CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 10 Issue 4 - 29

STANDARDS DISSECTED
THE TAKEOFFS, LANDINGS, AND GOAROUNDS SECTION
This is no small section of the test, with
fourteen sub-sections. They include takeoff and
climb operations, and approach and landing
ops, for normal fields, soft fields, and short
fields, as well as "confined area" operations-
the good ol' 50-foot tree at the end of the
runway. Forward slips must be demonstrated,
as well as go arounds. Each of these needs to be
demonstrated on the ACS checkride. For the
seaplane crowd, both glassy and rough water
takeoffs and landings are mandatory.

QUESTIONS AND SCENARIOS BOMBARD
YOUR STUDENTS FROM THE MOMENT
THE AIRPLANE STARTS ROLLING ON
THE CHECKRIDE, AND YOUR STUDENTS
NEED TO KEEP UP A RUNNING
COMMENTARY EXPLAINING WHAT
THEY'RE DOING THE ENTIRE TIME.

Bearing in mind the new FAA trinity of
knowledge, risk management issues, and skills:
Each sub-section has a substantial skills list-
all of which must be performed correctly-as
well as lengthy risk management elements. On
the bright side, the knowledge elements are
straightforward and not excessive. Still, it's
easy to get double vision trying to review these
fourteen pages of heavy text. That said, each
sub-section shares many common elements.
For instance, risk management for each subsection includes an awareness of crosswind,
windshear, tailwind, wake turbulence, surface
condition of the runway (or water), collision
hazards, low altitude maneuvering risks, and
distractions, along with a few elements specific
to the operation, such as the risk of engine
failure on takeoff, or stall/spin upon landing.
About those mandatory skill elements, they
include use of checklists, appropriate radio
calls, scanning for traffic and obstructions,
as well as proper airspeed control, use of
flaps, and for landings, touching down within
400 feet beyond the target point for normal

landings and 200 feet for short and confined
landings. Takeoffs require the applicant to
"ascertain wind direction with or without
visible wind direction indicators," and position
the flight controls for the wind. During the
takeoff run power needs to be checked and
confirmed. Remind your students that doing
it is not enough; they need to articulate what
they are doing all the time. All takeoffs include
"comply with noise abatement procedures" as
part of the skill set, and normal and short field
landings include "utilize runway incursion
avoidance procedures."
THE PERFORMANCE AND GROUND
REFERENCE MANEUVERS SECTION
This section of the test includes steep turns, and the
examiner's choice of at least one of the following
ground reference maneuvers: Rectangular course,
S-turns, or turns about a point.
The steep turns remain at the long-established
private pilot bank angle of 45º. The precision
mandated is ±5º, with airspeed ±10 knots, and
altitude ±100 feet. Clearing the area is included
CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 10 Issue 4

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 10 Issue 4
