Unit 4 – Mock Checkride – Emergencies and Traffic Pattern Focus

Preflight Exercises
Obtain a weather briefing from LMFSWeb and 1-800-WXBRIEF for the local area.

Complete all portions of the Preflight Briefing Sheet.

Preflight the airplane using your checklist.
Preflight Discussion
Topic Be able to answer: Resources to study:
Practical Knowledge Be prepared to respond to questions on these topics in the Private Pilot PTS.

  • Task C: Engine Starting
  • Task C: Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
  • Task D: Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
  • Task A: Night Preparation
  • Review of deficient knowledge areas identified in previous mock oral exams
  • Review all Special Emphasis items
  • Review intercept procedures
  • Review NASA Aviation Safety Report procedure

Tab each section of the FAR/AIM where you locate knowledge needed to respond to questions in these PTS tasks.

Study Task C: Engine Starting in the PTS Explained guide.

Study Task C: Systems and Equipment Malfunctions in the PTS Explained guide.

Study Task D: Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear in the PTS Explained guide.

Study Task A: Night Preparation in the PTS Explained guide.

Study Intercept Procedures

Study AIM 7−6−1. Aviation Safety Reporting Program.
Practical Knowledge

Cross Country Assignment

Bring these pre-planned assignments to this lesson (these are the same types of assignments that the examiner will ask you to bring to the practical test.)

  • Plan a one-way VFR flight from Cameron Park to Santa Barbara. Complete a navigation log and sectional chart with course and checkpoints labeled. Recommend first, second and third checkpoints be located within approximately 5, 10 and 20 nm of Cameron Park airport and be easily identifiable. Please limit initial climb to no more than 5000 feet.
  • Complete a FAA flight plan form for this flight.
  • Complete a weight and balance calculation for takeoff at Cameron Park and landing at Santa Barbara. Plan that you are bringing a 190 lb passenger with you and 30 lbs of baggage.
  • Complete a takeoff distance calculation for Cameron Park and a landing calculation for Santa Barbara.
  • Bring or have a available a weather briefing for this route that is for the date of lesson in which you review this flight.
  • Determine where you would park at Santa Barbara, and any costs for parking and staying overnight.
  • Determine the vendor that has the cheapest price of fuel at Santa Barbara.
See Area of Operations I – Preflight Preparation, Task C: Weather Information, Task D: Cross-Country Flight Planning and Task F: Performance and Limitations for instructions.
Decision Making and Risk Mgmt Review weather briefing, airplane performance and weight and balance for flight.

Use the PAVE checklist to identify risks associated with the flight.
Flight Experience
Operation Expect to: Prepare by:
  • Normal/Crosswind Takeoff
  • Cross Country – Navigation, Radio Communication
  • Lost Procedures
  • Diversion to alternate airport
  • Normal/Crosswind Landing
  • Go Around
  • Forward Slip
  • Short Field Takeoff
  • Short Field Landing
  • Soft Field Takeoff
  • Soft Field Landing
  • Emergency Descent
  • Simulated Engine Failure
  • Emergency Approach and Landing
 The instructor will ask you to perform each maneuver listed below. The instructor will provide feedback and coaching to help you attain performance within the practical test standards. Review the practical test standards and the Airplane Flying Handbook material for each of these maneuvers.