Originally Posted by
Chris the Robot
Did your flight instructor ever teach you about the rule in relation to the engine cowling? If not, how were you supposed to know about it prior to the test?
No, although it may have been mentioned in passing and just not stuck with me, though I certainly won't forget it now 😄. I've since spoken to the CFI who called me this afternoon. He confirmed that it was not a failure point, the rule is there to stop people losing the camlocks in the grass. If I'd have lost a camlock, and proceeded to fly the aircraft - that would have been a fail, as it would be in an unsafe condition. But breaking a club convenience rule that doesn't relate to safety isn't a fail.
In my examiners defence, though he's a very experienced pilot, he's apparently a fairly new examiner and still finding his feet regarding grading criteria.
I learned a lot, it's good to be humbled from time to time and I'll be better next time.