CFI-A Stage Check (Flight)

Today was the day I've been anticipating for a very long time. I've dreamed about it, thought about it, feared it. On one hand, the stage check is a great opportunity to prove your knowledge and skill to your peers. On the other hand, it can remove the mask that carefully hides your true inner inadequacies and reveals you as a fraud. It's all in your attitude and confidence; well, mostly. You DO still have to have the knowledge and the skill to succeed.

In the past, I've had three check rides (Part 141 schools, like FlightSafety Academy call them stage checks). The first was for my private certificate, way back in 1999. The second was for my instrument rating back in 2005. And the third was for my commercial certificate in 2008. Each was challenging and stressful - especially preparing for the oral exam. This was no different, in that regard. But by splitting the oral from the flight, I was hopeful that the flight would be like nearly all the others and go pretty much as planned.

Originally, I was scheduled to fly yesterday, but the check pilot wasn't feeling good, so she asked to delay it until today. I accepted, then took Andrew to the pool.

Everything was a go today; even the weather, surprisingly. There were some thunderstorms to the northeast and west, but nothing within 50 miles. For those not familiar with Florida summertime weather, there's normally an afternoon thunderstorm daily, starting sometime between 1:00 and 4:00.

We started by flying east over the coast. While over the ocean, I demonstrated and/or taught Straight & Level Flight, Level Turns, Turns To Headings, and Chandelles. Then we headed west and discussed a Simulated Gear Failure and Spins, and did a Power-Off Stall, a Cross-Control Stall, and a Simulated Engine Failure. Then we dropped down and did Turns Around A Point and Eights On Pylons.

Then it was back to the airport. The controller switched arrivals to Runway 4 - my first indication of impending trouble. The airport runs much more smoothly when there are two active runways rather than just one. We joined the line of arriving planes and I demonstrated a Short Field Approach. It was nice and stabilized, but I forgot to mention the 50 foot obstacle that we were simulating crossing. We taxied back and I taught the Soft Field Takeoff. I caught two mistakes that she made and pointed them out at the appropriate time. Then I did a Soft Field Landing, but the the plane settle hard onto the runway. Somehow, I have a difficult time finessing the Arrow close to the ground. Finally, we rejoined the parade for the last maneuver; the Power-Off 180 Degree Approach. Due to traffic, we were forced to do a left 360 degree turn for spacing. Once back on the downwind, I did the maneuver and landed well within the tolerances allowed. And the best part was that all three landings were right on the centerline.

During the entire pattern, I was really struggling. I think my lack of lunch and dehydration were working hard against me. It was like juggling five balls: I could easily handle four, but I was completely oblivious when someone tried to add the fifth. I started to miss radio calls. I didn't hear the check pilot talking to me. I showed some poor judgment by not leaving the pattern and regaining my composure. I was determined to finish the check ride today and deal with the consequences - pass or fail.

Taxiing back to the ramp, I continued covering the special emphasis areas as I taxied back to our parking spot. When we shut down the engine and secured the plane, I was preparing myself for the inevitable bombshell. The check pilot told me that she was very concerned with my partial mental freeze-up. She stressed how important it is for a pilot to be able to put emotions to the side and perform as required by the situation. She also stressed the responsibility that all instructors have when flying with a student.

And then she told me that I passed, but would be given a low score. I was relieved, but highly disappointed. It's never rewarding just scraping by. I'm happy I'm done with this stage of training. It is now my personal goal to work on handling stressful situations better.