The following is the 4-point evaluation scale used universally in Canada for pilot-performance grading—you want to be familiar with the general content of the scale so that you understand how your knowledge and skills will be evaluated during your flight test. It is used for flight test evaluation, and it is also used for pilot evaluation in air taxi, commuter, and airline evaluation.
The application of the 4-point evaluation scale is based on the weakest elements displayed by the pilot during the evaluation of a particular exercise, activity or sequence. The award of a 1 or 2 occurs where there is a safety issue with the pilot performance, or where the pilot displays an unapproved technique or procedure.
Here is the evaluation scale:
4 Above Standard
- Performance remains well within the qualification standards and flight management skills are excellent.
- Performance is ideal under existing conditions.
- Aircraft handling is smooth and precise.
- Technical skills and knowledge exceed the required level of competency.
- Behaviour indicates continuous and highly accurate situational awareness.
- Flight management skills are excellent.
- Safety of flight is assured. Risk is well mitigated.
3 Standard
- Minor deviations occur from the qualification standards and performance remains within prescribed limits.
- Performance meets the recognized standard yet may include deviations that do not detract from the overall performance.
- Aircraft handling is positive and within specified limits.
- Technical skills and knowledge meet the required level of competency.
- Behaviour indicates that situational awareness is maintained.
- Flight management skills are effective.
- Safety of flight is maintained. Risk is acceptably mitigated.
2 Basic Standard
- Major deviations from the qualification standards occur, which may include momentary excursions beyond prescribed limits but these are recognized and corrected in a timely manner.
- Performance includes deviations that detract from the overall performance, but are recognized and corrected within an acceptable time frame.
- Aircraft handling is performed with limited proficiency and/or includes momentary deviations from specified limits.
- Technical skills and knowledge reveal limited technical proficiency and/or depth of knowledge.
- Behaviour indicates lapses in situational awareness that are identified and corrected.
- Flight management skills are effective but slightly below standard.
- Safety of flight is not compromised. Risk is poorly mitigated.
1 Below Standard
- Unacceptable deviations from the qualification standards occur, which may include excursions beyond prescribed limits that are not recognized or corrected in a timely manner.
- Performance includes deviations that adversely affect the overall performance, are repeated, have excessive amplitude, or for which recognition and correction are excessively slow or nonexistent, or the aim of the task was not achieved.
- Aircraft handling is rough or includes uncorrected or excessive deviations from specified limits.
- Technical skills and knowledge reveal unacceptable levels of technical proficiency and/or depth of knowledge.
- Behaviour indicates lapses in situational awareness that are not identified or corrected.
- Flight management skills are ineffective.
- Safety of flight is compromised. Risk is unacceptably mitigated.
Further Reference:
Flight Test Guides
