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LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 18th, 2010, 5:58 pm
by Robert_Greenwood
Hello All,

I am told the Proficiency Scheme is equal to the B test, is this true?

Would it be advised to do my B cert First?.... :?:

Cheers

Rob

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 18th, 2010, 8:29 pm
by Nick Reeves 3055
i'm sure others will have their own opinions but.......

i did my A and B tests a 'few' years ago, and sat my proficiency test last year. having sat them both i would say go for the b first and then go for the proficency. the reasons for this is that i think the B test is geared for more advanced flying than the A (obvious really) but in a much more controlled and safe manner. the lma proficiency test is all of this but also includes more elements for 'display' flying. i got the impression that if your sitting the lma test, you can already fly safely. but what is wanted is demonstration of being able to deal with situations other than just flying the model. the caller for the test is also a very important part too so if you haven't already got one get a flying pal to call for you while your flying and make him talk to you non stop about whats going around you so you can concertrate on the flying, and let him/her be another pair of eyes for you

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 18th, 2010, 8:37 pm
by Bob Thompson1894
Nick Reeves 3055 wrote:i'm sure others will have their own opinions but.......

i did my A and B tests a 'few' years ago, and sat my proficiency test last year. having sat them both i would say go for the b first and then go for the proficency. the reasons for this is that i think the B test is geared for more advanced flying than the A (obvious really) but in a much more controlled and safe manner. the lma proficiency test is all of this but also includes more elements for 'display' flying. i got the impression that if your sitting the lma test, you can already fly safely. but what is wanted is demonstration of being able to deal with situations other than just flying the model. the caller for the test is also a very important part too so if you haven't already got one get a flying pal to call for you while your flying and make him talk to you non stop about whats going around you so you can concertrate on the flying, and let him/her be another pair of eyes for you

Big help here is make sure your caller has his prof. That way he knows what is needed.

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 18th, 2010, 10:16 pm
by Simon Willey
I used a caller that did not have his LMA but is a BMFA examiner. He is also a really good flyer and our club safety officer. He also happens to be my flying partner. With out him I could not have passed the test . He was just as important in me passing as I was.
If you get your B then you will have the flying skills needed . I found my test was all about safety in a show situation. Well worth doing and I am really glad I did it. I also met some really great people at the same time.

Simon

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 18th, 2010, 10:38 pm
by Robert_Greenwood
Thank you for the advice, i think i will go for my B then the Proficiency test....been playing with the b exam so will carry on....

Didn't realise that you needed a partner so much on the flight line :)

I normally have someone help out and call bits out but didn't know you needed one to have to pass your test....

Thanks guys...:)

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 19th, 2010, 12:36 pm
by Barry Bennett
I don't believe there is any corellation at all between the B test and the prof test. The B test consists of a seies of well executed aerobatics, together with a well deomstarated safty awareness, which includes some in depth questions on saftey. A LMA prof. test may be taken with a model that is not capable of the aeroobatics, eg a twin engine or multi engined model.If the prof .test is taken with large aerobatic model, eg CAP or Extra, the examiner may or may not want to see the B cert aeros.Just the safe flying and show demmo.
Many clubs now require a B cert for gas turbine flying, where a prof. cert will not satisfy.

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 19th, 2010, 4:57 pm
by Bob Thompson1894
You still ought to go for your Prof., Barry!
(this editing stuff is good, isnt it?) :twisted:

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 19th, 2010, 11:11 pm
by Barry Bennett
BOB ,The point of my post was that the B test is not equivalent to the Prof. cert..The B test also requires the pilot to fly perfect rectangular circuits maintaining constant height, and in both directions , and one direction not above 40ft. I passed the B test firstime, and in a cross wind.

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 12:24 am
by Bob Thompson1894
Barry Bennett wrote:BOB ,The point of my post was that the B test is not equivalent to the Prof. cert..The B test also requires the pilot to fly perfect rectangular circuits maintaining constant height, and in both directions , and one direction not above 40ft. I passed the B test firstime, and in a cross wind.

You are right in that it is nothing like the B test, Barry, it tests different things. There is still nothing stopping you taking you prof.

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 9:17 am
by Chris Lane
Go for the "B" test. My Greenley has been sitting finished and unflown for two years because my home club won't allow me to fly it even with a "B" holder on a buddy box because I myself don't have a "B". . . . . . . .

My Hostetler Cessna 150 is similarly dormant although externally complete as there is no point in working on it at present.

Chris Lane

Re: LMA Proficiency Scheme

Posted: January 20th, 2010, 9:26 am
by Robert_Greenwood
Thanks for your responses, the B test it is.

Up until the back end of last year i was getting ready for the B test, I just need the weather to change so i can get back out and practice.....:)

Need to book a date to work too.....:)

I also now have a nice LMA trainer to do my test on.....yay!! :)