Welcome to the official website of Ryan Ferguson, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. I hope you will find this site to be a valuable resource in your journey towards whichever aviation goals you may be pursuing. Further, I would like to personally invite you to reach out with any questions you may have regarding pilot certification or any topic related to aviation safety. Safe Flights! -Ryan
Learjet Down
In "Learjet Down" we look at a tragic accident which offers many high-level lessons to pilots of GA aircraft. READ MORE
What the ACS is really trying to tell you
By understanding how evaluators use the ACS, you can better prepare yourself for your practical test. Follow along as we break down the ACS to its central underpinnings. READ MORE
The Importance of Accurate Flight Planning
The importance of accurate pre-flight planning cannot be overstated. How important is this task beyond the private pilot practical test? Let's take a look at the pilotage and dead reckoning task and... READ MORE
Untangling the Knots
TAS, IAS, CAS? Aircraft performance? AFM? Walk through them from a checkride perspective. READ MORE
Multiengine takeoffs
On takeoff, regardless of the weather, the pilot's attention needs to be focused purely on the task at hand. A quick, but sure and smooth reaction is required in the event of... READ MORE
The “Secret Sauce” of VFR charts
Most pilots know the basics of VFR charts such as sectionals or TACs (Terminal Area Charts). "Landmarks, airports, navaids, airspace. Got it." But there's a lot more under the hood. READ MORE