BY PILOTS, FOR PILOTS
At‑a‑Glance
Overview
Former airline captain who expects commercial‑level precision and professionalism. Focused heavily on commercial privileges and limitations, complex aircraft systems, and performance planning. Oral was lengthy with deep dives into regulatory scenarios. Flight discontinued due to marine layer moving in, but he was satisfied with ground portion. Expects you to think and act like a professional pilot, not a student.
Oral — Topics & Prompts
- Commercial Privileges & Limitations: What can you be compensated for; pro rata share vs full compensation; when do you need an operating certificate; banner towing, sightseeing, cargo scenarios.
- Complex Aircraft Systems: Constant speed propeller operation; manifold pressure vs RPM relationship; turbocharging systems; gear and flap limitations; emergency gear extension.
- Performance & Weight/Balance: Calculate takeoff and landing distances for current conditions; how weight affects performance; center of gravity effects on stall speed and stability.
- High Altitude Operations: Oxygen requirements above 12,500 ft; physiological effects of altitude; supplemental oxygen vs pressurization; time of useful consciousness.
- Commercial Regulations: Part 61 vs Part 135 operations; what constitutes holding out; when you need a second‑in‑command; drug and alcohol testing requirements.
- Advanced Weather: Thunderstorm formation and lifecycle; microbursts and windshear; mountain wave and turbulence; how weather affects commercial operations.
- Advanced Aerodynamics: Critical angle of attack; load factor in turns; Va, Vno, Vne meanings and applications; how configuration changes affect these speeds.
- Risk Management: Single pilot resource management; how to assess risk as PIC; when to say no to a flight; passenger influence on decision making.
- Regulatory Scenarios: "A photographer wants to hire you to fly aerial photos" — legal requirements; "Friend offers to split costs for trip to Vegas" — what's allowed.
- Aircraft Limitations: Operating limitations from POH; when you can exceed them; test pilot vs commercial operations; experimental aircraft restrictions.
- Maintenance Requirements: Who can perform what maintenance; preventive maintenance list; when is aircraft unairworthy; commercial operator requirements.
- Insurance & Liability: Pilot responsibilities; what insurance covers; subrogation; importance of commercial insurance for commercial operations.
Flight — Sequence & Standards
- Preflight Planning: Comprehensive weather analysis; NOTAM review; weight and balance calculations; performance planning for actual conditions.
- Complex Aircraft Operations: Proper engine start procedures; run‑up checklist; gear and flap operations; manifold pressure management during taxi.
- Takeoff Performance: Calculate actual takeoff distance; demonstrate short‑field takeoff technique; explain Vx vs Vy usage; obstacle clearance considerations.
- Steep Turns: Commercial standards: ±100 ft altitude, ±10 kts airspeed, ±10° heading; demonstrate coordination and smooth control inputs.
- Chandelles: 180° climbing turn with maximum performance; proper pitch and bank coordination; exit on specific heading with controlled stall.
- Lazy Eights: Demonstrate aircraft control through multiple changing flight attitudes; smooth coordination; precise altitude and airspeed control.
- Steep Spirals: Constant radius descending turn; wind drift correction; airspeed control in descent; recover on specific heading.
- Eights on Pylons: Ground reference maneuver; pivotal altitude calculation; smooth coordination to maintain pylon reference; wind correction.
- Power‑Off 180° Accuracy Landing: Simulate engine failure abeam touchdown point; land within 200 ft of designated spot; no power after abeam position.
- Complex Aircraft Approach: Proper gear and flap configuration; stabilized approach criteria; manifold pressure and propeller management.
- Go‑Around Procedure: Complex aircraft go‑around; power, pitch, gear, flaps sequence; maintain positive rate of climb throughout.
- Emergency Procedures: Simulated emergencies specific to complex aircraft; gear malfunction; engine failure in complex aircraft considerations.
Surprises / Curveballs
- Regulatory scenarios throughout: Kept asking "is this legal?" questions during different phases — expected detailed regulatory knowledge.
- Complex system failures: Simulated gear malfunction during approach; wanted to see emergency checklist usage and decision making.
- Performance calculations: Changed weight and conditions mid‑flight; recalculate takeoff distance for next airport with current conditions.
- Marine layer development: Weather moved in during oral; had to make real go/no‑go decision for flight portion; demonstrated ADM.
- ATC clearance modifications: Multiple routing changes; test ability to copy and comply with complex clearances quickly.
- Commercial operation scenarios: "Passenger wants to pay for gas to fly somewhere" — detailed discussion of compensation rules.
Tips for the Next Pilot
- Know Part 61.133 commercial privileges and limitations inside and out — this is his favorite topic.
- Be proficient in complex aircraft operations — gear, flaps, prop, and manifold pressure management.
- Practice commercial maneuvers to standards — he expects precision, not "close enough."
- Study regulatory scenarios — lots of "what if" questions about compensation and commercial operations.
- Understand the difference between private and commercial pilot thinking — act professionally.
- Weather decision‑making is critical — be ready to discuss go/no‑go decisions like a commercial pilot.
- Know your complex aircraft systems thoroughly — expect detailed system failure scenarios.
- Calculate performance numbers accurately — he will verify your math and challenge assumptions.