Pretest Briefing

PRETEST BRIEFING (Per 8900.1 Vol 5 Chapter 2)

Throughout the practical test, I am required to give you 4 briefings; Pretest Briefing, Preflight Briefing, Flight Test Briefing, and a Post Flight Briefing.  At the end of the practical test, I will ask that you sign a document stating that I did give you these briefings.

1. Put the applicant at ease (small talk, etc.)

Is flying a new career path or just a hobby?.
How did you get interested in flying?
What other hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

Are you familiar with the FAA Wings Program?  Visit Flymall.org and search for FAAWings (all one word).

2. Advise applicant of available comfort facilities

3. Pilot Bill of Rights (PBR). Due to the legal definition by the FAA attorneys the practical exam that a DPE conducts is considered an investigation because of the review of their application and their skills.

4. Confirm type of practical test or retest

5. Provide casual overview of the test. If you do not pass an AOO in the ground portion, you have the option to continue the ground but not the flight portion. If you do not pass an AOO in the flight, you can continue. I have the option to stop the test. You cannot record this test, either audio or video. If I find out you are recording, we stop the test.  Per March 2021 DPE class, we cannot do the test in a classroom that has video monitoring/recording.

6. Collect/Verify the required documents specified during the appointment
• FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application
• Medical (note limitations)
• Knowledge test results (if appropriate)
• Logbook or training records (Verify that the applicant meets all requirements and appropriate endorsements)

Private Pilot Aeronautical Experience

Instrument Rating Requirements

Commercial Pilot Requirements

141 Requirements

• Aircraft documents (Verify location & scheduled availability)
Examiner: establish applicant eligibility, establish aircraft eligibility, validate applicant’s knowledge test.  Per March 2021 DPE class, it is acceptable for the applicant just to bring copies of the logbooks (not the actual logbook).  The DPE can just see a copy of the most recent annual inspection and 91.411 and 91.413 cert entries to determine if the aircraft is airworthy.  Per a March 2021 DPE class, the examiner is required to see a current AD list to verify that the plane is airworthy.  If you school or A&P does not agree with this requirement, here is a screen shot from the DPE recurrent class showing this requirement.

7. Verify that required equipment (hood, etc.) is available

8. Verify that applicant is aware of PTS/ACS requirements and tolerances

9. Advise the applicant that:
• FAA Practical Test IAW the PTS/ACS
• Will be using a Plan of Action (Used to organize the Practical Test)
• Will be taking notes for the debrief
• Perfection is not the standard >>>>> Failure items not limited to the following:  If I am required to takeover to save the plane.  Not doing a maneuver correctly, for example, doing a soft field takeoff with 0 flaps.  Descending excessively during a steep turn.  Constantly descending during a pylon eight.  Pushing the nose down or forward during a landing. 

From the Private Pilot ACS regarding failures:

Unsatisfactory Performance
Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification include:
• Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective intervention by the evaluator to
maintain safe flight.
• Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while
performing maneuvers.
• Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the skill elements of the Task.
• Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
• Failure to exercise risk management.

• Oral questioning will continue throughout the test
• Three possible outcomes are:
o Temporary Airman Certificate – Good for 120 days.
o Notice of Disapproval of Application – Good for 60 days.
o Letter of Discontinuance – Good for 60 days.
10. Any Questions?

11. Collect Fee ______________

12. Announce: “THE TEST HAS BEGUN – Take a break. Get a drink, use the restroom.