Initial CFI rides

The number of Initial CFI rides has increased lately.  Here are some of the common weak areas:

1.  AOO I, Task G: Risk Management.  A lot of applicants have really struggled with this Task.  I find this interesting since the majority of initial CFI applicants have been trained and tested under the ACS.  One of the principle features of the ACS is "Risk Management".  Why are we having trouble with it on the initial CFI practical test?

2.  AOO II, Task B:  Runway Incursion Avoidance.  This is a required item on the initial CFI checkride so it shouldn't be a surprise when it comes up.  I have seen a few awesome presentations and some that definitely fall short of meeting the PTS requirements.  Please don't try and make something up on the spot.  You should have a lesson plan and maybe even a scenerio already put together, feel free to use them.  And PLEASE, don't read me the AC and think that will cover it!

3.  AOO II, Task F: Weight and Balance and AOO III, Task D:  Performance and Limitations.  I'll be blunt here, I've had Sport and Private pilot applicants demonstrate more knowledge than a few initial CFI applicants.  I'm guessing that some recommending instructors figure their candidate has been doing Weight and Balance calculations for some time now and thus gloss over the subject.

4.  AOO II, Task M: Logbook Entries and Certificate Endorsements and AOO III, Task A:  Certificate and Documents.  Task M is a required Task and Task A goes hand in hand with it.  These two Tasks are also the number one reason pilot applicants get sent home before the check ride has begun.

5.  The good news is most applicants do well on the flight portion of the checkride.  If there is ever an issue it is usually because the applicant failed to fly a maneuver in accordance with the Airplane Flying Handbook, the ACS and/or the aircraft POH.  Another popular area for busting the flight is busting an FAR.  For example doing 8s-on-pylons over a congested area or doing Chandelles  way to close to those clouds.

I hope this helps.  Good luck!