Phase Checks at GBA

We are going to do some things differently around our stage checks here at GBA. I value everyone’s professionalism and want to capitalize on that during our students’ progress. However, communication MUST be present on all of the checks - especially pre-solo. As your students get ready for progress checks your records for the students receiving the check must be complete. If they are not, your student is not ready for the progress check. Your diligent, professional, accurate, and thorough feedback is essential in this process. Skills represented as ‘complete’ need to be consistently to standard. If all lessons are done to standards presented in the syllabus, then the student is ready.

So, as of now, for the PPL curriculum, all instructors at Great Basin Aviation are authorized to do the Stage 1, Phase 2, Scenario 4 Progress Check (this is the first one in the syllabus); the Stage 1, Phase 5, Scenario 1 (pre-solo check); and the Stage 2, Phase 3, Scenario 7 (cross country progress check). I want to see the pre-solo cross country check start to happen. The final progress check in the syllabus, the mock checkride, needs to be coordinated through me. On any progress check, you must let me know that you are scheduling the progress check and with whom. This must happen at least a few days in advance so I can have a look at the student’s records. I will then give you the green light for the check once I have had the chance to look at the records. If I have not given authorization, the check cannot happen.

Instructors are not required to conduct phase checks. It places an extra burden of responsibility on you. The records for the check must be entered quickly and with thorough feedback that has both qualitative and quantitative feedback for the pilot and instructor. Feedback needs to be specific and reference standards and best practices. If you do not want this responsibility, that is fine, but I encourage everyone to give it a shot! Again, communication is key with the primary instructor and with me.

Prior to any phase check, please reference THIS DOCUMENT which has all the phase checks listed from the syllabus with the expected skillset. Yes, you should cover this material! That said, it’s a lot of stuff. I’m okay with you using your professional judgement on what to emphasize - just like on a checkride. Some skills may be omitted but not to excess. When we coordinate ahead of the checks I’ll help guide you in on areas of emphasis. I am still willing and able to conduct any of the phase checks and invite anyone who wants to ride along the opportunity to see how I work the assessment piece. Please see me with any questions. Remember, you are not required to do this! Just let me know if you’re rather not and that is fine. If you do choose to do the checks, though, we must have them be done well. I’ll give special emphasis to the follow up with the check instructor just to help as I can.

So, for a brief summary. Any instructor can do any phase check except the mock checkride. I can help you coordinate the check or you can go directly to another instructor. Remember that I must know about the check a few days ahead and must authorize it first. Do not give the check without authorization. Mock checkrides will be coordinated through me. Thank you all!