IVAO Belgium

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

This is based on a multiple choice 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 advance step by step. You are a Private Pilot meanwhile and have learned how  “to fly an aircraft” and “to find your way while flying”. In short: The basics.
Now the next step is to handle a two engine aircraft (not a jet engined!) and in addition to start using the navigation instruments. In short: The basics of Instrument Flight Rules or IFR.

The exam

For the practical exam, you have to prepare an IFR 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 (IFR) flight on IVAO, with or without ATC, you do everything you have to do as a (IFR) pilot in command.

• Prepare your departure and departure route
• prepare your IFR route with the use of navigational instruments (NDB, VOR, etc.)
• be prepared for any alternate en-route
• prepare for your arrival route and destination

Since this an IFR flight, you have to use navigation instruments. Know what they are and how to use them. Be careful while using computer based systems like FMC, because the examiner may instruct you to do exercises that are difficult to execute promptly with an FMC.

Know how to communicate with ATC, both at departure and arrival, and of course en-route. Since this will be an exam flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), most of the time if not all, you will fly in controlled airspace. Know what that means.
Finally, you are IFR, so keep an eye on the instruments.

Specific points

• Connect on-line and communicate on the radio frequency and on chat
• IFR flight plan and IFR based departure route (SID), en-route (airways) and arrival route (STAR)
• Ground movements from gate/parking area to assigned runway
• Take off and proper flying technique (speed, headings, performance)
• En-route IFR navigation (accuracy of navigation based on radio-navigation aids) ;
  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, navigate based on VOR or NDB information, intercepting and tracking a VOR radial, etc.)
• IFR departure and IFR arrival as instructed or as published
• Hold over a VOR
• ILS approach, including initial approach segment (as published or required by examiner)
• Missed approach
• Full stop landing and taxi to apron/gate
• Phraseology (use of correct 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 IFR 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/SPP-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