Scope of the Progress Test
The VFR navigation progress test consists of the planning, preparation, and completion of a cross-country flight of at least 120 nautical miles which shall include 1 full stop landing at an intermediate destination. If possible, the intermediate destination shall be in a different class of airspace other than the point of departure. Although aeroplane performances and weight and balance are not tested as separate exercises, it is expected that the candidate will use all the applicable performance data as well as all the approved operating procedures required for a cross-country flight.
Prerequisite to the Progress Test
The VFR navigation progress test completes a phase in the CPL(A) and CPL(A)/IR integrated course. In order to be admitted to the progress test, the candidate shall have completed all the required dual and solo flight lessons. It is not a training flight but an evaluation at the end of a training phase in an integrated course.
A view limiting device must be provided to complete part D, Lost Procedures.
Re-test
Any item failed on the VFR navigation progress test, shall require a complete re-test.
Marking the Test
The "Performance Criteria" section of each exercise outlines the marking criteria. These criteria assume no unusual circumstances as well as operation and configuration of the aeroplane in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedures in the Pilot's Operating Handbook/Aircraft Flight Manual or other approved data. Consideration shall be given to unavoidable deviations from the published criteria due to weather, traffic or other situations beyond the reasonable control of the candidate. To avoid the need to compensate for such situations, the test should be conducted under normal conditions whenever possible.
Failure to maintain proper lookout shall be disqualifying.
Any one of the following will result in an assessment of fail for that exercise:
- aim of exercise not completed;
- acceptable level of practical knowledge not demonstrated;
- failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances stated in the performance criteria are exceeded;
- repeatedly exceeding tolerances stated in the performance criteria;
- aim of exercise completed but at expense of using unsafe airmanship and/or handling errors;
- any action or lack of action by the candidate that requires corrective intervention by the check instructor to maintain safe flight.
Record Keeping
Certification that the student has met the skill requirements of the VFR navigation progress test as well as the admission letter will be kept on the training record for the student. The training record shall be retained for one regulatory audit cycle.
Airmanship
The candidate's airmanship will be assessed with other factors in determining the assessment for each item. Items such as look-out for other aircraft, use of cockpit check lists, consideration for other aircraft on the ground and in the air, choice of run-up areas, choice of runways and clearing the engine during prolonged glides will be assessed. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate good airmanship and complete accurate checks on a continuing basis.
Crew Resource Management
Crew resource management refers to the effective use of all available resources, including working with such groups as dispatchers, other crew members, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers. CRM is a set of skill competencies that must be evident in all tasks in the VFR navigation progress test. Indicators of these competencies can be found in four main areas: problem solving and decision-making, situational awareness, communication, and workload management.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- anticipates problems far enough in advance to avoid crisis reaction
- uses effective decision-making process
- makes appropriate inquiries
- prioritizes tasks to gain maximum information input for decisions
- makes effective use of all available resources to make decisions
- considers "downstream" consequences of decision being considered
Situational Awareness
- actively monitors weather, aircraft systems, instruments, ATC communications
- avoids "tunnel vision" — awareness that factors such as stress can reduce vigilance
- stays ahead of the aircraft in preparing for expected or contingency situations
- remains alert to detect subtle changes in the environment
Communication
- provides thorough briefings
- asks for information and advice
- communicates decisions clearly
- asserts one's position appropriately
Workload Management
- organizes cockpit resources well
- recognizes overload in self
- eliminates distractions during high workload situations
- maintains ability to adapt during high workload situations