Emergency procedures aren’t just a test item, they’re a lifesaving skill. At Summit Flight Academy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we train our Kansas City student pilots to stay calm and precise when handling simulated emergencies on checkride day.
1. The Examiner’s Focus
The FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) requires you to demonstrate:
- Establishing best glide speed within ±10 knots.
- Selecting a suitable landing area considering wind, terrain, and obstructions.
- Using checklists and cockpit resources effectively.
2. Common Student Mistakes
From our experience and DPE feedback, the most common errors include:
- Forgetting to trim for best glide.
- Letting airspeed fluctuate due to distraction.
- Setting up for a tailwind landing.
3. Summit’s Proven Training Approach
Our instructors emphasize:
- Wind awareness: Always use cockpit tools or preflight wind briefings.
- Trim discipline: Trim early so you can focus on the landing site.
- Decision-making: Prioritize a safe field, not just the closest one.
4. Tips for Checkride Success
- Practice simulated emergencies on every solo.
- Talk through your thought process out loud, examiners value clear decision-making.
- Keep flying the airplane until the maneuver is complete.
Why It Matters
Emergencies don’t follow a script. Building muscle memory through repetition ensures you’ll react calmly, whether during a checkride or a real in-flight event.
Start Your Aviation Journey
At Summit Flight Academy, we don’t just prepare you to pass, we prepare you to fly with confidence.
📞 Call us at +1 816-282-1500
🌐 Visit us at summitflightacademy.com
Start your training in Lee’s Summit today.