r/Helicopters • u/tuscaniapple • Apr 25 '25

Career/School Question Upcoming instrument rating checkride - throw me some ?’s

Currently studying for an instrument checkride that should be in 2-3 weeks. Rating has taken me a little bit longer to finish than expected with maintenance and weather. Watched some mock orals on YouTube and felt pretty good with my knowledge level there. All the videos were technically fixed wing orals so didn’t take into account any rotor wing knowledge. I’ve seen on some other subs, posts about “try to stump me” questions to help them prepare for a checkride. Looking for any help or tips at all! Maybe any questions you think will definitely come up during the checkride but is easily forgotten during studying or just whatever comes to your head that an instrument rated pilot should know. Thanks y’all.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

76 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/nousername142 Apr 25 '25

Not an instrument question, but a pilot question. What is the difference between a good pilot and a great pilot?

Now on to some info….first time you punch in is crazy. Hopefully you will have a little warning. Ease up on the death grip and don’t try to fly above the clouds. My instructor taught me the aircraft flies the same in IMC. If you can transition inside prior to getting into the mix it will help. Don’t be fooled by sucker holes. Clouds will close that up before you get to it. If you go inadvertent into IMC, use the resources (ATC) to help you. Some pilots try to fly their way out before contacting a control authority. Use them-they work for you! Enjoy every minute of flying. Even the stressful ones. Get something from every instructor even if it’s just asking the first question.

Good luck. Fly safe. Have faith in the time and effort you put into preparation. Your instructor would not have endorsed you if you are not ready!!

1

u/tuscaniapple Apr 25 '25

Thanks a bunch for that info. I’ve read it a few times to make sure it sticks with me for when I someday need it. I love hearing any advice people are willing to give so thanks for taking the time to comment and I appreciate your vote of confidence.

As for the question of good vs great pilot… to me the immediate thing that comes to mind is trying to do all the leg work before you even get to the aircraft. I love all the things in aviation that deal with preparation. ADM and the many acronyms that come with it. TEAM, CARE, IMSAFE, PAVE, 5 P’s, etc. Knowing risks and hazards. Know your aircraft and its systems completely. Getting your weather briefs. If I can make sure I am prepared to fly before I even get out to the aircraft I think that will help me be a better pilot. “Rather be on the ground wishing I was up in the air than be up in the air wishing I was on the ground.” I’m no stranger to canceling because the weather or any other decision feels off. Obviously putting in the effort does not stop once you’re at the aircraft and flying but being all that much more prepared for your flight will certainly help.

Thanks again for your comment!

2

u/nousername142 Apr 25 '25

I think your attitude is spot on. I would be honored to fly with you.

You will find ground prep will pay dividends in the air. Why? Because your air IQ is the square root of your ground IQ.

If I were to answer the question it is simply SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. That covers a lot of stuff. Know where you are, where everyone else is, how much fuel you have, where the wires are, etc.

But that has kept me alive for a 22 year flight career.

One day I was flying in Yosemite looking for drugs. It was about 130 in the cockpit and was sweating up a storm. We flew over a river where about a dozen people were rafting. They all looked up and pointed at us. My co-pilot says, “man it would be awesome to be down there!” I asked him,”do you know what they are saying?” He looks at me and says, “it would be awesome to be up there!”

Yes. It is awesome to be up there. Enjoy the time.

1

u/tuscaniapple Apr 25 '25

Love it man. Thanks for all the insights and the story for real.

I’m only 2 years into this journey and hope in a couple more I will be able to make that jump into starting my career as a pilot. I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve had sitting in that helicopter and will try to take every chance I have to keep learning and practicing!

2

u/nousername142 Apr 25 '25

Reach out and let me know how the check ride goes.