The Skill Test
Emma, Vancouv and Robbo
My fingers are crossed for you all and I wish you the best, i'm sure that you will not need luck.
Your examiner will not throw things at you randomly. A simulated engine fire will not be combined with a PFL.
The task of the examiner is to assess whether you have completed the syllabus and can apply it to a reasonable standard, that is all. He/she will only wish to see that the training given can be carried out by you. You will not be expected to be the ace of the base. A subjective assessment will only follow a genuine mistake. You will make some mistakes for we all do. The examiner will recognise that and allow it based on what else you have demonstrated during the flight.
The PFL is a particularly difficult one, also for the examiner, owing to the CAA insistance that the candidate demonstrates without doubt that the landing could take place within the chosen field. But, also equally without doubt examiners are gunning for you to pass and a correctly flown procedure flown as per the training will carry the most weight and will tip the balance should there be a little doubt as to the end result.
As with all of the flown exercises the correct technique flown exactly as your've been taught will be assessed. Things can only get better. However, a sloppy or seat of the pants ad hoc technique flown will give doubt, even if the end result is somehow achieved. If the candidate cannot or will not fly the taught techniques then what is there to assess. Mistakes will then only give cause for further doubt as to whether the candidate is ready.
Remember, the test is a series of flown exercises and boxes are ticked. You have proven your abilities by getting to this point. Think about it. You will have at least 10 hours solo. Have flown a cross country of a least 150nm and landed away several times. You can do it!
The Skill Test goes no further than that, I promise you! Every candidate that comes to me has passed before we begin. I then pray they don't fail. Very few do fail but when they do it is always because they have thrown their training out of the window owing to indicision and ad lib'd, which never works.