1. Introduction

• This document covers the FW Solo Pilot Competency test.
• Safety is the highest priority. The objective of all competency related matters is to achieve the highest levels of safety and performance.
• This test performed by a pilot of higher competency level, all paid up RCASA members on good standing.
• The pilot is allowed to land for battery replacement or refuelling.
• The pilot can use the craft of his choice within the applicable class.
• Only 1 flight required, landing for refuelling or battery replacement allowed.
• Any action that is seen as a breach of safety in any way, will result in a complete NYC of this test.

2. Expected outcome
The pilot must show competency in the following:
a. Oral questions
100% Competent is expected on the following questions

i. Which Organisation controls RSA airspace? (CAA)
ii. What is the maximum weight allowed for a fixed wing craft? (35kg)
iii. What is the maximum weight allowed for a rotary wing craft? (6.5kg)
iv. What is the maximum noise level allowed? (96 dBA at 3m)
v. What must you do in case any Full-Size craft approaches the field? (Opposite direction, lower and land)
vi. Where can you find the fly and no-fly zones at the RCASA venue? (Club Notice Boards, Safety Officer on duty)
vii. What is most important when starting up? (Start in designated area, taking care of prop wash/blast. Ensure no-one in front or behind aircraft)
viii. What must you do before take-off and landing? (Shout out! “TAKE OFF or LANDING”)
ix. What must you do in the case of Dead stick or any unwanted response or problems? (Shout out! “DEAD STICK” and step forward)

b. Pre-flight checks
100% Competent is expected on the following questions
Ask the pilot to perform a complete pre-flight check and look for the following:

i. Check all is fastened, engine and movable parts, complete check
ii. Check all battery levels, craft, radio, all.
iii. Ensure it is safe and correct switch on sequence, radio first then craft.
iv. Perform radio check and check all radio inputs produce the desirable reactions on the craft, ie Rudder direction, etc.
v. Ask the pilot to show his Dual Rates/Expo settings on his transmitter.
vi. Ask the pilot to show and prove “fail safe” is setup and working correct per setup.
vii. Start/test the engine. Observe if pilot ensure it is safe in front and behind him and is craft, start at the designated area if applicable

c. Flight test
70% Competent results are expected on the following manoeuvres

• The pilot must be always in control during handling, starting, and flying of his craft.
• The pilot must never fly over the people present or “wrong side or close side” of the runway.

i. Show competency in take-off and landing without running off the runway.
ii. Fly a horizontal figure 8 as 2 intersecting circles, testing his capability on up and down wind throttle control to achieve a symmetric figure eight, crossing at the same place whilst maintaining height.
iii. Fly inverted for at least 5 seconds whilst maintaining height and direction.
iv. Cut the throttle to idle at any time and perform a controlled approach at idle when he is asked to do so.
v. Perform 2 axial rolls on the centre.
vi. Perform 2 inside loops as a circle starting from low to high, ending in the start position.
vii. Be able to approach from all 4 directions, without landing but maintaining low speed and altitude whilst flying over the length of the runway.
viii. Land against the wind, the test is completed

3. Additional Notes

• Do a de-briefing pointing out all positive and negative aspects from the test and results.
• Discuss any findings in a positive manner.
• All tests to be logged on the RCASA portal, C and NYC for good record keeping.