New PTS Standards-Review

blurceo

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I had my IR check ride yesterday and the oral part was under the new PTS. Which I have been training and studying for the old under the impression I would be tested on it. Well my CFI was wrong on that and I got to do the new PTS. In general it’s what everyone said it was going to be. More scenario based questions instead of the just questions about anything. For instance, “If you are in IMC and have electrical failure, what are you going to lose and what is the backup for that equipment if any.” All the questions were worded that way, instead of during my PPL was what is this? What is that? It also the FAA has given the DPE’s a book with sets of questions to cover for each area that was required. I think that might make things more uniform across the board for all DPE’s.
I think this will help people out a lot and if people who hate test, like myself. Because it just feels like you are having a talk with another pilot and not getting hammered with questions. Has anyone else been tested under the new PTS?
 
Interesting.

That sounds a great deal like what my orals (both Private and Instrument, same DPE) were like, 14 and 13 years ago. Maybe he was just ahead of his time, but while he covered a great deal of territory over a fairly lengthy time, it still felt like a (very detailed) conversation about flying. Honestly, once the initial fear about screwing-up was over, it was pretty fun.

If I am understanding the intent of the PTS, I suspect they'll be a better gauge of readiness, anyway.
 
PS: Congratulations on your IR!
 
Practical Test Standards standards? ;)

I never felt hammered on the orals of any my checkrides, but the scenarios do sound like a good idea.
 
Sorry to hear about your bust. Better luck next week!

With that, the new ACS is supposed to be more uniform across the board and to allow for more scenario testing rather than point target questions. I had been used to scenarios from the Army and the local DPE here has always used them so with a few minor exceptions my friends have experienced no change.
 
keep in mind that examiners have been doing scenario-based testing (and instructors doing scenario-based training) since before "scenario-based" was a buzz word. Sounds like you simply got an examiner who has decided to put some effort into it.
 
The new stuff for the orals sounds a lot like my previous orals over the years from long time DPEs. Scenarios.

The new written question pools are looking to be a little kooky so far. We'll see if they dump some of the new questions over time. Trying to mix scenarios into multiple choice tests is bound to be awkward.

Good luck on your re-ride.

Just think. You're punishment is that you have to go fly some more. Awful ain't it? Heh.
 
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