Iâll try to condense this as much as possible. I recieved some great advice for the oral portion while I was training:
Answer the questions before they ask - when the exam starts and the questions begin, try to anticipate what the next question will be and go ahead and answer that question, and then keep going.
Example:
Examiner: âAre you ready?â
Reply: âYes, my class (insert 1, 2, or 3) medical is up to date, I satisfy all necessary currency requirements (list them. i.e landings within preceding 90 days, go ahead and mention that your bi-annual flight review is not applicable, etc.), mention that you got enough sleep, you havenât had a drink within the preceding 8 hours, and talk about the other relevant âfit to flyâ condistions. Then move directly into your flight plan - weather at departure, arrival, en-route. Mention how the weather qualifies for VFR, talk about the relevant airspaceâs youâll be in, the nav-aids (mention that your instruments have been checked and are current),âŚ
I think you can see where Iâm going with this. I tried my best to do this on each of my check rides - and it was a great way to set the tone early and show that you are prepared and in control. It will help you direct the conversation (which it should be more of a conversation than an oral examination), and will most likely cut down the time and need for the examiner to start really grilling you. They will inevitably ask questions while youâre going through your well rehearsed speech, but youâll be able to quickly answer those questions if youâve studied the book in the previous reply, and then dive right back into your planned out discussion to keep it all rolling along smoothly.