"I Don't Know" Is Better Than Guessing
Article No. 1 in “From the Examiner’s Chair”
One of the most misunderstood moments during a practical test occurs when an applicant doesn't immediately know the answer to a question.
Many applicants believe they must answer every question from memory. Faced with uncertainty, they begin reasoning out loud, combining fragments of information, or, in some cases, inventing an answer they hope is correct.
Ironically, one of the strongest responses I hear is often:
"I don't know, but I know where to find that information."
That isn't a sign of weakness.
In many cases, it's a sign of sound judgment.
Every Question Should Have a Purpose
Over the years, I've adopted a simple philosophy that guides nearly every question I ask during a practical test.
Before asking a question, I ask myself one first:
"Can I place this into a realistic scenario that a pilot could reasonably encounter?"
If I can, then the conversation almost always becomes more meaningful. The applicant moves beyond memorizing facts and begins demonstrating how they apply knowledge, assess risk, and make decisions.
If I can't connect a question to a realistic operational scenario, I have to ask whether testing that fact, by itself, truly helps determine whether someone is prepared to safely exercise the privileges of the certificate they are seeking.
That philosophy doesn't lower the standard.
It keeps the focus where I believe it belongs—on safe flight operations.
Aviation Isn't a Closed-Book Profession
Professional pilots don't rely solely on memory.
Before every flight we consult weather reports, NOTAMs, charts, aircraft performance data, maintenance records, operating limitations, and regulations. We verify information because accuracy matters.
Being a competent pilot doesn't mean knowing everything.
It means recognizing what must be known immediately, understanding when additional information is needed, and knowing where to find reliable answers.
That's good aeronautical decision-making.
A Practical Example
Occasionally I'll ask an applicant about the engine installed in the aircraft.
Not simply the manufacturer, but the exact engine make, model, and series.
Some applicants immediately begin guessing.
Others stop and say,
"I'd like to verify that in the Pilot's Operating Handbook or aircraft records."
I appreciate that answer.
Does a pilot need to memorize every engine model designation to safely operate the airplane?
Probably not.
But suppose a new Airworthiness Directive is issued that applies only to a specific engine series.
Suddenly, knowing exactly which engine is installed becomes critical. Before operating the aircraft, a pilot must determine whether the AD applies. Guessing isn't acceptable, and neither is assuming.
The question isn't about memorizing an engine designation.
The question is whether the applicant understands why that information matters, recognizes when accuracy is essential, and knows where to verify it.
That's a scenario that could confront any pilot.
Memorization vs. Application
During my career I've occasionally heard examples of questions that required applicants to recall highly specific facts or calculations.
Whenever I hear examples like those, I find myself asking a different question:
How would knowing that information change what the pilot does?
If the answer changes the pilot's decision, improves safety, or helps determine a safe course of action, then it's valuable knowledge to discuss.
If it doesn't influence the pilot's actions in any meaningful way, I believe it's worth asking whether we're evaluating practical judgment or simply testing memory.
The Airman Certification Standards encourage us to evaluate knowledge, risk management, and skill together. To me, those three elements are most meaningful when they are connected to realistic flight operations.
For Flight Instructors
One of the best habits instructors can develop is asking one additional question after every lesson:
"When would your student actually use this information?"
If you can build a realistic scenario around a topic, your student is far more likely to understand not only the answer, but why it matters.
When discussing regulations, place them into a flight.
When teaching aircraft systems, introduce a malfunction.
When reviewing weather, ask the student what decision they would make.
When talking about performance, change the runway, the temperature, or the aircraft loading.
Students remember information that solves real problems.
Preparing for Your Practical Test
As you study, challenge yourself to think beyond memorization.
Whenever you learn a new regulation, limitation, or procedure, ask yourself:
When would I use this?
Why is it important?
How could this affect a decision I make as pilot in command?
If I couldn't remember the exact answer, where would I verify it?
Those questions will prepare you for much more than a practical test.
They will help prepare you for the responsibilities that come with every pilot certificate.
From the Examiner's Chair
One of the most encouraging moments during a practical test is hearing an applicant say,
"I don't know the answer, but I know where to find it."
That response tells me several things.
It tells me the applicant recognizes the limits of their knowledge. It tells me they aren't willing to guess when accuracy matters. Most importantly, it tells me they understand that safe pilots make decisions based on reliable information—not assumptions.
Every question I ask has a purpose. My goal isn't to discover what an applicant can memorize. My goal is to understand how they think.
Because after the practical test is over, that's what they'll rely on every time they fly.
— Brad Kramer
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
About the Author
Brad Kramer is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 25 years of aviation experience and has conducted FAA practical tests for more than a decade. His goal is to help applicants and flight instructors better understand the principles behind safe flight operations, sound aeronautical decision-making, and the Airman Certification Standards.
