAVAID seven times, held twice
  • Result: Cannot act as PIC in IFR under IMC
  • Required Actions: Six approaches, six holds, track navigational equipment within 6 months

Documentation

  • Logbook: Physical and digital logbooks (iPad-based)
  • Recording Details: Instrument activities (approach types, locations, etc.)

Airplane Familiarity and Decision Making

Aircraft Transition

  • Hypothetical Scenario: Switching from G1000 equipped Cessna 172 to a six-pack GTN 650 GPS equipped aircraft
  • Risk Management: Importance of proficiency in different scan techniques

Database Currency

  • Scenario: Flying with an out-of-date G1000 database
  • Conclusion: Not permitted to fly IFR

Proficiency and Personal Minimums

Weather Conditions Scenario

  • Initial Forecast: 1000 ft ceilings, 3 statute miles visibility
  • Updated Forecast: 500 ft ceilings, 2 statute miles visibility
  • Decision: Trip cancelled due to conservative personal minimums

Weather Planning

Weather Sources

  • Primary Source: 1-800 WX Brief (phone-based briefing)
  • Additional Sources: ForeFlight, aviation weather websites
  • Long-term Planning: Reviewing weather radar a week in advance

Briefing Types

  • Outlook Briefing: Valid for 6 hours
  • Standard Briefing: Detailed route briefing

Weather Reports Interpretation

METAR and TAF Reports

  • Example METAR Interpretation: Wind speed, gusts, visibility, cloud levels, altimeter settings
  • Example TAF Interpretation: Expected weather over a timeline, identifying improvement periods

Weather Hazards

  • Key Concerns: Thunderstorms, gusty winds, cloud identification, hazards
  • Discussion Topics: Formation and stages of thunderstorms, wind shear, identifying cloud types

IFR Systems and Procedures

Icing Systems

  • Current Aircraft Equipment: Pitot heat, fuel injection (no carb heat)
  • Icing Impact: Recognition of pitot icing through airspeed indicator anomalies
  • Alternate Air Source: Importance during icing conditions

Pitot-Static System and Instruments

  • Explanation: Functions of the static ports and pitot tube, air data computer details
  • Failures: Impact of air data computer or pitot system failure
  • Instrument Readiness: Cross-checking functionalities pre-flight

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Airworthiness Requirements for IFR Night Flight

  • Acronyms: A TOMATO FLAMES, AV1ATES, GRABCARD
  • Component Functions: Generator, altimeter, clock, etc.

GPS and WAAS Functionality

  • GPS Checks: Database currency, WAAS capabilities
  • Failure Handling: Adjusting approach minimums

Reporting Requirements

  • Non-specific Requests: Missed approach, altitude changes, holding fix, ETA changes
  • Acronym: MARVELOUS VFR C500

Cross Country Planning

Flight Plan Completion

  • Digital vs. Handwritten: Preference for handwritten logs during flight
  • Fuel Calculations: Incorporating reserves and unforecasted elements
  • Recording Actual Data: Maintaining situational awareness

Filing and Executing IFR Flight Plans

  • Filing Methods: ForeFlight, 1-800 WX Brief
  • Plan Opening: Via phone, ATIS, or clearance delivery
  • Plan Closing: In-flight or via phone
  • Clearance Readbacks: Example clearance and readback details

Airport and Enroute Charts Review

Chart Elements

  • Hot Spots: Areas with high risk of incidents on the airport diagram
  • Other Elements: EMAS, runway details, magnetic variance

Low Enroute Charts

  • Airspace Identification: Class B, C, prohibited areas
  • Key Features: OROCA values, airway types (GPS-based, VOR-based)
  • Intersection Types: Compulsory vs. non-compulsory

Unanticipated Situations

  • Communication Failure: Procedures for lost communications
  • Route and Altitude Choices: Highest of assigned, MEA, or expected
  • Arriving on Time/Late: Procedures and decision making for approach fixes

Conclusion and Debrief

  • Key Takeaways: Importance of planning for loss of communication, understanding system failures, continuously developing proficiency
  • Exam Performance: Demonstrated good knowledge with areas for improvement

End of Session: Thanks to participants, reminder of importance of thorough preparation for instrument check rides