IFR Practical Test Standards (PTS) Introduction

 What is the purpose of the PTS?

 Discuss the difference between the terms “shall” and “must” versus “should” and “may.”
 Which is required to be accomplished first, the ground or flight portion?
 What is an Area of Operation?
 What is a Task?
 What is the purpose of sections labeled as “NOTE?”
 Name at least four (4) sources that the PTS is based on.
 If a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) elects to begin a particular Area of Operation, how
many Tasks in that Area of Operation must they complete?
 To what degree must each Task be evaluated?
 How are simulated emergency procedures to be conducted?
 Name at least five (5) special emphasis areas that the DPE must evaluate.
 What is required of the airplane that is supplied for use in the Practical Test?
 What is required of the radio equipment that is supplied in the airplane for use in the Practical
Test?
 If using a G1000 DA-40 for the Practical Test, how does the PTS refer to its LCD screens?
 How would you except failures to be accomplished by the DPE when using a G1000 DA-40?
 Who is responsible for supplying the view-limiting device for the Practical Test and what is
required of this device?
 When using an aircraft with an autopilot, is the Applicant required to use it? If so, in what
capacity?
 What must happen if the supplied aircraft has an operable GPS and if you have received
training for that GPS?
 Can Task(s) be accomplished in a Flight Training Device (FTD) or Flight Simulator (Sim)?
 Can you accomplish all of the required Instrument Approaches in a FTD or Sim?
 What is the Flight Instructor’s responsibility concerning the PTS?
 What is the DPE’s responsibility when conducting a Practical Test?
 Should you expect, as the Applicant for this Practical Test, expect the DPE to ever stop asking
questions, especially during the flight portion of the Practical Test?
 Under what flight conditions must all Tasks be completed?
 Can a DPE ever act as a required crewmember during a Practical Test? If so, when/why?
 Explain what would happen if the DPE evaluates a Task as Incomplete.
 Give at least three (3) examples of a Satisfactory Performance.
 Can you fail the Practical Test if only one (1) Task is failed?
 Who may allow the Practical Test to continue if a Task has been failed?
 Describe the Retest procedures.
 List at least three (3) grounds for disqualification.
 What is a Letter of Discontinuance?
 What must an Applicant do with a Letter of Discontinuance?
 Define Single-Pilot Resource Management and its role in the Practical Test.
 What is the purpose of a DPE causing realistic distractions?