NPPL General Skills Test

[jollyjoe321]

Hey all,

I've got both my General Skills and Nav test coming up this week, and just had a couple of questions. :)

I have spoken with my instructor too, but your guys opinions/thoughts would be great!

Basically, what will the format of each test be like? Will I be expected to perform performance calculations, weight and balance etc, and give my examiner a passenger briefing?

Interested to hear your thoughts!

J

[Crash one]

Your examiner basically wants to be reassured that his daughter will be safe sitting where he is. Fly the aircraft. Navigation bit will be pretty much over familiar terrain. Mine was 8yrs ago so don't know if you are expected to do big sums in front of him. Passenger brief yes.Have fun, good luck. Very unlikely that anyone fails completely, your instructor will have made sure of that.

[Whopity]

Basically, what will the format of each test be like?Have you tried looking at the syllabus (http://www.nationalprivatepilotslicence.co.uk/PDFs/Syllabus/NPPL%20Syllabus.pdf) for test content?

As Examiners have never been given any instructions or guidance regarding the conduct of NPPL tests, its worth looking at Standards Doc 19A (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/srg_lts_Stds%2019_V7_Sept12.pdf) Notes for the Guidance of Applicants taking the LAPL and PPL Skill Test (Aeroplanes) as this is what Examiners are used to working to.

[xrayalpha]

Syllabus says:

Flight test tolerances:

The applicant shall demonstrate the ability to:
-operate the aeroplane within its limitations;
-complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;
-exercise good judgement and airmanship;
-apply aeronautical knowledge; and
-maintain control of the aeroplane at all times in such a manner that the successful
outcome of the procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.
The following limits are for general guidance. The examiner will make allowances for
turbulent conditions and for the handling qualities and performance of the aeroplane
used.
Height ± 150ft. Heading ± 10°. Speed ± 15kts
47
AOPA NPPL (SSEA) SYLLABUS V.4 8 July, 2011

It also gives details on each area to be examined: ie:

g Stalling:
i Clean stall and recovery with power
ii Approach to stall descending turn with bank angle 20°,
approach configuration
iii Approach to stall in landing configuration

h Descending
i With and without power
ii Descending turns (steep gliding turns)
iii Levelling off

etc.

So, tells you the standards to be achieved.

Tells you the item to be tested.

But doesn't tell you the "conduct". Well, I am sure if one is capable of being an examiner, then one can construct a flight plan that will cover the above.

And we all know to conduct the test in a professional manner and not tell the candidate they are a stupid so-and-so! (or do we really need a checklist for professionalism too?)

Microlight examiners do it the NPPL way, and are there a greater number of more dangerous pilots out there as a result?

Or do we even need to spoon feed examiners over "conduct" in all its meanings. Gawd 'elp us!

[wacits]

Not sure about the inference to microlight pilots and or microlight examiners.:(

[PPLvirgin]

Hi,

I did my PPL from Nethers(EGNF) in March. Basically read the syllabus and be comfortable that you can do all.

the instructor can ask you do complete weight and balance or likely will ask you some questions so they are comfortable your understanding is good in that area, but i never got any questions on this.

My test came in 2 parts, General Handling(stalls, turns, ensuring your capable of regular FREDA's and Hasell checks etc... and then part 2 is navigation.
I assume this will be the same in NPPL.

Be clear and confident when communicating and always try to be a step ahead and understand exactly what they want to see from you.

Most importantly be SAFE. On mine my weakness was VOR, just not enough training on it, but fortunately it wasnt in my practical(phew)

regards

Tris

[jollyjoe321]

Thanks for the responses all!

I took my two tests yesterday, and passed them both!! Now to sort out the paperwork... :mad:

Whoo!

[xrayalpha]

Congratulations!


ps Wacits: reference to microlights is: there is obviously less paperwork and fewer procedures for microlight (and SSEA) NPPL GST examiners than there is for EASA SEP. If the quality of the pilots and the safety of the flying in EASA SEP is the same for NPPL (Micro) and (SSEA), then there must be too much paperwork/procedures for EASA SEP. Therefore we should relax the EASA SEP stuff to NPPL level, rather than enhance NPPL SSEA to EASA SEP.

[BEagle]

jollyjoe321, when did you fly the Q X-C?

The NPPL (SSEA) syllabus clearly states:

Navigation Skill Test
Applicants for the NPPL will be required to take and pass a Navigation Skill Test with an examiner prior to undertaking the qualifying solo cross-country flight. (See page 44 of this syllabus)

General Skill Test
Applicants for the NPPL will also have to demonstrate their ability to perform procedures and manoeuvres in an aeroplane for an examiner to assess their competency to hold an NPPL.

Time limits for reference purposes for the validity periods of examinations for applicants for the National Private Pilot Licence (SSEA):

All the theoretical knowledge examinations must be passed within a period of 18 months counted from the end of the month when the applicant first attempted an examination, and this pass will remain valid for licence issue for a period of 24 months from the date of successful completion of the examinations. All theoretical knowledge examinations must have been completed before taking the General Skill Test.

The General Skill Test must be undertaken within 6 months of completing the flying training, and all sections of the test must be completed within a period of 6 months.

This means that you must fly the NST before the QX-C and you must have completed all training requirements before attempting the GST.

[jollyjoe321]

That would be correct BEagle, however...

I am a holder of a BGA Glider Pilots Licence. This waivers the requirement to complete a qualifying cross country flight, and lowered the minimum hours to complete the NPPL down to 10 hours.

But I'm aware this wasn't stated in my main post, so I'll forgive you this time!

Cheers,

J

[BEagle]

Thanks for the clarification - I'm glad you were able to take advantage of the cross-credits we put in place for the NPPL.

But it's not unknown for RFs and Examiners to have neither the faintest idea nor interest in the NPPL, so I was wondering what you'd been told....

Anyway, congratulations!

[jollyjoe321]

Hah, yes, the cross-credit system has certainly made this far more manageable!

Thank you! Now the fun begins sending off the paperwork, and getting around to converting to an LAPL(A)... ;)

Keep the shiny side up!

J