Mock Private Pilot Oral Exam Overview

Mar 18, 2025

Mock Private Pilot Oral Exam

Introduction

  • Presenter: Russ Still
  • Event: Mock Private Pilot Oral Exam
  • Participants: David Yang (Applicant), Todd Shellnut (Examiner)
  • Aircraft: Piper Warrior
  • Location: Flying out of PDK (DeKalb-Peachtree Airport)

Exam Approach and Setup

  • Plan of Action: Examiner follows a detailed plan with scenario-based questions.
  • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Observation: Examiner takes notes for debriefing.

Pilot Qualifications

  • Documentation Required:
    • Logbook with endorsements and flight hours
    • ID and Medical Certificate
  • Recency of Experience:
    • Bi-annual Flight Review every 24 months
    • Medical certificate must be up-to-date
    • 3 takeoffs and landings within 90 days for carrying passengers

Airworthiness Requirements

  • Pre-flight Check:
    • Verify maintenance records
    • Check for airworthiness directives compliance
  • Inspections:
    • Annual inspection every 12 months
    • 100-hour check for aircraft for hire
    • ELT inspection annually, transponder every 24 months
  • Required Documents: Airworthiness certificate, registration, operating handbook, weight and balance

Understanding Weather Information

  • Sources:
    • 1-800-WX-Brief for weather briefings
    • METARs and TAFs for current and forecast weather
  • Weather Reports:
    • METAR: Current weather report, important elements include wind, visibility, temperature, dew point, and altimeter
    • TAF: Terminal Area Forecast, generally valid for 24 to 30 hours

Navigation and Airspace

  • Navigation:
    • Use of GPS direct, waypoints for dead reckoning
    • Understanding class airspace distinctions and their requirements (Class B, C, E, G)
  • Airspace Entry:
    • Clearance required for Class B and C entry
    • Familiarity with sectional charts, TAC charts, and understanding of surrounding airspaces

In-flight Scenarios

  • Handling Inoperative Equipment:
    • Consult minimum equipment list (MEL) if available
    • Understanding of 91.213 for inoperative equipment
    • May require special flight permit
  • Emergency Procedures:
    • Follow checklists or perform memorized emergency flows
    • Basic engine troubleshooting: check fuel, mixture, and carb heat

Cross-Country Flight Planning

  • Route Planning:
    • Use of ForeFlight for planning and waypoints setting
    • Importance of updating and recalculating for actual in-flight conditions

Debrief and Instructor Feedback

  • Instructor: Damian Morrissy
  • Focus Areas for Improvement:
    • Better understanding of airworthiness requirements and directives
    • Improve knowledge of weather information systems and terminology
    • Familiarity with emergency procedures and inoperative equipment protocols

Conclusion

  • General Observations:
    • Strengths in pilot qualification and basic understanding of regulations
    • Areas identified for more detailed study and practice
  • Future Steps: Continued preparation with instructor and further study on identified weak areas

Final Notes

  • Emphasis on using correct terminology and understanding regulations thoroughly.
  • Importance of practical experience and familiarity with all aspects of flight operations and safety.

Full transcript