Hayden Ellis Vardaman DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, only one report sits on file for Hayden, and it covers a commercial checkride. The ground portion started with a logbook review and IACRA. Then the examiner moved straight into commercial pilot privileges and part 119 exceptions. The applicant fielded questions on the allowed radius for aerial tours from the starting airport, and whether anything needs to be submitted to fly them.

Common carriage came up in detail. Hayden asked whether you can rent a plane and advertise services on Facebook. The examiner also probed whether you can fly someone in a plane they provide. Expect to define a 135 operation and explain how many flying contracts under part 91 for hire is too many, and who to contact for clarification.

Medical and currency topics ran wide. The applicant covered when the medical expires and the periods for exercising second class privileges. Basic med questions followed: commercial privileges under basic med, and flight instructing under basic med. Hayden asked about required pilot documents and day and night passenger currency.

Aircraft documents got real attention. The examiner asked whether an airworthiness certificate expires and how an aircraft stays airworthy. The applicant walked the maintenance binder to show AD compliance and time to the next 100 hour inspection. Expect the difference between an annual and a 100 hour, overflying a 100 hour and its concerns, and preventative maintenance items. Hayden covered INOP equipment, MEL or KOEL, the equipment list, and how to deactivate or remove INOP gear under 91.205 and 91.209. ELT removal, transponder need, and anticollision light rules all came up.

The planning section moved into a flight plan and a weather brief. The applicant defined stable and unstable air. Hayden also asked about the three stages of thunderstorms.