New FAA regulations require all pilots of experimental-exhibition jet warbirds to have a proficiency checkride from an FAA examiner by October 31, 2012 to legally carry passengers. Greg Morris is an FAA Pilot Proficiency Examiner (PPE) in the L-29 and L-39 and can accomplish this check at your location in your jet, or at the Chicago Aurora airport in Gauntlet Warbirds' L-39 or your aircraft.

The recent changes to FAR part 61.58 require pilots of Experimental-Exhibiton jets (EEJs) to have a checkride once a year if they want to carry passengers in their jet. This checkride can only be given by an FAA Experimental Aircraft Examiner (EAE) or a PPE. You only have to do a checkride in one EEJ per year and it resets your currency in all of the EEJs on your license.

The checkride itself will be very similar to your initial type rating ride with an oral exam and flight check, however you cannot fail a 61.58 ride. If there are areas that require additional work your examiner can switch roles to become an instructor, assist with improving any areas that are required, and then fly with you again to complete the checkride.

Gauntlet offers three different options to complete your checkride, you can fly our L-39 at Aurora, you can bring your jet to Aurora and accomplish the checkride there, or you can have Greg come to your location to fly your jet. If you fly Gauntlet's L-39 at Aurora there is no additional examiner fee, just pay the normal rate to rent the aircraft. If you bring your jet to Aurora the examiner fee is $500 for the checkride, and if you want Greg to come to your location to fly the fee is $750 for the checkride, $375 per day for any additional travel days, and expenses.

E-mail Greg Morris today to schedule your checkride at flightops@gauntletwarbirds.com