How to Pass a Sport Pilot Checkride

Paul Hamilton is one of the first persons to become a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) for sport pilots. As a full-time author and sport pilot expert, he writes books and produces DVD's for Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA). Now Paul has graciously agreed to answer your questions here. Thanks Paul! For more information about Paul, please visit www.Paul-Hamilton.com and www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com.

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Paul Hamilton
Posts: 329
Joined: Mon May 21, 2007 2:42 pm
Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

How to Pass a Sport Pilot Checkride

Post by Paul Hamilton »

I have heard plenty of opinions about how what level of pilot is required to pass a sport pilot checkride. Well it is pretty simple. Be prepared. Be able to fly with confidence within the PTS standards (in calm air). Show confidence and mastery of the aircraft. Sport pilots must have the same stick and rudder skills as the private pilot, NO DIFFERENCE. The standards are the same.
If you cannot fly within the PTS standards (in calm air), you are not ready for a checkride. Keep practicing, try another instructor. All pilots need be able to fly within the PTS standards for the checkride “snapshot” in time the examiner flies with you.
Yes during a checkride you must “consistently exceed tolerances” to fail, but you should not take a checkride if you cannot fly to the tolerances in the first place.
Simply be prepared and be able to fly to tolerances (in calm air).
Paul is a Sport Pilot CFI/DPE and the expert for ASA who writes the books and produces the DVD's for all pilots flying light sport aircraft.
See www.SportAviationCenter.com www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com and www.BeASportPilot.com to Paul's websites
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RyanShort1
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Location: Burnet / Austin, TX
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Post by RyanShort1 »

Good post. I tell all of my sport pilot guys that they have to meet the same standard for solo, and after that, the major difference is in training requirements. They still have to have basic airmanship skills for survival.

Ryan
Independent Flight Instructor at http://www.TexasTailwheel.com. Come fly tailwheel LSA's.
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Paul Hamilton
Posts: 329
Joined: Mon May 21, 2007 2:42 pm
Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

Post by Paul Hamilton »

For both the ground and flying part of the checkride, the
best resource for the checkride is the "Sport Pilot Checkride" book, just as it implies. It goes over all subject areas and references the FAR/AIM for each question/answer.

As I describe to people, the PTS is the questions/requirements, the checkride book is the answers and information you need to know to pass the checkride. You can get it at:
http://www.ap-stores.com/p-50-sport-pil ... -book.aspx
Make sure and download the book update with the newest rules at:
http://www.ap-stores.com/t-updates.aspx

Plenty of examiners use it to formulate questions. There is a "Sport Pilot
Checkride DVD" that is also helpful showing you what it is like to go throught a checkride.
Video trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpnANWRpfBw

Book and DVD can be obtained at:
http://www.ap-stores.com/p-84-sport-pil ... combo.aspx
Paul is a Sport Pilot CFI/DPE and the expert for ASA who writes the books and produces the DVD's for all pilots flying light sport aircraft.
See www.SportAviationCenter.com www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com and www.BeASportPilot.com to Paul's websites
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