We had a particular customer yesterday — H.O.G.S. member Jared Mackay stopped by. Jared’s a well-recognized face on our Wall of Fame (4 occasions thus far, quickly to be 5!) for knocking out all his rankings. Pilots like Jared remind us of what constant examine and preparation can do.
And talking of preparation… let’s speak concerning the primary cause examiners say non-public pilots fail check-rides right this moment: iPad issues.
When the iPad Freezes
Know-how is a unbelievable instrument within the cockpit. Apps like ForeFlight have modified how pilots navigate, plan, and handle flights. However what occurs when that magic pill fails in the course of your check-ride?
One applicant came upon the exhausting method. He had his iPad entrance and heart, and a paper sectional chart tucked neatly below it on the kneeboard. Excellent backup, proper? Besides when the iPad froze, panic set in.
The examiner requested, “Have you learnt in the event you’re even heading the precise course?” As a substitute of calmly switching to the chart, the applicant thought he was being tricked — and promptly turned 180 levels the unsuitable method.
That’s an immediate fail.
Why This Occurs
The issue isn’t the iPad. It’s relying too closely on it and never making ready a workflow for when issues go sideways.
In case your chart isn’t prepared, it’s ineffective when seconds rely.
If you happen to’ve by no means practiced flipping from iPad to paper, you’ll fumble when it issues most.
And in the event you’ve satisfied your self expertise won’t ever fail… you’re in for a impolite awakening.
Examiners discover this straight away. They’re not on the lookout for perfection, they’re on the lookout for professionalism. A pilot who calmly pulls out a chart, verifies the course, and retains shifting ahead reveals that they’re ready for real-world flying.
Steven Carlson’s Story
This brings us to FAC scholar Steven Carlson. Steven got here to us from Florida, the place like many college students, he was caught. His college had lengthy waits, restricted plane, and his coaching was dragging on. By the point he confirmed up at H.O.G.S., he had 160 hours — and nonetheless no check-ride.
Inside a number of days on the Last Method Course, Steven was prepped, polished, and handed. He’s proof that while you focus your time, get one-on-one instruction, and take away the “ready sport,” ending turns into easy.
Enjoyable truth: Steven had already toured the U.S. in a Bell Lengthy Ranger earlier than coming to H.O.G.S. for his non-public pilot finish-up. His story is a reminder — flight expertise is effective, however structured, intentional coaching is what will get you throughout the end line.
Last Method Course Benefit
That is precisely why we constructed the Last Method Course. For 30 months now, we’ve welcomed pilots from throughout the nation who simply couldn’t get completed at house. Perhaps their teacher left, their plane was down, or they had been caught behind a full schedule.
At H.O.G.S., we preserve it easy:
🚁 One or two college students at a time, max.
✅ One-on-one instruction, each flight and floor.
📝 Full ACS prep — together with the paperwork particulars that journey individuals up.
👨✈️ An examiner we’ve trusted for over 25 years.
And sure — October openings can be found now. If you happen to’re able to cease ready, name or textual content Heather at (574) 767-1797 or go to FinalApproachCourse.com.
Free Sources
Takeaway
The #1 cause non-public pilots fail isn’t lack of talent — it’s failing to arrange for the straightforward issues, like what to do when your iPad fails.
Paper or digital, your instruments are solely nearly as good because the habits you construct. Hold your cockpit workflow clear, your backups prepared, and your coaching sharp.
That’s what turns check-ride chaos into check-ride success.
