Title:
Tips for Preparing for Your Practical Test
Topic:
Straight Talk from DPE Jim Higgins
Speaker(s):
Jim Higgins, DPE
Brief Description:
It’s the day that every pilot awaits; the practical test. For most, the FAA Practical Test is viewed as a terrifying but necessary right of passage. A DPE must test each student thoroughly on their aviation knowledge, control and mastery of the aircraft, and risk awareness and judgment. Even if the student has been perfectly prepared by their instructor, the check ride is still the unknown and a point of concern. Let’s change that. With a guided look in the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards document, any student pilot can better understand what standards they will be held to and how to ace their check ride.
San Carlos Flight Center invites local DPE Jim Higgins to help applicants understand what can be expected during a practical test and learn what they can do to be prepared and confident on their big day.
Jim Higgins is a DPE in the San Jose FSDO with 35 years and 10,000 hours of CFI, Charter and Airline experience. He splits his time between giving check rides and flight instructing as a CFI at KSQL and KPAO.
Select Number:
WP15141010
Location of Seminar:
San Carlos Flight Center
795 Skyway Rd
Suite A
San Carlos, CA 94070
Directions to Venue:
The seminar will be in-person at the San Carlos Flight Center, 795 Skyway Road, Suite A in San Carlos. San Carlos Flight Center is on the southwest side of the airport and there are no transient aircraft parking spots on the field other than the Transient Parking adjacent to the SQL Terminal Building. If you plan to fly in for the event, please be aware that we have no parking spots and that you’ll need to walk 0.7 miles around the airport from airport Transient Parking to our offices.
Seating:
50
seats at the facility,
23
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the San Francisco Bay Area’s most vibrant and innovative flying club, dedicated to advancing general aviation through safety, community, and adventure. Recognized by AOPA in their annual Best Flight School survey, SCFC has earned the title of Distinguished Flight School four years in a row, including in 2024, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
As part of its mission to promote safety in general aviation, SCFC hosts regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. These seminars are free to attend in person at our San Carlos facility. Members also enjoy exclusive access to live-streamed events and a comprehensive online library featuring over 500 recorded safety seminars. For more information about membership or online access, visit our website or contact an SCFC Member Services Representative at (650) 946-1700.
Acknowledgment of Sponsors
SCFC thanks our industry sponsors for their generous support, which helps make these educational programs possible. Their contributions play a vital role in advancing safety and knowledge within the aviation community.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-person Safety Outreach to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents:
