Stage checks—they’re not just for training

These mid-course and end-of-course evaluation points help us to achieve perfection and help assure a high checkride pass rate.

Stage checks are required in a FAR Part 141 pilot course, and, while not a requirement for FAR Part 61 courses, they are nevertheless a good operating practice. Many flight schools conducting flight training under FAR Part 61 and especially freelance instructors do not include stage check lessons. 

The value of the private pilot pre-solo stage check is obtaining a second opinion that the student is safe and competent for solo flight. This has legal benefits should there be an accident or incident. It applies to other stage checks, such as pre-solo cross-country and end-of-course stage checks, as well. Instrument rating and commercial pilot courses have milestone points to be evaluated. The stage check is an evaluation not only of student progress, but also of the instruction received. It is an assessment point for continuous improvement at the individual level and for the flight school at large. It also exposes students to flying with someone in the right seat other than their friendly flight instructor.

The marketing value of the stage check is often overlooked. It should be pointed out on initial contact with a perspective student, parent, or spouse the professionalism of the flight school that follows a training syllabus with stage checks to assure safety and a high pass rate on the FAA examination. A detailed syllabus assures the required training elements and tasks are appropriately accomplished, and stage checks monitor the content and quality of the flight training. This is a selling point for your flight school that should not be disregarded. It makes a big difference when people are shopping for flight training and you have the best-looking program.

The best-looking flight school means offering training that will save time and money by being thoroughly monitored for quality control. Recently a student commented that a good friend failed his private pilot checkride. and now he understands why the flight school he is using conducts stage checks. It definitely helps assure a higher pass with FAA designated pilot examiners. You would be surprised how far students are willing to travel when they believe your flight school has its act together and is therefore the best bargain in the long run.

Since we are in the business of acquiring and keeping students, there may be a negative effect with some students if the stage check is unsatisfactory. It may be wise with some student personalities who have stage check deficiencies to use the phrase “incomplete until additional training is accomplished” rather than “unsatisfactory.” The purpose of the stage check is to evaluate and improve pilot training. The stage check should be conducted as a positive event for pilot training and marketing.

Ed Helmick has been a flight instructor since 1988. He formerly managed a flight school in Spanish Fork, Utah, as well as schools in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Honolulu, Hawaii.