Checkride Checklist
Everything we do in aviation starts with a checklist. Your preflight, engine start, and before takeoff routines all follow a few steps to get you going.
Why should your checkride be any different? Use this page as a starting reference to make sure you are fully prepared when we meet.
1. Before We Meet:
2. Pre-Checkride Audit
Once you've scheduled your practical test with me, you'll receive a confirmation email with additional checkride details and information. This is important to ensure you are properly prepared for our meeting.
Here is what I need you to prepare to assist in our discussion and flight:
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Weight and Balance
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Takeoff and Landing Distances
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Weather Briefing
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Cross Country Flight
In your confirmation email, you will also receive a link to my Pre-Checkride Audit. This form is to be completed at least 24 hours prior to our meeting time. This is to ensure your logbook endorsements and required XC flight training are correct. I prefer to catch any issues before we meet! I also expect your IACRA application is submitted and signed by your recommending instructor by this time.
3. Checkride Day:
The checkride experience can undoubtedly be a stressful day. It is my goal as a fellow pilot to make sure you have a relaxed and welcoming environment to show off your skills. It is my job to observe, and it is your job to show me you can fly safely, legally, and proficiently.
Here is what we'll do:
Pre-Test Briefing (~10-15 min)
First, we will review your airman application (IACRA), required documents, endorsements, and logbooks to determine eligibility for the checkride. We'll also ensure the airplane is airworthy. Your instructor is invited and encouraged to join this portion, especially in the case we need further action on paperwork.
Ground Portion/Oral Exam (~1.5-2.0 hrs)
Conversation about a given flight scenario and application of knowledge and risk management topics listed in the PTS or ACS for that rating. During this portion, I will be using my Plan of Action and taking some notes. This isn't a bad thing! It is simply to ensure a better post-flight briefing.
Pre-Flight Briefing (~5-10 min)
During this briefing, we will discuss the plan for the flight. This will likely follow your preassigned scenario until otherwise noted. We will also discuss topics such as proper transfer of controls, your role as PIC, and what happens if a certain task is unsatisfactory. This is an important briefing to make sure we are on the same page before we take flight together.
Flight Portion (~1.5-2.0 hrs)
Flight to demonstrate required maneuvers, tasks, and areas listed in the PTS or ACS for that rating. The flight will follow my Plan of Action and your preassigned scenario. You can expect that we will most likely remain with 25-30NM of the departure airport and will visit one other airport.
Post-Flight Briefing (~10-15 min)
During this debrief, we will review the outcome of the practical exam. We will also take a look back at the different items of the ground and flight portion. I will complete the appropriate paperwork based on the outcome: Temporary Airman Certificate, Notice of Disapproval, or Letter of Discontinuance. Your instructor is invited and encouraged to join this portion as well.
Examiner Tips
Special Emphasis Areas
4. Don't Forget:
Showing up prepared on the day of your checkride is very important. Your flight instructor will adequately prepare you for your checkride but it is still important to remember a few items to make things go smoothly.
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SIGNED Pilot Certificate (Student or Pilot)
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Valid Medical
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Valid Government Issued Photo ID
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Pilot Logbook with Applicable Endorsements
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Knowledge Test Report (Original)
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Completed IACRA Application (24 hrs prior)
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FTN and Login Information for IACRA
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Aircraft Logbooks, Documents, Manuals
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Checkride Fee
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Additional Reference Items
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FAR/AIM, Sectional, iPad, etc.
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Three Possible Outcomes
Discontinue
The entire checkride could not be completed due a circumstance (weather, aircraft mechanical, etc). You will be issued a discontinuance (NOT A FAIL!) and we will reschedule the remainder of the checkride for a later time. Must be within 60 days or complete exam must be restarted.
Pass
A Temporary Airmen Certificate will be issued. This will serve as your pilot certificate for a maximum of 120 days from issuance. If you have not received your permanent certificate and the 120 days is approaching, contact the DPE.
Disapproval
A portion of the checkride did not meet PTS or ACS standards for completion. You will be required to receive additional training from a CFI on the area(s). Must be within 60 days or complete exam must be restarted. Only the deficient areas will need to be evaluated.