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Minstrel. · Guest

Hi all.

Ive completed my BAK exam and passed with 75%. I didnt find it too hard.
I also did the pre flight test with my instructor and he said I should be
fine. Have completed all my solos.

Just wondering how long the "test" goes for, what it involves (in air and on
ground) and if there is anything specific I need to know. I have covered all
my lessons (turns, stalls, landings etc) and the various setups required for
each. I think my flying is quite proficient although im not 100% on all my
knowledge - will the CASA officer be accomodating of me given Im a student
or will he fail me when I cant describe the different between static and
dynamic pressure for example?

And finally, what can I expect to pay for the whole experience?

Thanks for replies.

Dogbone · Guest

Expect to log up to 1.5 hours for the GFPT. The pre-test flight should
have been pretty close to the real thing in terms of what's required. A
couple of stalls in different configs, a couple of steep turns, a
practice forced landing, a bit of IF and then home for some circuits
(eg. glide approach, short field landing, landings with a decent
crosswind if available).

From memory, there wasn't a huge amount of theory covered on test day,
just elementary stuff from BAK.

My examiner summed it up like this:

Get me out of the zone and back in again without pissing anyone off,
stay within the tolerances, give me 'safe' landings, don't do anything
stupid and show me you can manage me not as an instructor, but as a
first-time passenger. Do this and you pass. If I have to take over,
you fail.

That was the gist of it as I remember.

All the best and make sure you celebrate the milestone.

Minstrel. wrote:

Richard Dale · Guest

After your BAK exam you'll be given a "Knowledge Deficiency Report" which
outlines the areas you got wrong in the BAK. The examiner is likely to ask
a question about one or two of these things. He's also likely to ask you
what you can and can't do with a GFPT and a PPL (ie passengers, day vfr, 10
miles from aerodrome, refuelling with passengers, etc etc.).

The test is basically everything you've learned - you will do stalls
(remember to do a sweeping turn to check for other traffic in the area and
have enough altitude), steep turns, recovery from abnormal attitudes, and a
practised forced landing then you'll go back in and do some circuits
(normal, flapless, glide).

Just remember all of your procedures and checks (for PFL, pre-landing etc.)
and you'll be fine. Try and run through the above sequence in your head
several dozen times so it all comes naturally to you on the day.

Think of the testing officer as a highly qualified instructor. However, all
he'll do is ask you do to things - you will be the pilot in command. Don't
expect him to give you any tips along the way. eg. He'll say let's go
flying to the training area - you need to be prepared to escort him to the
aeroplane, show him how to get in, usual seatbelt/smoking/hands off
controls/barf bag/emergency exits passenger drill, make all the radio calls
etc. Treat him as if he's your first passenger.

That being said, unless you clearly screw up something on the flying test
(eg it takes you 800 feet to recover from a stall) it's all part of the
learning experience.

As far as cost goes, it's basically a bit more than the dual rate plus a
testing fee (say $100) for say 1.5 - 1.8 hours.

Hope that helps.
--
Cheers,
Richard.
Private Pilot
VH-IGI VH-IFL Grumman Tigers
Perth, Western Australia
www.flightclub.com.au

Paul Repacholi · Guest

"Minstrel." <me (AT) home (DOT) com> writes:

Mozart · Guest

Minstrel.

A good idea to read up on the elements or units of competency:
http://www.casa.gov.au/manuals/regulate/fcl_del/form1023.pdf
(PDF Doc - 6k)

Thoroughly read the flight test proforma:
http://www.casa.gov.au/manuals/regulate/fcl/form640.pdf
(PDF Doc - 10K)

If you need to review the syllabus, it can be downloaded here:
http://www.casa.gov.au/avreg/fcl_lic/vfrday.htm#plane

The test proforma is probably the most important reference. It states what
you MUST know on the ground and the requirements once you're in the air.
Their are only 6 categories but their very broad so what your ATO asks is
generally up to his discretion. I would suggest you read up thoroughly on
the privileges and limitations of your licence [ Refer:
http://www.scaleplus.law.gov.au/html/pastereg/0/51/top.htm S5.64 ] and the
relevant CAOs [ Refer: http://www.casa.gov.au/avreg/rules/orders/ s.40 ].
Keep in mind there can be literally hundreds of difference areas that the
ATO may choose to question you on including, but definitely not limited to,
light signals, refuelling requirements, radio failures, basic weather, carby
heat, requirements of a pax brief etc.

It is also a certainty that you will be required to complete a Density
Height calculation and prepare a Tkof & Landing chart. There's no excuse for
not knowing them. You will also be expected to prepare a weight and balance
calculation - regardless of aircraft.

It is also imperative that you know your aircraft and its systems as best
you can.

Minstrel. You're in command. Don't rely on the ATO for anything. All he
wants to see is ongoing consistency and safe handling of the aircraft. Don't
worry about screwing up from time to time - we all do under pressure. It's
best to identify with your errors though and explain what happened, why is
happened, what you did to fix it and why it will never (!) happen again. If
you let it go unnoticed it may suggest that you didn't identify with the
issue in the first place. If you have questions or need clarification on an
issue, ask questions over and over until you are certain of what the ATO
wants. He knows that you have reached the required standard but just wants
to see it for himself.

Last. If you can't describe the difference between static and dynamic
pressure I suggest you read up on it now. Having said that, the GFPT is
largely orientated around practicality, operation and airmanship with only
required and applied knowledge.There isn't too much theory that needs to be
learnt but certainly if you have issues with anything on the test form I
would be more than happy to help.

Good luck!

General references:

Aeronautical Information Publication
http://tinyurl.com/355ga

Intoxicated persons& Drugs:
http://www.scaleplus.law.gov.au/html/pastereg/0/51/1/PR006540.htm

"Minstrel." wrote: