Phase Check

Phase Check framework, expectations, and instructions

The idea of a phase check is to evaluate the student to determine if they are adequately knowledgeable, safe, and proficient for the applicable phase check. The phase check includes both a flight and a ground portion.

Please note that the content of a WVFC Phase Check is not arbitrary, or a mystery; it is clearly spelled out in detail on the appropriate WVFC phase check form. I recommend that you make sure to review the appropriate phase check form ahead of time — with your instructor if/as appropriate — and make sure that you are properly prepared for all knowledge and flight elements.

Ground Portion

The ground portion is an oral exam/interview (just like in a checkride) to determine if you are sufficiently knowledgeable in the relevant areas and items for the applicable phase check. At the discretion of the phase check instructor, you may be allowed to refer to relevant references for particular questions. Note: You should work with your regular instructor to make sure that you are adequately prepared for the ground portion of the phase check. This preparation should include a review of all relevant knowledge areas and items, especially those listed on the phase check form.

Flight Portion

Like the ground portion, you should work with your regular instructor to make sure that you are adequately prepared for the flight portion of the phase check. This preparation should include a review of all relevant skills, maneuvers, and judgement, especially those listed on the phase check form.

The student is expected to manage all aspects of the flight as if the student was flying solo and the phase check instructor was not on-board the aircraft. This includes, but is not limited to: radio communications, route and altitude selection, airspace awareness, maintaining compliance with all applicable FAA regulations and ATC instructions, and taking any/all actions that might be required for safety such as collision avoidance, go-arounds, or slowing down or stopping while taxiing to avoid a ground incident.

When the phase check instructor asks the student to demonstrate or execute a particular maneuver or skill the student is still expected to managed the flight as mentioned above. For example, if the student is asked to demonstrate a simulated engine out landing they are still responsible to self-initiate a go-around or to otherwise abort the maneuver if/when appropriate for safety. Remember, you (the student) are being evaluated as if you were flying solo, so it is imperative that you demonstrate good decision making on your own without relying on the person sitting next to you. This also includes performing clearing turns as appropriate, even if not explicitly asked or told to do so.

The phase check instructor will be monitoring the safety and legal compliance of the flight and will intervene if necessary. If it becomes necessary to intervene the phase check instructor will use the standard three-step positive exchange of flight controls to take control, as follows:

• 1. The phase check instructor will take the controls and say "my flight controls", "my plane", or a similar phrase.

  2. Your immediate response is to release your hands and feet from the controls and to say "your flight controls", "your plane" or similar.

  3. The phase check instructor will respond with "my controls" or similar.

For safety, it is imperative that if/when the phase check instructor takes the flight controls that you relinquish the controls immediately and completely, without any delay, debate, or argument. The phase check instructor will return control to you at an appropriate time via a similar three-step exchange of flight controls. You will have an opportunity to discuss the reason for the control override at a later time. Note that the phase check instructor may take control for any one of a number of reasons and it may, or may not, have anything to do with your actions. For example, the phase check instructor may need to take immediate action for collision avoidance with another aircraft that you may not be aware of.

Student's acknowledgement of the above information

If you have a phase check scheduled with me, please send me an email (before the start of the phase check) acknowledging that you have read this page, that you understand this information, and that you will comply with the above instructions.