ALLMental Prep
Chair-fly your flows every day
Visualize every maneuver from start to finish with your eyes closed. Touch the controls, verbalize the checklist.
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Practical, examiner-tested tips for every certificate level. Tap any card to expand detailed guidance.
17 tips shown
Visualize every maneuver from start to finish with your eyes closed. Touch the controls, verbalize the checklist.
The DPE wants to see that you're safe and consistent — not perfect. Correct your mistakes openly and professionally.
You won't be asked to recite verbatim, but you must know where to look and the gist of key sections.
Class B/C/D: 3 SM, clear of clouds. Class E below 10k: 3 SM, 500-1000-2000. Class G at night: 3 SM, 1000-500-2000.
In slow flight, control feel is mushy. Use coordinated inputs and scan outside first, instruments second.
The instant you feel/hear a stall: reduce AOA (forward pressure), add full power, level wings, minimize altitude loss.
Airspeed (best glide), Best field, Checklist. Don't skip the restart checklist — most engine failures are fuel-related.
Course, Configuration, Communication, Clearance limits, Contingency (missed). Brief it out loud before the IAF.
With AI/HI out, use turn coordinator + altimeter + VSI. Limit turns to standard rate. Scan slowly and deliberately.
Draw the holding pattern. If inbound course puts you in the parallel or teardrop zone, use that entry — otherwise direct.
Assigned, Vectored, Expected — fly the highest of these altitudes. Navigate via filed route and land at destination.
First 90°: establish bank and climb pitch simultaneously. Second 90°: hold pitch, roll out, end at minimum controllable airspeed.
At the 90° reference point you should be at max bank AND max pitch. At 180° you should be back to entry altitude and airspeed.
Pivotal altitude = GS² ÷ 11.3 (knots) or GS² ÷ 15 (mph). As speed changes, altitude must change — no rudder steering.
Demonstrate before asking the student to perform. Brief the recovery thoroughly — a student who freezes is more dangerous than the stall.
Define objective, completion standards, and common errors before you brief. An unplanned lesson teaches confusion.
AC 61-65 lists every required endorsement verbatim. Carry a copy. An incorrect endorsement can void a solo or checkride.