Consider a two pilot operation instrument rating test conducted by a CAA flight ops inspector. Boeing/Airbus types included. Most operators lay down via the company operations manual, company outside of tolerance calls to be made by the PNF and is a form of prompting to the PF to smarten up and fly more accurately. Calls such as "Speed, Altitude, Sink Rate, Tracking etc come to mind.
During an instrument rating test specifically, the question arises whether these calls should be considered as subtle prompting or hinting by the PNF and not normally permitted in a regulatory skills test of this nature.
The instrument rating tolerances mandated in the relevant national CAA manuals are there for one purpose - and that is to give the candidate a reasonable and safe latitude during prescribed manoeuvres. If the candidate exceeds those tolerances by a sustained amount, he may fail the test.
In a single pilot IFR instrument rating test, the testing officer will not normally be permitted to prompt or even hint, if the candidate goes outside laid down parameters. Yet in a two pilot operation this seems to be permitted under the guise of good CRM and adherence to company (not CAA manual ) procedures.
It could be argued there appears to be one rule for a two pilot operation and another for a single pilot operation. Should prompting by a PNF in an aircraft certificated to be crewed by two pilots, be acceptable during an instrument rating test? Explain your reasoning
