What do you do if you want to ace your aviation performance evaluation?

1 Know the standards

The first step to ace your aviation performance evaluation is to know the standards that you will be measured against. Depending on your license, rating, or qualification, you should review the relevant regulations, handbooks, manuals, and guides that outline the objectives, tasks, and criteria for your evaluation. For example, if you are taking a private pilot checkride, you should study the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), the Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH), and the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS). These documents will tell you what you need to know and do to pass your evaluation.

2 Practice with feedback

The second step to ace your aviation performance evaluation is to practice with feedback. You should not only practice the maneuvers and procedures that you will be tested on, but also get feedback from an instructor, a mentor, or a peer who can help you identify and correct your weaknesses. You should also practice in different scenarios, such as varying weather conditions, airspace types, and emergency situations, to test your adaptability and decision-making skills. The more you practice with feedback, the more confident and prepared you will be for your evaluation.

3 Review the common errors

The third step to ace your aviation performance evaluation is to review the common errors that candidates make and avoid them. You can find the common errors in the ACS or the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for your evaluation, as well as in the FAA's Risk Management Handbook (RMH) and other resources. Some of the common errors include failing to use checklists, not maintaining situational awareness, not communicating effectively, not following the examiner's instructions, and not applying the principles of risk management. You should review these errors and learn from them, so that you can avoid them in your evaluation.

4 Prepare the paperwork

The fourth step to ace your aviation performance evaluation is to prepare the paperwork that you will need for your evaluation. This includes your application form, your logbook, your endorsements, your certificates, your medical certificate, your photo ID, and any other documents that are required for your evaluation. You should also prepare the paperwork for the aircraft that you will use, such as the registration, the airworthiness certificate, the maintenance records, the weight and balance data, and the equipment list. You should check that all the paperwork is complete, accurate, and current, and that you have copies of them in case of loss or damage.

5 Relax and be yourself

The fifth step to ace your aviation performance evaluation is to relax and be yourself. You should not let the stress and pressure of the evaluation affect your performance. You should treat the evaluation as an opportunity to showcase your skills and knowledge, not as a threat to your career or reputation. You should also be honest and professional with your examiner, and not try to hide or exaggerate anything. You should be confident in your abilities, but also humble and willing to learn from your mistakes. You should remember that the examiner is not your enemy, but your ally who wants you to succeed.

6 Learn from the experience

The sixth and final step to ace your aviation performance evaluation is to learn from the experience. Whether you pass or fail, you should always seek feedback from your examiner and review your performance. You should identify your strengths and weaknesses, and make a plan to improve them. You should also celebrate your achievements and acknowledge your challenges, and use them as motivation to keep learning and growing as a pilot. You should remember that the evaluation is not the end of your journey, but a milestone in your continuous development as an aviation professional.