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 Inoperative Equipment That Isn’t
An “INOP” placard should describe the airplane, not the applicant’s comfort zone. An FAA Designated Pilot Examiner explains why equipment that suddenly stops working on checkride day raises more questions than it answers.
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.
The Best Airport Isn't Always the Closest Airport
There is rarely just one correct airport. The real question is whether you understand the operational consequences of the airport you choose. This article explores how airport selection becomes a lesson in judgment rather than navigation.
Becoming a Better Pilot Means Relying Less on Luck
Every pilot benefits from a little luck early in their flying career. The best pilots spend the rest of their careers replacing luck with knowledge, judgment, and experience. This article explores why that transition is one of the clearest signs of growth as an aviator.
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.
"I Don't Know" Is Better Than Guessing
One of the strongest answers during a practical test may be, "I don't know—but I know where to find it." Here's why.