CFI-A Lesson ... uhh, no number

I met my instructor for two hours today. We went through the 8710 form, which is required for each new certificate or rating sought. I had two choices. I could fill out the blank PDF file online and print it, but that made no sense to me because the data would be lost once printed. The other choice was to create a new request on the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) web site. I chose this method. I filled in all the data, but when I reached the final screen, I was unable to print out the form because it first needs to be approved by a representative from FlightSafety. Since I needed a printout of the form, I went back and changed my training from Part 141 to Part 61, which enabled the Review button, which let me print the form. Strange that you can't print with Part 141 selected. After printing, I changed it back to Part 141.

My instructor and I flipped through my logbook and verified most of the 8710 flight time numbers that I entered earlier. He continued going through the FlightSafety checklist of pre-Stage Check items while I sat and watched. The check airman was not available, so we were unable to have the numbers officially reviewed, which means I'll have to wait until Monday before the process can move forward.

After reviewing the 8710, my instructor grilled me on aerodynamics for a half hour. I thought I was prepared, but he asked some tough questions. For instance, name the four items that affect lift. Or, name the seven items that decrease stall speed. In my typical way, I was only able to name about 80% (I rarely score 100% on anything). I took lots of notes and will be adding this information to my Instructor's Toolbox, so I can grill my future students :-)

Next up is lesson 21, which is just a flight involving everything that I need to practice. It is on the write-in schedule for Tuesday. My final Stage Check could have been next week, but I'll be driving to Virginia to attend a funeral late next week.