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As I've mentioned on the flightline page, there are four checkrides that you
will take during Phase II. The are as follows:
Before I elaborate on each checkride, let's talk about how to prepare for one.
My philosophy for passing these rides consist of two things:
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to
take care of the things you can control
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to manage the issues that always come up during your flight (i.e. items out
of your control)
What do I mean by things that you control? First, for every checkride,
your check IP will have you fill out a boldface form. Students have hooked
their rides for making careless errors on their boldface. There simply is
no excuse for this. Practice before your checkride and more importantly,
take your time and triple-check your work. Second, he/she will check your
publications. Again, I wouldn't be mentioning this if students have not
hooked their ride before for pubs. There is a student pubs checker that
available to you in the squadron. Use it and don't hook a ride for bad
pubs. It really shows an inattention to detail. Third, learn how to
handle a tabletop EP. After every daily ride or sim, you will conduct
tabletop EPs with your IP to help you prepare for your checkride. Learn
from these sessions and take notes on how to do these things well.
However, there are mistakes you can make that will tie the IPs hand. These
mistakes include improperly stating the boldface, not mentioning the three
standard statements when taking the aircraft (i.e. maintain aircraft control,
analyze the situation and take proper action, land as soon as conditions
permit), and not bringing the EP to a logical conclusion.
Throughout your flying career, you will hear statements such as "it was a
typical checkride day." What people mean when making this statement is
that Murphy will always rear its ugly head during your checkride.
Something you're never seen or heard of will happen during the flight.
It's how you handle this and manage it that will allow you to do well.
Biggest thing you can do is not to panic. Also, don't freeze and
even more important, don't forget to fly the plane! Mistakes are going to
happen that day and worst thing for you to do is to beat yourself up over it.
Check IPs are human too and they are not going to see all or your mistakes.
Again to review, complete the items listed below before your checkride and at
least you'll know that you did everything you can to prepare for your check.
I'm not guaranteeing you a passing grade but I can help you increase your odds.
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Check your pubs against the squadron pubs checker
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Practice filling out boldface forms
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Grab an IP in you flight and have him/her give you an general knowledge and
EP session. This will give you confidence more than anything else
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Shine your boots. Professional appearance will most definitely set the
tone for your evaluation. We are, after all, in the military
I
would be doing you an injustice if I didn't mention this to you. If it
ends up not being your day and you hook your ride, just remember, it's not the
end of the world. In this world, there are pilots that hooked checkrides
and pilots that will hook their checkride. Whatever you do, don't get so
frustrated that your flying career spirals into the ground. I know it's a
bitter pill to swallow but you need to learn from your mistake and drive on.
Best of luck to all of you.
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