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The briefing is commonly divided into two parts, one outlining the ground portion of the flight test,
the other, a thorough pre-flight briefing following the ground portion. Time should be taken to clear up
any questions the candidate may have regarding the test. It is a good time to ensure that the candidate
is aware of the standards as outlined in the appropriate flight test guide.
Examiners are required to brief test candidates on the following details:
(a) The sequence of flight test items. There is no need for the candidate
to memorize this sequence, as the examiner will give instructions for each item.
(b) If in doubt - Ask! Candidates who do not clearly understand what they
are being asked to do should feel free to ask. It may be that the examiner was not clear in giving
instructions.
(c) Who is pilot-in-command? The pilot-in-command should be the flight test
candidate and, if the examiner is a Transport Canada employee, it will always be the flight test candidate.
(d) Who will do what in the event of an actual emergency? A briefing by the
candidate should detail the actions to be taken by the candidate and examiner in the event of an actual
emergency.
(e) How to transfer control. There should never be any doubt as to who is
flying the aircraft, so proper transfer of control using phrases such as “You have control” and “I have
control” is expected during a flight test. A visual check is recommended to verify that the exchange has
occurred.
(f) Ground References. Intended touchdown zones and specific touchdown
points. For the short or soft field approach and landing, the examiner will clearly specify the simulated
surface conditions, obstacles on approach, runway threshold and length of surface available to the
candidate.
(g) Method of simulating emergencies. What method will be used? Verbal?
Engine failures will only be simulated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations or, in their
absence, by closing the throttle or by reducing power to flight idle. The moving of mixture controls to idle
cut-off will only be used where specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
Note: The practice of closing fuel valves, shutting off magneto switches or pulling of circuit breakers will not be used during a flight test.
In the case of a commercial pilot - aeroplane flight test, when two (2) aeroplanes are to be used to
complete the required flight test items, the flight test items should be divided in a practicable way to
avoid, as much as possible, re-assessing items performed for the purposes of both flights. When multiple
flights occur to complete the flight test, it must be made clear to the candidate that items required to be
repeated for the purposes of the second flight may be re-assessed as “Below Standard” if their aim is not
achieved or safety is compromised.
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