Prepping for IR checkride - questions

"Paul Folbrecht" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I've made the appointment for my IR checkride, although it's still a
ways out, and had a couple things on my mind.

1) Concerning the heading standards (+- 10 degrees, of course), I find
that I still, at this point, _occasionally_ exceed them, _especially_ in

During my checkride my heading deviations exceeded 10d and altitudes +/-
100' but I was always correcting as this happened, so the examiner allowed
it.

Another point to keep in mind is to have a good structured process for
briefing the approach so that you do it the same way each time. This way you
will do it more quickly, make fewer mistakes, and maintain better control of
the flight overall. My process is as follows:

1. Find the FAF and put it into the GPS/Loran
2. Tune the VOR/NDB/LOC frequency and set the proper course on the OBS
3. Set radios with approach, tower, and ground in active/standby as
appropriate
4. Tune any available crossing radials or other fixes that can provide
additional information
5. Figure out the next altitude you need to be at and how far out you are.

My only other advice would be to get a good night's sleep, get up early and
have a good breakfast, and relax. Odds are if your CFI has signed you off
you're ready to pass and your goal is simply to not screw up too badly.

-cwk.