Check-ride Advice

How should I prepare for my FAA practical test (check-ride)?

 

It’s completely normal to feel nervous and stressed before a check-ride. To help calm your nerves, be well-prepared. You’ll find that thorough preparation will help reduce your stress.

 

Preparing means many things:

-Mentally preparing for the oral evaluation by studying the ACS, FAR/AIM, POH/AFM, AFH, and other resources.

-Physically preparing by being well rested and hydrated (IMSAFE).

-Dress comfortably (and properly) for the check-ride. A tuxedo or ball gown will not improve your performance.

-Arrive ahead of time, especially if you are flying to another airport for the check-ride

 

The check-ride has three main sections: Administration, Ground, and Flight

Each section must be satisfactory to move to the next section.

1) Administration- during this time, the DPE will need to confirm that you the applicant, and the airplane are qualified to take the practical test for the certificate sought

   -Ensure you bring your government issued photo id, student pilot certificate, current medical, view limiting device (foggles), current aeronautical charts/diagrams/supplements, and current FAR/AIM. HIGHLY recommend tabbing your pilot logbook for the required hours and endorsements

   -Ensure you bring the aircraft maintenance logbook that includes the documents that prove airworthiness (AV1ATE). HIGHLY recommend going thru the maintenance logbooks with the a CFI, or owner, and tabbing the required inspections.

 

Once this section is complete, the DPE will discuss the ground section.

 

There are 3 outcomes of the test.

A Pass is a Temporary Airman Certificate

A “Time Out” is a Letter of Discontinuance

A Fail is a Notice of Disapproval

More on this in a moment.

 

2) Ground- this is the oral evaluation of your knowledge. You can expect to be asked at a minimum 1 Knowledge, 1 Risk, and all Skills in each Task of the ACS, Area of Operation I Preflight Preparation (Example: Task A. Pilot Qualifications) and all deficiencies from your AKTR. Perfection is not the standard. This section takes about an hour or so, depending on your answer quality.  

 

Once this section is complete, the DPE will brief the flight section.

 

More details on the three possible outcomes:

A Pass is a Temporary Airman Certificate. A DPE must issue a Temporary Airman Certificate if you satisfactorily complete the ground and flight portion within ACS standards. The paper is good for 120 days while you wait for your well-deserved plastic permanent certificate.

A “Time Out” is a Letter of Discontinuance. You as the applicant have control over the ground and flight and may elect to pause/time-out/discontinue at any time. Why would you do this? If you or the DPE aren’t feeling well, if the winds or weather are beyond FAR or your personal weather minimums, or maybe the airplane isn’t operating normally, or another reason you don’t feel comfortable continuing, you may discontinue. This is not a fail. You will gain credit for satisfactorily completed items for 60 days.

A Fail is a Notice of Disapproval. If ACS standards are exceeded or you make decisions that are too risky or dangerous the result will be a fail, or a Notice of Disapproval. You will gain credit for satisfactorily completed items for 60 days.

 

3) Flight- this is the last portion of the practical test and is an evaluation of your ability to operate an aircraft in the national airspace. The grading criteria is directly out of the ACS. Perfection is not the standard.

 

No matter which outcome you reach, your DPE will discuss what it means, and the timelines associated with the outcome.

 

That's my advice! Best of Luck!

           

If you trust a robot’s advice more than a human, here is what ChatGPT says:

1. **Know the ACS:** Familiarize yourself with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Private Pilot.
2. **Study Materials:** Review your pilot’s handbook, textbooks, and any notes.
3. **Flight Experience:** Ensure all required flight hours are logged and your skills are proficient.
4. **Oral Exam Prep:** Prepare for the oral exam by practicing with a CFI or using study guides.
5. **Flight Planning:** Be ready to demonstrate and explain flight planning and navigation.
6. **Aircraft Familiarity:** Know your aircraft’s systems, performance, and limitations thoroughly.
7. **Emergency Procedures:** Be confident in handling emergency scenarios.
8. **Documentation:** Have all necessary documents organized, including logbooks, endorsements, and medical certificate.