Definitions

Skill Test - The demonstration of skill for licence or rating issue, including such examination as the examiner may require.

Proficiency Check - The demonstration of skill to re-validate or renew ratings and including such oral examination as the examiner may require.

Re-validation - The action taken within the period of validity of a rating or approval that allows the holder to continue to exercise the privileges of a rating or approval for a further specified period.

Renewal - The action taken after a rating or approval has lapsed that renews the privileges of the rating or approval for a further specified period. The normal renewal requirement is to meet the re-validation requirements for the lapsed rating. Where the rating has lapsed by more than 5 years the CAA may impose a training requirement in addition to the flight test. The examiner can issue a new rating certificate.

Single-Pilot Aeroplane (SPA) - Aeroplanes certified for operation by one pilot.

Multi-Pilot Aeroplane (MPA) - Aeroplanes certified for operation with a minimum crew of at least 2 pilots.

Rating - An entry in a licence stating special conditions, privileges or limitations pertaining to that licence.

PPL (A) Skill Test (For initial issue of a PPL) Conducted by a Flight Examiner (FE).CAA Form FCL 684 (Application and Report Form for the PPL Aeroplane Skill Test) shall be used to record the result of the test for the initial issue of a JAA PPL (A). On completion of a successful test the examiner will complete the FCL 684 and pass it to the candidate to forward to CAA PLD.
If 2 or more sections are failed then the test is failed. A notification of failure will be issued to the candidate along with a recommendation of further training. The candidate may or may not complete this training prior to a further test.A partial pass will be given if one section is failed on the test. The candidate will be required to pass the failed section and sections 1 and 4 in the second attempt. Failure of any of these sections in the second attempt will result in a failed test. A failed second attempt at the test will result in the candidate having to complete mandatory training as advised by the examiner. Logbook evidence of having completed the mandatory training duly certified by the CFI will be required prior to another attempt at all the sections of the test.The test may be flown as 2 separate flights but both flights must be conducted by the same examiner.All ground training, synthetic flight training (if applicable) and flight training must be completed before taking the skill test.

Section 1 Departure

Pre-flight including documentation, weather, mass and balance, performance calculations

Pre-start external/internal checks

Starting engine(s)

Taxying

Power and Take-off checks

After take-off checks

Aerodrome departure procedures

ATC, radio procedures

Section 2 Airwork

Straight and level
Slow flight
Climbing (best rate/angle)
Medium turns (30º AOB)
Recognition and recovery from spiral dive
Steep turns (360º at 45º AOB)
Full clean stall and recovery
Approach to the stall with 10º-30º AOB approach configuration/power
Approach to the stall in landing configuration
Descending (power on/power off)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 3 En-Route Procedures

Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading

Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed

Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs, log keeping

Diversion to alternate aerodrome, planning and implementation

Use of radio navigation aids position fix and tracking

Basic instrument flying (180º turn in simulated IMC)

Flight management (flight log, routine checks,carb icing, etc)

ATC, radio procedures

Section 4 Approach and Landing Procedures

Aerodrome arrival procedures

Precision (short field), crosswind (if suitable conditions exist) and flapless landing

Touch and go

Go-around from low height

ATC, radio procedures

Action after flight including documentation

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Operation

Simulated EFATO (SE only)

Simulated forced landing (SE only)

Simulated precautionary landing (SE only)

Simulated emergencies

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (if applicable) and Relevant Class/Type Rating Items

This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5

Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe height)

Asymmetric approach and go-around

Asymmetric approach and full-stop landing

Engine shutdown and restart

Any relevant items of class/type including: handling of the autopilot, pressurisation system, de-icing, etc

Oral questions

ATC, radio procedures

References:

LASORS
UK CAA Standards Documents 19 and 20 (www.caa.co.uk)

CPL (A) Skill Test (For initial issue of a CPL) Conducted by a Flight Examiner (FE)CAA Form FCL 172 (Application and Report Form for the CPL Aeroplane Skill Test) shall be used to record the result of the test for the initial issue of a JAA CPL (A).On completion of a successful test the examiner will complete the FCL 172 and pass it to the candidate to forward to CAA PLD.
If 2 or more sections are failed then the test is failed. A notification of failure will be issued to the candidate along with a recommendation of further training. The candidate may or may not complete this training prior to a further test.A partial pass will be given if one section is failed on the test. The candidate will be required to pass the failed section and sections 1 in the second attempt. Failure of any of these sections in the second attempt will result in a failed test.A failed second attempt at the test will result in the candidate having to complete mandatory training as advised by the examiner. Logbook evidence of having completed the mandatory training duly certified by the CFI and a new 170A will be required prior to another attempt at all the sections of the test.All ground training, synthetic flight training (if applicable) and flight training must be completed before taking the skill test. In addition a F170A must be completed for each test series and is only valid for 6 months from date of signature.

Section 1 Departure

Pre-flight

Aeroplane inspection and servicing

Taxying and take-off

Performance considerations

Aerodrome and traffic pattern operations

Departure procedure, altimeter setting, collision avoidance

ATC Liaison - compliance radio procedures, airmanship

Section 2 Airwork

Control of the aeroplane by external visual reference

Flight at critically low airspeed including recognition of, and recovery from, incipient and full stalls

Turns, including turns in landing configuration

Flight at critically high airspeed including recognition of, and recovery from, spiral dives

Flight by reference solely to instruments including:

(i) Level flight, cruise configuration, control of heading, altitude and airspeed

(ii) Climbing and descending turns with 10°-30° bank

(iii) Recoveries from unusual attitudes, limited panel instruments, turns

ATC liaison-compliance, radio procedures. Airmanship

Section 3 En-Route Procedures

Control of aeroplane by external visual reference including cruise configuration and consideration of range/endurance

Orientation, map reading

Altitude, speed, heading control, lookout

Altimeter setting, ATC liaison - compliance, radio procedures, airmanship

Monitoring of flight progress, flight log, fuel usage, assessment of track error and re-establishment of correct tracking

Observations of weather conditions, assessment of trends, diversion planning

Tracking and positioning (NDB or VOR) identification of facilities (simulated instrument flight), implementation of diversion plan

Section 4 Approach and Landing

Arrival procedures, altimeter setting, checks, lookout
ATC liaison and compliance, radio procedure, Airmanship
Go-around action from low height
Normal landing, crosswind (if suitable conditions) standard for all types of approach and landing
Short field landing
Approach and landing with idle power (not required if flight test is conducted in a multi-engine aeroplane
Landing without use of flaps
Post flight actions

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures

Simulated engine failure after takeoff (at a safe altitude), fire drill
Equipment malfunctions including alternative landing gear extension, electrical failure and brake system failure
Simulated forced landing (SE only)
ATC liaison - compliance, radio procedures, airmanship

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (if applicable)

This section may be combined with sections 1 through 5
Simulated engine failure during take off and approach (at a safe altitude unless carried out in a flight simulator or FNPT II)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing
Engine shutdown and restart (if applicable)
ATC liaison - compliance, radio procedures, airmanship
As determined by the FE - any relevant items of the class/type rating skill test to include, if applicable:
i. Aeroplane systems including handling of autopilot
ii. Operation of pressurisation system
iii. Use of de-icing and anti icing system
Oral questions

References:

LASORS
UK CAA Standards Documents 3 (www.caa.co.uk)

Skill Test (To add a new rating to an existing licence) Conducted by a Flight Examiner (FE) or Class Rating Examiner (CRE) who must hold IR re-validation privileges if an IR is to be re-validated at the same time.CAA Form (Additional Aeroplane Type/Class Rating – Single/Multi Pilot and Revalidation/Renewal of UK/JAA Type/Class and or Instrument Rating (Aeroplane ) - Application) shall be used to record both the training and skill test items. An IR re-validation, if required, may be flown as part of this test but can be flown separately.On completion of a successful check the examiner will complete the form and pass it to the candidate to forward to CAA PLD.
If 2 or more sections are failed the test is failed and the examiner will issue a notification of failure. The candidate cannot exercise the privileges of the relevant rating(s) until a further Skill Test is passed.A partial pass will be given if one section is failed on the test. The candidate will be required to pass the failed section in the second attempt. Failure of any of this section in the second attempt will result in a failed test.A failed second attempt at the test will result in the candidate having to complete mandatory retraining as advised by the examiner. Logbook evidence of having completed the mandatory retraining duly certified by the CFI will be required prior to another attempt at all the sections of the test.All ground training, synthetic flight training (if applicable) and flight training must be completed before taking the skill test.

Section 1 Departure

Pre-flight including documentation, weather, mass & balance
Pre-start external/internal checks
Starting engine(s) normal and malfunctions
Taxying
Power and Take-off checks
Climbing (best angle/rate)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 2 Airwork

Straight and level
Slow flight
Steep turns (360º at 45º AOB)
Full clean stall and recovery
Approach to the stall with 10º-30º AOB approach configuration/power
Handling using autopilot/flight director (may be conducted in section 3)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 3 Instrument Rating Re-Validation (if applicable)
(To be flown in actual or simulated IMC)

Departure IFR
En-route IFR
Holding procedure
ILS to DH/A of 200 ft or to the minima (autopilot may be used to glideslope intercept)
Non precision approach to MDH/A and to the MAP
Exercises, rate 1 turns and unusual attitudes flown with simulated failure of compass & attitude indicator
Asymmetric approach and go-around (ME only)
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing (ME only)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 4 Arrivals and Landing Procedures

Aerodrome arrival procedures
Normal and flapless landing
Go-around from minimum height
ATC, radio procedures

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures

Simulated EFATO (SE only)
Simulated forced landing (SE only)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (if applicable)

Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe height)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full-stop landing
ATC, radio procedures

Oral

Theoretical knowledge of type/class (SE only)

References:

LASORS
UK CAA Standards Documents 14 and 17 (www.caa.co.uk)

Proficiency Check (To re-validate or renew an existing rating on a licence) Conducted by a Flight Examiner (FE) or Class Rating Examiner (CRE) who must hold IR re-validation privileges if the IR is to be re-validated.CAA Form (Additional Aeroplane Type/Class Rating – Single/Multi Pilot and Revalidation/Renewal of UK/JAA Type/Class and or Instrument Rating (Aeroplane ) - Application) shall be used to record the result of the check when re-validating or renewing an existing rating. An IR re-validation, if required, should be flown as part of this test but can be flown separately.
On completion of a successful check the examiner will complete the form, sign the candidates type/class re-validation certificate and IR certificate (if applicable). If the check is failed the examiner will issue a notification of failure and advise the mandatory retraining required. The candidate cannot exercise the privileges of the relevant rating(s) until a further Proficiency Check is passed.On completion of a successful check the examiner will complete the form and pass it to the candidate to forward to CAA PLD.
The Proficiency Check is a one attempt check flight (no partial pass) however repeats of individual items can be allowed. The class/type rating and IR are assessed independently.Class/Type Rating - A failure of 2 or more sections requires all sections to be completed at the next attempt. A failure in one section only requires that section to be completed at the next attempt. Mandatory retraining will be required following any failure. The oral is not considered a section for assessmenty requires that item or items to be completed at the next attempt. Mandatory retraining will be required following any failure.

Section 1 Departure

Pre-flight including documentation, weather, mass & balance
Pre-start external/internal checks
Starting engine(s) normal and malfunctions
Taxying
Power and Take-off checks
Climbing (best angle/rate)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 2 Airwork

Straight and level
Slow flight
Steep turns (360º at 45º AOB)
Full clean stall and recovery
Approach to the stall with 10º-30º AOB approach configuration/power
Handling using autopilot/flight director (may be conducted in section 3)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 3A En-Route - VFR
(for type or class ratings unless exempt)

Flight plan, dead reckoning and map reading
Maintenance of altitude, heading and speed
Orientation, timing and revision of ETAs
Use of radio navigation aids (not mandatory)
Flight management (flight log, routine checks,icing, etc)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 3B Instrument Rating Re-Validation (if applicable)
(To be flown in actual or simulated IMC)

Departure IFR
En-route IFR
Holding procedure
ILS to DH/A of 200 ft or to the minima (autopilot may be used to glideslope intercept)
Non precision approach to MDH/A and to the MAP
Exercises, rate 1 turns and unusual attitudes flown with simulated failure of compass & attitude indicator
Asymmetric approach and go-around (ME only)
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing (ME only)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 4 Arrivals and Landing Procedures

Aerodrome arrival procedures
Normal and flapless landing
Go-around from minimum height
ATC, radio procedures

Section 5 Abnormal and Emergency Procedures

Simulated EFATO (SE only)
Simulated forced landing (SE only)
ATC, radio procedures

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (if applicable)

Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe height)
Asymmetric approach and go-around
Asymmetric approach and full-stop landing
ATC, radio procedures

Oral

Theoretical knowledge of type/class

References:

LASORS
UK CAA Standards Documents 14 and 17 (www.caa.co.uk)

Pre-departure checks, drills and aircraft preparation for safe conduct of flight
Visual take-off
Instrument climb and departure following SID or ATC clearance

Section 2 General Handling

Basic handling to include:
Straight and level flight (full and limited panel)
Turns onto specific headings (full and limited panel)
Recovery from unusual attitudes (full and limited panel)
Stalling (clean and approach configurations)

Section 3 En-route IFR Procedures

Entry, flight in and departure from airways in accordance with ATC clearance
Using tracking facilities as briefed by examiner

Section 4 Precision Approach

Approach to land procedure as published for facility or as directed by ATC to a specified DA (DH) from which a direct landing may be made
At DA (DH) missed approach to normal climb following published procedure or as directed by ATC to a position from which the next instrument approach may be started

Section 5 Non-Precision Approach

Standard entry into a holding pattern and completion of at least 1 pattern of the appropriate holding procedure including adjustments to leave holding pattern at the onwards clearance time or expected approach time if required by ATC
Approach to land procedure as published for facility requiring descent to a specified MDA (MDH)
Following descent to MDA (MDH), altitude/height should be maintained along the final approved track to a point where either:-
A landing may be safely made

OR

The missed approach point is reached where upon the missed approach procedure should be carried out

Section 6 Simulated Asymmetric Flight (if applicable)

During missed approach the examiner will simulate failure of an engine
A safe flight path is to be established with simulated engine failure followed by identification of failed engine and completion of essential actions
Asymmetric circling approach or asymmetric visual circuit to go around
Asymmetric visual circuit to land

Instrument Rating Re-Validation (IRR) (To re-validate an existing IR) Conducted by an Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE) or Flight Examiner (FE) / Class Rating Examiner (CRE) who holds IR re-validation privileges. Holders of SPA types or classes should complete the IR re-validation items as part of a SPA type/class re-validation. Instrument rating privileges will run for 12 months and the re-validation test may be taken up to 3 months before its expiry without any loss of validity period. The new validity period will run for a further 12 months from the previous expiry date.
Holders of both MPA and SPA types and/or classes should complete a SPA IR re-validation to maintain instrument rating priviliges on SPA and a MPA IR to maintain instrument rating priviliges on MPA. They will no longer be able to rely on a MPA IR to cover SPA.Holders of more than one SPA type or class rating will be required to complete an IR re-validation on only one of the types or classes held.
IR re-validation will normally be completed on the most complex type or class held. An IR on a multi-engine SPA type/class will extend also to single-engine aeroplanes. An IR on single-engine SPA is only valid for single-engine SPA. A multi-engine centre-line thrust aeroplane shall be considered a single-engine aeroplane for the purpose of an aeroplane IR experience however the IR (if held) can only be re-validated by Proficiency Check.

Section 3B Instrument Rating Re-Validation
(To be flown in actual or simulated IMC)

Departure IFR
En-route IFR
Holding procedure
ILS to DH/A of 200 ft or to the minima (autopilot may be used to glideslope intercept)
Non precision approach to MDH/A and to the MAP
Exercises, rate 1 turns and unusual attitudes flown with simulated failure of compass & attitude indicator
Asymmetric approach and go-around (ME only)
Asymmetric approach and full stop landing (ME only)
ATC, radio procedures

References:

LASORS
UK CAA Standards Documents 14 and 17 (www.caa.co.uk)