IVAO Belgium

As soon as you feel ready, you may do a theoretical exam on-line.

This is based on a multiple choise system where you have to answer a set number of questions within a limited time frame.

Only after successful completing of this theoretical part you can apply for the practical exam. Make sure you are properly prepared instead of getting a “failed exam”.

What to expect?

Like in real life you start at the beginning. That is “learn to fly an aircraft” and “learn to find your way while flying”. Of course you fly with a small and light aircraft like a Cessna172. In short: You start with “The basics”.

The exam

For the practical exam, you have to prepare a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight from your departure aerodrome to a given destination. Both are mentioned by the examiner with the invitation for this practical exam.
Like any other normal flight on IVAO, with or without ATC, you do everything you have to do as a (VFR) pilot in command:

• prepare your departure
• prepare your VFR route
• be prepared for any alternate en-route
• prepare for your destination

Since this a VFR flight, you may use navigation instruments, but you may not depend on them. Look out of the window(s) of your cockpit and make your flight based on visual navigation as instructed by the examiner.
Know how to communicate with ATC, both at departure and arrival, and if necessary, even en-route.
Finally, you are VFR, so keep an eye on the weather.

Specific points

• Connect on-line and communicate on the radio frequency and on chat
• VFR flight plan based mainly on visual reference points
• Ground movements from gate/parking area to assigned runway
• Take off and proper flying technique (speed, headings, performance)
• En-route VFR navigation (accuracy of navigation based on visual references and radio-navigation aids, if required) ;
  Note: during the flight, your examiner may ask you to make some exercises (turns to specified headings, climbs/descents to assigned altitude, crossing a defined fix at a specified altitude, fly direct to a VOR or a NDB, making a 360° turn, etc.)
• VFR departure and VFR arrival (exit/entry points, visual pattern integration)
• Allocated visual exit/entry routes and traffic patterns
• Touch and go or go around followed by a 2nd pattern
• Full stop landing and taxi to apron/gate
• Phraseology (use of correct (VFR) phraseology, prompt and accurate readback)
• Proficiency in spoken English

More detailed information about this exam requirements can be found at http://ivao.aero/training/
Attentively read this document as to be aware of what to expect !!

Advice

• Make sure you have all the (VFR) charts available because you can’t pass without them.
• Make sure you go to the bathroom and eat properly before the exam. I would advice you to keep a bottle of water not too far away from you during the exam.
• If you feel uncertain of your capabilities, do not hesitate to request anyone of the training section on forehand. Staff members may give you a ‘check-ride’ and evaluate your ability to request the exam.
• Be aware that if the exam isn’t processed within 3 months after its initial request, it will be cancelled again!

References

The IVAO training website at http://ivao.aero/training/brief/PP-briefing-en.pdf

The IVAO Academy wesite at http://academy.ivao.aero/

The Belgium Division website at http://be.ivao.aero/

Like any well trained pilot: Be prepared!

Good luck

Update 27/12/10