Being prepared shows respect to the examiner

Many many years ago we had a 20-something candidate who showed up to his CFI checkride wearing a Homer Simpson "D'oh!" t-shirt. It wasn't the reason why he 'pink-slipped', but probably didn't impress the Inspector.

Flash forward to late 2016 when Alex Franke earned his private glider license and the FAA Inspector was very impressed with his knowledge base and preparedness.

In part, Alex was successful because he started his checklists early on during his preparation. He then tested them multiple times to refine them. At home on your computer you might think your pre-flight checklist is perfect, but then when using it you figure out the order could be improved. Through trial and error, the final version is a clean, perfectly working laminated checklist.

Make sure everything you bring is current: FAR, sectionals, and Glider Flying Handbook. Have weather forecasts ready. Some applicants bring in weather prepared on an Ipad, printed, or use the computer in the classroom. Have a W&B ready to fill in with the examiners weight if it is not already completed. Be comfortable with the sailplanes logbook and confirm that the Annual and AD's are current.

Coming prepared also shows the examiner respect for their time. They appreciate it. When you show up prepared they are generally in a better mood because you make a good impression and reduce their stress. Few examiners actually want to fail someone.

We recently had a student who claimed he missed the written test "by 1." Technically he missed 1 more than you can get wrong and still pass, but no.. getting a 68% isn't missing by 1, it's missing by 19. Having a high score on the written test shows the examiner that you took the time to study. If you put the bare minimums into the written what is to say you didn't put the same effort into the practical test.

 Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.