KC Aero Academy

KC Aero Academy is a FAA part 61 Flight Academy located at Tampa North Airpark (X39) In Lutz FL. Come check us out!

We specialize in flight training with a structured part 141 approach with part 61 flexibility.

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

How to start a checkride the wrong way

As a private pilot applicant taxied toward the active runway, he casually rested his throttle hand in his lap. Unbeknownst to him, the throttle was set at nearly 1,300 RPM — extremely high for taxiing on a level surface by Cirrus standards.

Compounding the situation was a strong tailwind, which significantly increased the aircraft’s groundspeed. The DPE observed the applicant “riding the brakes” and applying occasional hard braking to keep the speed below the recommended maximum taxi speed of 20 knots.

As the Cirrus approached the runway, a yellow BRAKE OVERHEAT annunciation illuminated on the PFD. The examiner instructed the applicant to reduce the throttle to idle and remove his feet from the brakes.

A Notice of Disapproval was issued.

Takeaway: The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook states that “taxi speed should be slow enough that the airplane is controlled primarily with power, not brakes.”

Fly safe, friends ✈️