Which of the following is NOT a method a flight instructor can use to assess piloting ability?

The correct answer is that informal surveys are not typically a method used by flight instructors to assess piloting ability. While informal surveys can gather general feedback or opinions about a student's experience, they do not provide a structured or objective measure of a student's practical flying skills or competencies.

In contrast, methods like review, written tests, and collaborative assessments are more formal and structured techniques that can effectively evaluate a student pilot's knowledge and skills. Reviews offer instructors the opportunity to discuss flight maneuvers and performance with students, reinforcing learning and addressing specific areas of difficulty. Written tests assess a student’s understanding of aeronautical knowledge, regulations, and safety, which are crucial components of flight training. Collaborative assessment involves multiple instructors or peers providing input on a student's performance, fostering a more comprehensive evaluation through varied perspectives.

Therefore, informal surveys lack the rigor and specificity needed to accurately assess a student's piloting ability, making them unsuitable for formal assessment in flight instruction.