CHECK RIDE-ITIS
"I Just Want to Get Through This Checkride!"

Haven't you heard someone say this sometime when talking about flying? Remember ever saying it to yourself?

Passing a check ride is a wonderful win because it represents more than a mere test. It is a confirmation that under stressful circumstances we have blended our mind, spirit and body to achieve a level of performance that entitles us to special privileges and responsibilities.

Check rides are not easy. They are a chance to know ourselves better and a way for us to measure ourselves as pilots, to measure our skill, knowledge, discipline and spirit. Although I have passed check rides, I learned most from a check ride I failed. It was my instrument exam and I went below the minimum altitude on an NDB approach with a circle to land.

That failure was a gift to me more than a success could have ever have been. I found out that I could make an error, regain my focus and complete the tasks at hand. And to this day, I am acutely aware of minimum altitudes on all approaches, instrument or visual.

Flying is a demanding sport. To be successful and enjoy it we must keep physically fit and maintain a commitment to continual learning. This takes personal discipline. As we practice our sport, knowing when to ask for help or when not to fly may be the most important elements of this flying discipline.

There are times when we could benefit from some expert advice. We don't need to be preparing for a check ride, or recovering from a failure to call an instructor. We could ask that person to give us a mini checkride or maybe just some brush up instruction. We might want to practice stalls, or slow flight, or instrument flying. We might want to review our landing procedures. Completing a phase of the WINGS Program provides this kind of brush up while at the same time qualifying you for a flight review. Try it, you can only win. Kathleen O’Brien, SPM, LGB FSDO

Last March at a busy training airport, a Cessna 172 called the tower for taxi to Runway 14. After the controller issued instructions, he went on a break and the supervisor took over.

About two minutes later, a Cessna 152 also called for taxi to Runway 14. The 152 proceeded to Runway 14 full length, and the 172 went to a standard intersection departure point for 14.

It was a clear day and each plane had two aboard. When the Cessna 152 was cleared for take-off, it pulled onto Runway 14 full length and began its roll.

The 172 was cleared into position and hold for Runway 14. The strip for the 172 that the controller used said that the 172's departure point was also at 14, full length.

Seconds later, both planes collided on the runway. All four people aboard were killed.

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued only a preliminary report on this Sarasota, Florida tragedy. We don't know the whole story yet but I can't help but wonder if the pilots were listening to the other transmissions as they prepared to depart and where they were looking as they entered the active runway.

SoCal Aviation Safety Seminars

The Aviation Safety Programs Offered by the FAA are Free and Qualify for Wings and AMT Awards. For up to date information on the status of these seminars and to make online reservations visit www.awp.faa.gov/flightstandards

Socal Seminar Times are from 7:00 to 9:00 PM unless otherwise noted. No reservations are required unless noted by *. Never a fee. - For more information contact the Safety Program Manager listed in the FSDO area heading containing the event in question. All FAA Safety Seminars satisfy the requirements of AC-61.91H; the Pilot Proficiency Awards Program (Wings) and /or the Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards Program; AC-65-25A.

PHASE I
Kevin M. Foley
PHASE II
Quentin Laywell
PHASE IV
Anita Province

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