Why Airworthiness Is The Biggest Check Ride Problem

How would I answer the question above? Something like this: "The aircraft documents are in the aircraft, all the inspections are current, the inoperative equipment is properly documented, and the next maintenance action isn't due for X hours. So, unless I find something during pre-flight, the airplane is airworthy, and I can make this flight safely." 

Said in bullet-points:

I'm not a big fan of memorizing acronyms like AAVIATE or TOMATOFLAMES. It's an exercise in rote memorization that focuses on the words, not their application. What's the alternative? Just like in the aircraft, you can use a checklist to ensure you don't miss anything. Yes, you can use checklists as a resource on the ground portion of the test, and since you're being evaluated on resource management, I suggest you do. 

With that in mind, here are a few checklists you might consider to guide your decisions/discussions of airworthiness. I've added the references in case you need to look them up in the heat of the evaluation, and since all these come from 14 CFR, I've omitted that prefix for simplicity. 

I strongly recommend you complete these checklists the day before the test, so there are no surprises. I can't count the number of tests I've given where the applicant has never looked at the maintenance logs and has no idea where to start.

Unfortunately, we don't have the space available here to go into an extended discussion of each item, so if you don't understand my notes, ask your CFI, and if they don't know, ask your A&P, but be sure you can both explain airworthiness and apply that knowledge to scenarios given by the evaluator. The key to your success on this, and all aspects of the ground portion of the test, is to practice being evaluated. Please slow down and read that last sentence a few more times. 

(See chart above.)

Note 1. Know the difference between a Pilot's Information Manual (PIM), Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), or, for helicopters, Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)

Note 2. When there's installed equipment that's not made by the original aircraft manufacturer (OEM), these companies may provide a separate Pilot Guide that's required to be carried in the aircraft; an aftermarket avionics product is a typical example

(See chart above.)

Now, let's focus on required inspections. I recommend you start with the last page of the latest logbook and work backward; if you don't, the evaluator may think this is the first time you've ever looked at logbooks. It's also a good idea to have the latest inspections tabbed for easy reference.

Note 1. Types of ADs

Not Applicable: Don't apply to your particular aircraft

One time: Complied with and doesn't require repetitive actions

Recurring: Entry must include the method of compliance and when the next inspection is due

Note 2. Annual: Must be signed off on by an A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA)

Note 3. Only required when carrying people or property for compensation/hire or when someone else provides the aircraft for flight instruction; must be signed off by an A&P

Note 4. Only required for IFR operations

Note 5. Required, with some exceptions, in A thru E airspace

Note 6. Check the maintenance logs; or, if it was used, check 91.207 to decide

Note 7. Only required for IFR operations

Note 8. Only needs to be current for IFR operations unless the OEM states otherwise

91.213

Now that we've covered the inspections, the real work begins: Deciding if you can fly with any equipment that may be inoperative. You must be able to apply your knowledge of airworthiness in a scenario given by the evaluator. Here are a few examples:

Q: When is the next airworthiness inspection due?

A: You need to examine the logbooks to determine if there are any recurring ADs for the aircraft. If there are, the logbook entry must document when the most recent inspection was done, how it was done, and when it is next due. Without those three elements, the AD is not correctly signed off. Many owners have a separate log sheet for ADs, so be sure that's available for the test.

Q: During preflight, you notice the left fuel gauge is reading ½ full, but you verify that tank is actually full. Can you fly, and if so, what actions do you need to take?

A: Short answer is "no." I know tribal knowledge says the gauge only needs to read accurately when it is empty. Not so. You will need maintenance action before you fly. This is a typical question, but the evaluator will vary the inoperative equipment. Instead of trying to memorize a list of equipment, I recommend you use the following checklists to determine if you are legal to fly. Ask yourself, is the equipment:

Required by an AD?

Required by the OEM? 

Check Type Certificate and any Supplemental Type Certificates 

Check Section 2 (Limitations) of the Flight Manual

Check Section 9 (Supplemental Equipment) for any limitations

Check Section 6 (Equipment); if the OEM has indicated it is "R" (Required), it probably is

Required by an Approved MEL/KOEL? 

Required by 91.205?

Required for the Planned Flight?

Note 1. An approved MEL/KOEL may allow you to fly with equipment that is otherwise required by 91.205.

If the answer to any of the questions above was YES, you can't fly until maintenance action is taken or you obtain a Special Flight Permit. If the answer to all the questions above was NO, then proceed with the next checklist. 

Was/is the inoperative equipment:

Removed and the weight and balance amended? 

Made inoperative?

For electrical equipment, that means the power source removed

Placarded as inoperative?

Entry made in the aircraft logbooks?

If the answer to all these questions was YES, then it’s up to the Pilot-In-Commands whether they choose to fly. 

One bit of advice: If you aren't sure the aircraft is airworthy, don't fly. I've never issued a Notice of Disapproval to an applicant who made a conservative decision. Hopefully using and understanding these checklists will help you ace the airworthiness portion of your practical test---it sure beats crickets. 

Check Ride Tunnel Vision

Airline-Style Checklist Flows For Private Pilots