Indeed, especially when you can't look at the map yourself, as it would cue the candidate that something is wrong. Had such a case today... Partial pass. But that is JAA, not NZ.
Good examining is good examining in all parts of the world, with subtle variations in phraseology and assessment tasks. It is possible to assess a candidate's awareness of airspace without setting traps, but only ever in an amicable atmosphere and of course as per the national flight test guide as said above.
Two examples: If there was no possible way for the candidate to climb to the suggested height legally, it would be setting a trap. If the candidate could have climbed legally by heading in that direction but not this direction, that would be fair assessment of SA in NZ but not the JAA system. The presence of the words "when you're ready..." or "in your own time..." would increase fairness too.
An example I use of a completely unfair test in anyone's world is this: candidate is underneath CTA. Examiner firmly instructs candidate to climb to LL of CTA. (Legal in most ICAO states, UK is different.) Later on during S&L flight, candidate wanders up 100' which is the flight test tolerance. Candidate corrects, but examiner says sorry, you've failed for busting airspace. Candidate has reason to complain.
Last edited by Oktas8; 9th July 2010 at 10:59.