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As an examiner, having an appropriate location to do a practical test is not always a guaranteed thing even though it is something that is fairly important to the overall success of the practical test.

I know to some readers this may seem like a pretty basic consideration, but unfortunately, it is commonly something the instructor and/or an applicant don’t think about securing. At some airports, it may be hard to accommodate, or not even be available at all.

When we think about where an appropriate location for the ground portion of a practical test might be, it really boils down to a place that will be uninterrupted and allow a discussion and demonstration of the applicant’s knowledge and skills in accordance with the applicable ACS/PTS materials. This is a little bit vague, so let’s get more into the details of this.

The fact that it hasn’t always been as obvious as one might think is the reasons I am writing this and was instigated a new addition to the emails I send out to an applicant when I schedule a test. It reads as follows:

“An appropriate room for the test will be one that allows for the test to be conducted without distraction. This requires us to have four walls and a closeable door in a climate-controlled location that is lighted in which outside individuals can be prohibited from entry during the ground portion of the test.”

I don’t add this to be offensive by any means, it is really just a reminder of what we need. Continue reading →

Pilots for whom DPEs conduct practical tests aren’t just applicants, they are also customers. As a DPE, there are many things that can be done to help improve the practical test experience, allay some concerns, and enhance the professionalism of the experience.

There are certainly many that could be included, but here are five quick things on which a DPE might focus some additional attention in their practical test scheduling and conduct processes if they haven’t already.

Be Punctual and Communicate Professionally

A many times shared adage is “to be early is to be on time, to be on time, is to be late, and to be late, is unacceptable.” As a DPE, make sure you have enough time to get to where the practical test will be conducted, and leave time enough time between tests to get to a second or third activity in the same day if you have them scheduled. If you are going to be running behind, communicate that with the applicant. Having mobile phone numbers or even email addresses for your applicants allows you to communicate with them either via phone, text, or email if necessary should any scheduling hiccups happen, and they will. People get it, but it is much more professional to communicate this with the applicant than to just leave them hanging around the airport “wondering if their examiner is going to show up.” Its also a good idea to have the contact information for the instructor who is signing the student off for the practical test. Continue reading →