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Practical Test Outcomes
- Issuance of Temporary Airman Certificate
- Issuance of a Letter of Discontinuance
- Issuance of a Notice of Disapproval
Issuance of Temporary Airman Certificate
The first possibility is what we are both hoping for and, if you are properly trained, fully prepared, and conditions are suitable, is the most likely outcome.
Satisfactory performance of TASKs to meet the requirements for sport pilot certification are based on the applicant’s ability to safely:
- perform the TASKs specified in the AREAS OF OPERATION for the certificate or privileges sought within the approved standards;
- demonstrate mastery of the aircraft with the successful outcome of each TASK performed never seriously in doubt;
- demonstrate satisfactory proficiency and competency within the approved standards;
- demonstrate sound judgment in aeronautical decision making/risk management; and
- demonstrate single-pilot competence in an aircraft with a single pilot station (if applicable).
Issuance of a Letter of Discontinuance
When a practical test is discontinued for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance (i.e., equipment failure, weather, or illness) FAA Form 8710-11, and, if applicable, the Airman Knowledge Test Report, shall be returned to the applicant. The examiner at that time shall prepare, sign, and issue a Letter of Discontinuance to the applicant. The Letter of Discontinuance should identify the AREAS OF OPERATION and their associated TASKs of the practical test that were successfully completed. The applicant shall be advised that the Letter of Discontinuance shall be presented to the examiner when the practical test is resumed, and made part of the certification file.
Discontinuance of a Practical Test can be initiated by either the applicant or the Designated Pilot Examiner, but only if no activity preceding the discontinuance constituted a failure to meet Practical Test Standards (which would of course necessitate issuing of a Notice of Disapproval). Should an actual inflight emergency occur, a discontinuance of the Practical Test is automatic, the test has ended without prejudice, and both the examiner and the applicant will work together to safely manage the emergency.
A discontinuance will normally result in the applicant receiving credit for all aspects of the Practical Test which were successfully completed. The applicant may schedule a retest any time within the following 60 days, and will generally only be required to complete those Practical Test tasks not previously demonstrated successfully.
Issuance of a Notice of Disapproval
Should an applicant fail to demonstrate performance satisfying Practical Test Standards, the examiner will issue a Notice of Disapproval. Upon being informed by the examiner of unsatisfactory performance, the applicant may request, or the examiner may offer, an opportunity to continue with the remaining Practical Test tasks, for which credit may be given upon satisfactory performance of those test elements. Continuation of testing after disqualifying performance of any task will occur only if the applicant and the examiner both agree to proceed. The examiner will issue a Letter of Disapproval indicating which specific tasks were deemed unsatisfactory, and which were successfully completed.
The tolerances represent the performance expected in good flying conditions. If, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet the standards of performance of any TASK performed, the associated AREA OF OPERATION is failed and therefore, the practical test is failed.
The examiner or applicant may terminate the test at any time when the failure of an AREA OF OPERATION makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate. The test may be continued ONLY with the consent of the applicant.
If the test ends in a disapproval, the applicant is entitled credit for only those AREAS OF OPERATION and their associated TASKs satisfactorily performed. However, during the retest, and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be re-evaluated, including those previously passed.
The following are typical areas of unsatisfactory performance and grounds for disqualification:
- Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight.
- Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the area before and while performing maneuvers.
- Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the Objectives.
- Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
Retests
Upon receipt of a Notice of Disapproval, a candidate will have 60 days in which to receive remedial instruction on discrepant items, to apply via IACRA for a retest, to receive an instructor recommendation for a Practical Test, and to complete a retest with an examiner. The examiner may, at his or her discretion, ask the applicant to demonstrate performance of one or more of those tasks previously demonstrated satisfactorily.
In the event of either a Discontinuance or a Disapproval, the 60 day period for completing a retest will in no way extend the expiration dates of any prerequisite requirement (such as required endorsements, medical certificates, or knowledge test completion criteria). Should either a Discontinuance or a Disapproval occur, it is thus the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all retesting requirements are satisfied within the necessary time constraints.
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