Ace Your Checkride with Expert Guidance
Tailored 1-on-1 sessions with experienced CFIs to prepare you for success
Everything you need to know for your checkride.
Preparing for your checkride can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. From mastering the oral exam to confidently executing practical maneuvers, we have you covered.
Essential Oral Exam Topics:
Regulations, airspace, weather, and flight planning.
Practical Test Skills:
Maneuvers, emergency procedures, and performance calculations
Real-World Tips:
Insider advice on what Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) look for.
Save Time. Save Money. Pass with Confidence.
Your checkride is a major step—$600 to $1,200 for Private Pilot. Fail the oral or practical exam, and not only will you pay again, but there are limited windows to complete checkride once you fail. A comprehensive checkride prep ensures you’re ready to pass the first time. Don’t leave it to chance.
Book yours todayCheckride Prep for Every Pilot Stage
What is a Checkride?
A checkride is the final practical test a pilot must pass to obtain a new certificate or rating. It evaluates a pilot's knowledge, skills, and decision-making ability in real-world flight scenarios.
1. Evaluation
A checkride consists of two parts—an oral exam where the pilot answers questions about aviation knowledge and a practical flight test where the pilot demonstrates flying skills under the supervision of a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
2. Standards-Based
The test follows the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS), depending on the certificate or rating. Pilots must meet specific performance criteria to pass.
3. Milestone in Training
Successfully completing a checkride marks a significant milestone in a pilot's journey, granting them the certificate or rating (e.g., Private Pilot, Instrument Rating) they’ve been working toward.
Pass Your Checkride: Things Every Pilot Needs to Know
Preparing for your checkride can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you’ll be ready to succeed. Here are 5 tips to help you pass with flying colors:
1. Know the Checkride Standards
The examiner follows the Practical Test Standards (PTS), which outline exactly what you’ll be tested on. Study the entire document, including "Special Emphasis Areas," as these will be evaluated every time.
2. Practice with a Mock Checkride
Ask your instructor to conduct a mock checkride, simulating the silence of a real exam. This helps you get comfortable with the process and ensures you’re ready for the maneuvers and procedures under test conditions.
3. Get Your Equipment and Documents Ready
Organization is key! Check that your airplane meets all maintenance requirements (annual inspection, VOR check, GPS database updates), and ensure you bring the correct documents, including any required checklists and examiner fees.
4. Know Your Airplane Inside and Out
Fly the airplane you’re most familiar with. Review its maintenance logs in advance, check its systems, and ensure everything is current. A last-minute equipment issue could derail your test day.
5. Stay Calm and Focused
The DPE is there to evaluate, not to trick you. If something doesn’t go as planned—like a landing approach—don’t hesitate to go around. Confidence, clear thinking, and good judgment will leave a positive impression.
Checkride FAQ
How is the checkride open book?
The checkride is not entirely open book, but during the oral exam, you are allowed to use FAA resources (e.g., FAR/AIM, charts, and the Pilot’s Handbook). The examiner expects you to know where to find answers quickly, demonstrating your ability to research and make decisions efficiently.
Can you use the Pilot’s Handbook on your checkride?
Yes, you can reference the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge or other FAA-approved materials during the oral portion of your checkride. However, relying too heavily on materials may indicate a lack of preparedness, so it’s best to know the content well.
What’s the window to complete a checkride if you fail?
If you fail a checkride, you have 60 days to complete the retest for the failed portion without having to repeat the sections you previously passed. After 60 days, you’ll need to redo the entire checkride.
Can I log my commercial checkride as solo time?
No, you cannot log your commercial checkride as solo time. During a checkride, the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is considered a required crewmember, so it does not meet the definition of solo flight.
Checkride Ready? Our Instructors Have You Covered!
Connor M.
ASEL & AMEL comm; CFII; Part 141 instructor
Hailey Z.
Commercial Airline Pilot; Gold Seal CFII
Daniel M.
Commercial pilot ASEL & AMEL, CFI, AGI
Inaia J.
Bilingual (English & Spanish) airline ground instructor
Dave K.
Graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Peter A.
Thousands mentored, decades of experience AGI
Tom L.
Active airline pilot and retired Navy flight instructor
Christian W.
With seven FAA certifications and ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI
Ryan K.
Teach ground instruction in Part 141 program
Pass Your Checkride with Confidence, Guaranteed!
Preparing for your checkride is a major milestone, and we’re here to ensure you feel 100% ready. If your first 1-on-1 session with our instructors doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll provide a full refund—no questions asked.
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