Old 02-04-2009 | 04:43 PM
  #8  
proskuneho's Avatar
proskuneho
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Enjoying the view
Default

Originally Posted by mxaexm
The part of this checkride that I'm the most nervous about is the instrument approaches...but will practice them twice before Tuesday...
If you are nervous about the approaches, do some "chair flying". It might sound cheesy, but this works for kinesthetic learners - WALK through the approach procedures.
Not sure if you already have a checklist or system to make sure that you are totally briefed for the approach, but I use WIRE in the Duchess.
W-Weather. Once I check the ATIS, I can hear the weather and what approaches are in use.
I- Instruments. Check your Altimeter, Attitude Indicator, and Directional Gyro.
R- Radios. Tune, Identify and Twist all navigation facilities. Also set in all comms so you don't have to dial it in over the final approach fix while being handed off to tower.
E- Environment. Brief yourself on the approach. Where am I? What intercept can I expect? What altitudes & courses? What is my missed approach procedure?

Another thing is to make sure that the aircraft is stabilized in approach configuration and approach speed before you get to the FAF so all you have to do is start your time and start your descent. Not sure about your twin, but in the Duchess gear and 10 degrees of flaps are set just before FAF.

Have fun, and good luck!
Reply