For my helicopter folks, Fort Wayne Helicopters has one of the more active blogs out there.  You can find it here:  http://fwhihelicopters.com/

2011 has past and 2012 brings a fresh start to things.   As I had some free time to myself, I thought about last year’s checkrides.   Although the number of checkrides was down, the quality has gone up.  I credit that to the dedication and hard work from the flight instructors.  The student has a roll in here too, without the proper motivation the instructors work would be moot. 

In an effort to focus a little more attention at improving the education of our pilot, I took a look at some of the problem areas that keep showing up on checkrides.  Here’s the list:

Private:  Basic weather knowledge, Effects of density altitude, Takeoff, landings and go-arounds (think stabilized approaches and cross-winds)

Instrument:  Basic weather knowledge, RNAV approach plates and Basic holding (think enroute holding)

Commercial:  Commercial privileges and limitations and 180 power-off accuracy landings.

Multi Engine:  Engine out climb performance, Precautionary engine shut-down, and feathering the wrong engine

ATP:  See Instrument and Multi Engine and add Circling approaches.

CFI Airplane:  All of the stuff above!  Notice the correlation here!

Helicopter (all categories):  Effects of density altitude (think RBS, Height Velocity diagram), wire strike avoidance, Low rotor RPM, Confined area and Auto Rotations.

CFI Helicopter:  Same as above.  Instrument Helicopter:  Point in Space approaches.

Please note that these are the reoccurring weak areas, not necessarily resulting in a failed checkride.  Yes, some performances observed during a checkride did end with a pink slip but these where usually the result of multiple deficiencies. 

In the last year, I had 3 instances that ended checkrides before they ever got off the ground.  All of these failures where the result of a runway incursion.  PLEASE, have an airport diagram out and listen to the controllers instructions.  Ask for a Progressive Taxi if you need to.  If something isn’t adding up, get clarification!    

Over all 2011 was a great year.  Now go out and fly!