The Part 141 Instrument Rating course requires a proficiency check after every stage of training. There are a total of three stage checks and a final end-of-course check. The Part 141 course also mandates a strict order of lessons, so one cannot begin the next stage before completing the previous stage check.
I had been waiting for the first stage check for three days due to the examiner’s availability and weather, and finally flew it today.
In reality, it should not be daunting: it is not a checkride, and the instructor should not sign off the student if they are not ready. However, it is still a little nerve-wracking.
The student should perform the following maneuvers: steep turns, stalls, standard rate turns, climb and descend at a defined rate, unusual attitude recovery, takeoff, and landing. As a bonus, we also made one GPS approach, the first one in my life.
Our chief pilot, who was my stage check examiner today, is a former fighter pilot. It is a pleasure to fly unusual attitude recovery with him! I will undoubtedly ask him about spin recovery training someday :)
We flew for only one hour, which seemed to me to be at least two. Now I can move on!