PPL Skills Test Brief
 

Hi there,

Having failed my first attempt at my skills test I'm looking for some tips with the brief, been told to expect a bit of a grilling this time.. I'm fairly confident with my ability to pass the flying aspect but if anyone has any tips/webites to read for that then feel free to send please. Just a bit nervous for the brief and making sure I cover the main potential topics to discuss.

Been told my examiner likes a full understanding of Vref speeds. My basic understanding of them is that they are 1.3 x Vs speed (based on config) Is there any more to it? How might weight impact this is maybe a factor I need to understand more. Learning in (PA28 Warrior)

Thanks, Fraser

1st ignore gossip as to what a particular examiner likes or dislikes. Oral questioning is a simple way to ascertain that you have a reasonable working knowledge of your aeroplane and the local area. For this it is acceptable to have the aircraft pilots manual with you during the oral questioning. You should know where to find the answers within the pilots manual.

I'm baffled that the examiner that failed you has not pointed to the parts of the test you should give particular attention to during his/her debrief.

Just a guess at the examiner's rumored emphasis on V-speeds, maybe understanding that for most basic aircraft like a PA28, numbers published are usually for max gross weight,

Hi, Fraser.
I too am a bit fed up that your examiner has left you with little idea what you need to improve on for your next attempt. Can I ask, did you fail the whole test, or just one section, and if so what section was that?

I wish that people would refrain from using big aircraft terminology for light aircraft.

Vref, when applied to a PA28, is the speed you aim to cross 50 feet above the threshold, just before you close the throttle to land.

This speed will vary with the mass/config. The speed will increase with increased mass, but the speeds for MTOM are usually quoted, by the manufacturer, for full flap, flapless, and some intermediate flap setting.. The checklist your school provided should list these and other important speeds.

As the PIC, you may decide to vary the threshold speeds, depending on the conditions, but you must be aware that increasing the speed above those quoted by the manufacturer, will increase the landing distance given in the performance section of the POH/FM by an unknown amount.

Hope that helps a bit.

MJ:ok: