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.
Your Personal Minimums Only Matter If They're Personal
What separates experienced pilots from merely legal pilots?
It's not memorizing regulations.
It's developing personal minimums that honestly reflect your proficiency, your experience, and the mission you're about to fly.
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.