As an instructor,one of my favorite tricks is to set the altimeter
about 800ft low before the student gets in. The student inviably
turns the knob 200ft to minus 600ft, 1000ft lower than our field.
Then I keep asking how things look. Gets'em every time! The
lesson: Believe your eyes over the instruments!

On Apr 29, 7:59*pm, Michael wrote:
Hi all,

My checkride is a long way off, but this evening I read the PTS for
Gliders for the first time. *I noticed this section:

"Use of Distractions During Practical Tests
Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the
pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight. To
evaluate the applicant’s ability to utilize proper control technique
while dividing attention both inside and/or outside the cockpit, the
examiner shall cause a realistic distraction during the flight portion
of the practical test to evaluate the applicant’s ability to divide
attention while maintaining safe flight."

Obviously, the Examiner isn't going to do anything dangerous, but what
sorts of distractions have people encountered? *It is obvious when the
distraction occurs....or is it something subtle?

--Michael