Yep I've already started, got a 3 ring and about 4-5 lesson plans. I was spending a few hours putting together a lesson plan and then 'teaching' it to my instructor in ground, then we'd go fly parts of that lesson. My instructor told me the check pilot would ask for 2 or 3 lessons the day before the test and I'd expect to have those planned out. You guys seem to think I need a full set of lesson plans, which I understand I'll eventually need to instruct but I figure I'd make them as I go. Do I need a full set to show up to the check ride? Is he going to ask to see everything I have, or just expect me to teach what he asked for?
In theory you shouldn't need anything more than the FAA materials. The Instructors handbook (actually a good publication) the airplane flying handbook, instrument flying handbook, copies of the various PTS' and youer certificates. In reality for the checkride the more prepared you are with the materials you intend on using for your actual teaching the better. If for nothing else than he'll make a mental note that you are a prepared applicant and award mental points as appropriate. Just like you wouldn't have a plan for a student you will have a plan for your checkride. When speaking with the examiner or inspector (FAA Inspector = No DPE Fees) when scheduling your practical test they should let you know what to expect and what they want to see. My advice would be write out a list of questions you have and when you call to set it up cross them off as they're answered. If you're left with anything else you have them right there to ask while you're on the phone. This includes what they want to see, what ground lessons they'll want taught, maneuvers, etc. You should have a copy of the PTS to know what to expect for that portion. Also know how to properly fill out an 8710 (don't roll your eyes) and how to use the IACRA website (I just learned about it at my last renewal and haven't used it for anything yet so don't ask me.)
Also know where to look up the proper format for the endorsements you're going to give. These can be found in an advisory circular which is (was?) also printed in the back of the IIRC yellow CFI PTS. Your CFI certificate number will be your 7 digit pilot certificate number with CFI appended. 1234567CFI.
If you don't know an answer don't lie. Look it up just like you would with a student. Don't make up answers and don't give answers you were unsure about. I was just asked this by someone I was giving a BFR to regarding GPS database currency. Since our airplane is 135 the FMS updates are done by either me or maintenance when they're due so the regulatory guidance I've never cared about other than to make sure that our mechanic made an entry into the AFML. I honestly didn't know what/where/how those requirements were listed beyond what to do according to the company procedures or MEL if your database was out of date so I had to dig it up. "Lets look it up!" should be a regular phrase especially early on as a CFI. This accomplishes 2 important things:
1.) It will help you reinforce your confidence because you'll find yourself retaining the knowledge you're researching.
2.) Most importantly it will show your student how to look things up because they're not going to know everything despite what they think or even your best efforts.
Know the difference between procedure and technique. You're going to see people do things differently than you and its important to know that unless it's a safety of flight issue...it's okay. Feel free to offer your technique or my best approach was "show me why you're doing it that way." It's an effective way to get into the mind of your student/copilot/captain as to why they do something and you might find you'll learn something. Discussions like that about sharing knowledge and technique only serve to improve the both of you because there's a million ways to skin this cat of flying safely.
Beyond that you're going to be nervous which is normal. Remember how you were taught and what you did/didn't like about sitting in the student seat. This checkride is a role reversal with the examiner/inspector filling the role of a student. He'll tell you what kind in your briefing whether it's a shiny new private pilot or a commercial applicant (or both in the course of a checkride) because the way you answer some of the questions or present the information will be different for each situation.
I do remember having dauntless-soft software on my computer so I think that's how I prepared for the written tests. For my ATP I used Sheppard Air (
www.sheppardair.com) and when the time comes I'd suggest it for you as well.
You'll do fine. Initial CFI checkrides have the highest failure rate of any of them because of the very thorough oral portion of the practical test. You know the information so don't beat yourself up on being perfect because you won't be. Be effective, be confident and for crying out loud be humble. If I can pass them all in one whack so can you.
Good luck!
