Okay since this is about checkrides, I was wondering if anybody had any tips on checkrides? I have my private checkride in three to four weeks, depending on christmas and examiners.
Well, from what I learned on mine, and i unsat-ed quite a few of my stage checks and almost did my acutal check ride is to know your book work. My orals were always 100% i set up and studied for each one the same way. For instance, if i was asked about how the fuel system worked on my piper, i'd expand that question to include the fuel tanks, lines, strainers how the fuel gets there exploded, and then is taken out. One, that shows you know your stuff, and two you also may knock out some other questions he may ask later on. However be careful to not go too indepth were he can ask about something minute and trivial and you lose it there.
For the practical parts on mine i tried to make every flight the same. I'd wear the same thing, always had my lucky sun glasses, and tried to imagine what i was doing before i did it. Id do the same walk around everytime, and I took my time. If he told me to make a steep right turn, id go trough all the steps in my head, imagine doing it, then do it. It takes a little longer but it keeps you from second guessing in the middle of the manuver. Remember, your paying for the check ride, do it at your pace, not his.
Lastly, check lists are your friends. I made flow sheets with key words for just about every phase of flight, from take off to landing, to shallow turns, to stalls etc. Do what I did and you should pass, especially from someone who knows he belongs in a tower.
