From the Examiner's Chair
Articles for pilots and instructors on FAA practical tests, aeronautical decision-making, risk management, and scenario-based training, drawn from real observations in the examiner’s chair.
The Anatomy of a Scenario
A good aviation scenario isn't a guided path toward a predetermined answer. It gives the pilot decisions to make and allows the consequences of those decisions to determine what happens next. An FAA Designated Pilot Examiner explains what truly makes scenario-based training and testing effective.
Scenario-Based Testing: Knowing the Answer Isn't Enough
Why memorizing regulations is only the first step. Learn how the FAA evaluates judgment, risk management, and real-world decision-making during a practical test.