Many clubs have a currency rule of some kind for PPL’s – e.g. a member must fly at least once in 28 days to stay current. After that they need a check-out within an instructor. If just out of check, that may just be a few circuits. If several months, it may include some general handling.
The check-out is often regarded as a tedious formality, but I always aim to make it useful. While checking the pilot’s general flying ability has not deteriorated, it’s also possible to inject something valuable that’s new or forgotten.
For example, within a circuit checkout, after appropriate briefing:
- A briefing on transponder checks (a hot topic in relation to infringements)
- A simulated engine fire on start-up
- A soft field take off (topical at our muddy grass runway in winter)
- A glide approach from an unusual position
- Simulated stuck throttle on approach
- A scenario of partial power after take-off, often (surprise, surprise) culminating in a simulated total engine failure to a glide approach
- A bad weather circuit
- Cross wind landing techniques
In a general handling check, a PFL, some stalls and steep turns are generally the norm. We could also include:
- A bit of VOR tracking out to the local area
- A practice PAN call to D&D 121.5 to simulate a emergency or being lost
- A brush up of SkyDemon use.
- A collision avoidance break (steep turn)
- Demo (from a safe height) of the height loss after engine failure in a 180 degree turn-back (the height loss is more than most people expect)
- Flight on instruments when returning from the local area
There are lots of possibilities.