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The examiner uses oral questions to measure and evaluate the extent of aeronautical knowledge and to
determine that the candidate meets the standard of knowledge required for the licence being sought.
This is a most important part of the flight test and it is the portion of flight testing that results
in the greatest variance in standardization. For this reason it is essential that questions be prepared
beforehand to ensure that they are worded correctly and that they are relevant and valid.
It is recommended that the examiner have a bank of questions prepared for all the required items or areas
of the oral portion of the test. It is not intended that all of the questions prepared be asked but the
additional questions will be available, if required. Moreover, a bank of questions will allow the examiner to
vary the oral portion of the test somewhat, from candidate to candidate.
The prepared questions should be of a practical operational nature, based upon the aircraft and the trip
assigned for the flight test. Theoretical type questions are not recommended on the flight test as this area
is covered by the written examinations.
In preparing questions, it is recommended that you first write down the correct answer and then write a
question that will elicit only that answer.
Questions should be carefully worded and not ambiguous. Good questions are easily understood and composed
of common words. They should measure knowledge, not the use of language. Big words and high sounding
phraseology may allow the examiner to display command of language and vocabulary but only detract attention
from the test. If candidates cannot understand the meaning of the words, they will not be able to answer the
question. Examiners should keep the vocabulary within the grasp of candidates.
To make sure that the candidate understands the question, familiar terms and words should be used. The
situation and conditions must be clear, to give the candidate the chance to answer correctly.
A question should centre on one idea only. The examiner can guide the candidate through a complex procedure
by asking “what”, “why”, “where”, “when” and “how” questions after the basic question has been asked. Example
of a basic question: What is meant by the term VFR in aviation? Answer: Visual Flight Rules. Next question
might be: Is the weather VFR for today’s flight? NOTE: this requires a Yes/No answer, but you could
follow up with -- How do you know? Etc.
Keep questions as practical as possible. A flight test is an operational exercise where the candidate
demonstrates knowledge and skill by going through an actual flight.
Questions should get the candidate thinking. Asking a question that requires a YES/NO answer doesn’t really
tell the examiner much about the candidate’s level of understanding.
It is more effective to guide the candidate’s thoughts toward the area to be questioned and then ask the
question. In this way the candidate can visualize the situation and then think about the answer to the specific
question. Knowing that something happens is not as important as understanding WHY it happens.
Tricky or irrelevant questions should be avoided. Questions should be challenging for the candidate but
all the necessary background to come to the answer must be provided.
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