The Private Pilot Skill Test

You have your Flight Medical, passed your Ground Exams and spent many hours (and money) in the aircraft practising your flying skills. There is just one hurdle left - the Skill Test. It is the culmination of all your hard work. At the successful conclusion of it you will have gained your Private Pilot's Licence and the privileges that accompany it. You will be able hire an aircraft and with certain restrictions, the freedom of the air is yours. But you must pass the Test first. If your training and preparation has been thorough, it should not pose too many difficulties. But it is still an unknown area for the student pilot. What can he or she expect? Is there a particular order to the series of tests? What are the individual responsibilities of the student pilot and examiner during each stage of the Test? Is there an oral test as well as practical exercises? And what sorts of flight exercises are likely to be examined? An important part of preparation is having a better understanding of what it is all about. This concise guide aims to answer these questions. No one Skill Test will be exactly the same but there are specific areas which will be examined and knowing what to expect is a positive advantage. In addition, there are short descriptions of some of the more likely flight exercises you will be examined on. Look on them as a last minute revision - what to do, correct procedures and good, safe airmanship. Being a pilot is a privilege, enjoy every flight and Good Luck.