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Private pilot checkride – logbook readiness

Asked by: 2043 views ,
Flight Instructor, Student Pilot

I'm about to make my first referral for a private pilot checkride, and have been going through my student's logbook.  As I reviewed the "areas of operation" listed in 61.107(b)(1), I discovered that, for example, the term "Postflight procedures" (item xii) isn't written anywhere in my student's logbook.  However we've clearly covered it and my student clearly knows it.  Could this kind of thing be a sticking point for the examiner?  What other "gothcha's" have you experienced with logbook readiness that we should be preparing for?  I'm already ensuring all the columns are totaled correctly (he's using a paper book rather than electronic), all pages are signed, all dual time is properly endorsed, all endorsements are present and accounted for, etc.  Are there other areas that you've had issues with that I should be looking for?

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1 Answers



  1. KDS on Mar 12, 2020

    Could it be? Yes. Anything could be just because humans are human. However, in the great majority of cases, a blanket endorsement takes care of it. Most logbooks that student pilots have contain those endorsements preprinted.

    Since this will be the first student you have recommended, it would be best if you can be on site during the conduct of the test. I say that for a couple reasons. The first step for the examiner is to determine if the applicant is qualified for the test. If the examiner finds a sticking point, it is possible that you can sort it out right then. Back before the FAA had computers, I endorsed an applicant for his initial CFI and somehow managed to put the wrong year for my CFI expiration on his application. I got a call from the inspector who was doing his check. I was close to his office and offered to drive over there and make the correction and show him my certificate, but he said he would take my word for it and make the change himself. I felt terrible about that because even though it didn’t change the final outcome, it had put more stress on the applicant and had I not been by the phone, it could have been a really big problem.

    The rules have changed, and now the instructors are not allowed to observe the test, but it is a good idea to ask the examiner how your applicant did. If you can do that in person right after the test, you will get the most meaningful report. It also does not hurt to have the examiner walk away feeling that you are the kind of instructor who tries to present well prepared applicants.

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