Re: Checkrides
talleur donald a (dtalleur_at_ux1.cso.uiuc.edu)
Wed, 14 Jan 1998 08:25:23 -0600 (CST)
Guy,
I'm not referring to any research on checkride-itis, but consider
this: I suspect that most checkride-itis is due to pilots who try to
anticipate what the check pilot wants or what the check pilot will do. This
is different than anticipating what the airplane will do (i.e. systems
failure). There are a finite number of ways the plane will fail (according
to the manual) and a finite number of ways to fix problems. However, there
are an infinite number of ways a check pilot can run a check flight. Some
place also have overly strict rules regarding failure of a check flight.
This may also cause undue stress on a check flight that would not otherwise
be present on a normal flight. Some pilots also react to simulations
adversely not to mention the problems if simulator induced sickness which
can be a bigger problem for experienced pilots.
In my experience as a check pilot, but more so as just a instructor,
pilots tend to get themselves all wound up about checkrides becuase they
theorize that the check pilot can "ask me anything about anything". I'd be
scared too if I thought this theory had any truth. The fact is that check
pilot have a finite number of things they need to see with little discretion
on how to test it. While its true that some check pilot continue to do
whatever it is they want while administering a check flight, there is
protocol for all check flights and it should be followed. Many Pilots also
have the impression that check pilots are sent to fail them on their check
flight. In fact, most check pilots would prefer to pass the applicant. Even
the check pilot's I've talked to that have miserable pass rates have
conceded that they go into the check flight with the initial intent to pass.
The best advice I would give to a pilot going on a checkride is to do it the
way the manual says, do it the way that will keep everyone safe, use the
same judgement you would use on a real flight. If the pilot has been
properly trained, then in most cases he/she will do fine on the
check-flight.
My last comment is: I do not believe that simulator checkflights
have much relation to how a pilot will react under real circumstances. How
can anyone say otherwise and how can anyone have ever done research on this.
The only way to do it would be to replicate the exact emergencies performed
in the sim, in the aircraft. A sim is not a plane, a check pilot is not a
cabin of passengers, and your sim-ride co-pilot is probably not the guy
you'll be flying with when the _at_#$% hits the fan. How does one get past
these uncontrollable factors?
--
Donald Anders Talleur email: dtalleur_at_uiuc.edu
Institute of Aviation- Willard Airport
Aviation Research Laboratory- 244-8687
Pilot Training- 244-8606
Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up
their sleaves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn
up at all! (Sam Ewing)