AMC1 FCL.235 Skill test

ED Decision 2011/016/R

CONTENTS OF THE SKILL TEST FOR THE ISSUE OF A PPL(A)

(a) The route to be flown for the navigation test should be chosen by the FE. The route may end at the aerodrome of departure or at another aerodrome. The applicant should be responsible for the flight planning and should ensure that all equipment and documentation for the execution of the flight are on board. The navigation section of the test should have a duration that allows the pilot to demonstrate his/her ability to complete a route with at least three identified waypoints and may, as agreed between the applicant and FE, be flown as a separate test.

(b) An applicant should indicate to the FE the checks and duties carried out, including the identification of radio facilities. Checks should be completed in accordance with the authorised checklist for the aeroplane on which the test is being taken. During pre-flight preparation for the test the applicant should be required to determine power settings and speeds. Performance data for take-off, approach and landing should be calculated by the applicant in compliance with the operations manual or flight manual for the aeroplane used.

FLIGHT TEST TOLERANCE

(c) The applicant should demonstrate the ability to:

(1) operate the aeroplane within its limitations;

(2) complete all manoeuvres with smoothness and accuracy;

(3) exercise good judgment and airmanship;

(4) apply aeronautical knowledge;

(5) maintain control of the aeroplane at all times in such a manner that the successful outcome of a procedure or manoeuvre is never seriously in doubt.

(d) The following limits are for general guidance. The FE should make allowance for turbulent conditions and the handling qualities and performance of the aeroplane used:

(1) height:

(i) normal flight ± 150 ft

(ii) with simulated engine failure ± 200 ft (if ME aeroplane is used)

(2) heading or tracking of radio aids:

(i) normal flight ± 10°

(ii) with simulated engine failure ± 15° (if ME aeroplane is used)

(3) speed:

(i) take-off and approach +15/–5 knots

(ii) all other flight regimes ± 15 knots

CONTENT OF THE SKILL TEST

(e) The skill test contents and sections set out in this AMC should be used for the skill test for the issue of a PPL(A) on SE and ME aeroplanes or on TMGs.

SECTION 1 PRE-FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND DEPARTURE
Use of checklist, airmanship, control of aeroplane by external visual reference, anti/de-icing procedures, etc. apply in all sections.
a	Pre-flight documentation, NOTAM and weather briefing
b	Mass and balance and performance calculation
c	Aeroplane inspection and servicing
d	Engine starting and after starting procedures
e	Taxiing and aerodrome procedures, pre-take-off procedures
f	Take-off and after take-off checks
g	Aerodrome departure procedures
h	ATC compliance and R/T procedures
SECTION 2 GENERAL AIRWORK
a	ATC compliance and R/T procedures
b	Straight and level flight, with speed changes
c	Climbing: i. best rate of climb; ii. climbing turns; iii. levelling off.
d	Medium (30 ° bank) turns
e	Steep (45 ° bank) turns (including recognition and recovery from a spiral dive)
f	Flight at critically low air speed with and without flaps
g	Stalling: i. clean stall and recover with power; ii. approach to stall descending turn with bank angle 20°, approach configuration; iii. approach to stall in landing configuration.
h	Descending: i. with and without power; ii. descending turns (steep gliding turns); iii. levelling off.
SECTION 3 EN-ROUTE PROCEDURES
a	Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
b	Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
c	Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs and log keeping
d	Diversion to alternate aerodrome (planning and implementation)
e	Use of radio navigation aids
f	Basic instrument flying check (180° turn in simulated IMC)
g	Flight management (checks, fuel systems and carburettor icing, etc.)
h	ATC compliance and R/T procedures
SECTION 4 APPROACH AND LANDING PROCEDURES
a	Aerodrome arrival procedures
b	* Precision landing (short field landing), crosswind, if suitable conditions available
c	* Flapless landing
d	* Approach to landing with idle power (SE only)
e	Touch and go
f	Go-around from low height
g	ATC compliance and R/T procedures
h	Actions after flight
SECTION 5 ABNORMAL AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
This section may be combined with sections 1 through 4
a	Simulated engine failure after take-off (SE only)
b	* Simulated forced landing (SE only)
c	Simulated precautionary landing (SE only)
d	Simulated emergencies
e	Oral questions
SECTION 6 SIMULATED ASYMMETRIC FLIGHT AND RELEVANT CLASS OR TYPE ITEMS
This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5
a	Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe altitude unless carried out in an FFS)
b	Asymmetric approach and go-around
c	Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
d	Engine shutdown and restart
e	ATC compliance, R/T procedures or airmanship
f	As determined by the FE: any relevant items of the class or type rating skill test to include, if applicable: i. aeroplane systems including handling of auto pilot; ii. operation of pressurisation system; iii. use of de-icing and anti-icing system.
g	Oral questions

* These items may be combined, at the discretion of the FE.