Practical flight tests

Objectives of the skill test:

• Confirm that the applicant is able to operate the aircraft in complete safety so that no danger exists to himself/herself, to his/her passengers or to other air traffic.

• Get an overview of the quality of flight school training by checking the results of flight tests.

• The proficiency check applies to revalidation and/or renewal of the valid ratings.

Flight examinations vary depending on the type of examination.

• Private pilot's licence.

• Commercial pilot's licence

• IFR rating

• Multi-engine rating

During the test, the applicant will be registered as the student, and the examiner shall be the pilot-in-command and is responsible for the flight.

The flight test/check consists of three parts:

• Pre-flight inspection: The way the test/check is to be conducted is reviewed and it is checked whether there are special rules according to the conditions. The theoretical knowledge is reviewed orally, but with this it is checked whether the applicant can actually use the knowledge he has acquired.

• The flight: It involves planning and controlling the aircraft. Weather information is obtained and evaluated, NOTAMs are checked, weight and balance calculations are made, take-off and landing distances are evaluated, reserves are determined, fuel consumption is estimated and an operational flight plan and ATC flight plan are drawn up.

• Post-flight check: The test/check is reviewed after it has been completed and the student's performance is discussed and the reasons given if he does not pass the test/check.

It is realistic to allow plenty of time for flight preparation and in many cases it is completed before the examiner arrives. Most flight tests involve flying from A to B and then to C, as well as certain actions that the student pilot must perform.

The examiner tries to make the flight as similar as possible to a routine flight. The tasks are within the framework stipulated in the approved training syllabus which is in accordance with the requirements in the regulation and should therefore include items in which the applicant has received training.

When the student comes to the exam, he/she has the necessary documents with him. It is expected that he has acquired the skill to be able to carry out without help and with complete safety all the things necessary to complete the flight safely.

The student shall carry out all tasks that the commander is required to do and take the initiative and make decisions in accordance with the commander's responsibility.

The student are required to tell the examiner what he is going to do and why. This can prevent misunderstandings that could possibly cause the examiner to make a wrong judgement.

The student must show that he/she is able to:

• Operate the aircraft within its limitations.

• Complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and precision.

• Exercise good judgment and airmanship.

• Apply aeronautical knowledge if applicable.

• Maintain good control of the aircraft at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.

All examiners are professional pilots with extensive experience and know well what is expected of them. They are all compatible and follow the same rules, requirements and detailed descriptions of how and in what to test.

Here you can find information regarding the nomination of examiners for practical flight tests and their priviledges for certificate endorsements

Here is a list of the examiners which have been nominated by the Icelandic Transport Authority

The practical test/check is considered passed

• If the student does not make a mistake in the test that is supposed to cause the student to fail (a mistake that does not put safety first).

• If the student has demonstrated that he/she has knowledge and skills that are useful to him.

• If the student has shown good judgment and that he/she knows how to use the resources at his/her disposal.

• If the student has demonstrated that he/she can control the aircraft in a balanced and precise manner and within the approved limits of the aircraft and in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

The practical test/check is considered not passed

• If a serious error has been made (safety not ensured).

• If there is any doubt that an operation or procedure has been carried out with sufficient safety and according to applicable laws and regulations.

• If there is any doubt on the examination outcome that the student has the necessary skills to plan and safely execute a flight with regard to the rights applied for.

If the student fails the exam, he can, if he so requests, get another examiner for the retake test/check.

• Ask if you are in doubt about the assignment.

• Answer as well as you can in your own way.

• Tell yourself that you have shown that you know what you are doing now.

• Don't dwell on what you failed to do, focus on what you are doing.

• Whatever happens, don't forget to control the aircraft.

• If you don't feel confident enough to continue, tell the examiner that you want to cancel and what you have planned to do.

• Use all the resources you have (yours, others', the aircraft's, etc.).

• Don't excuse mistakes - learn from them.