Blog

Updated Sep 5, 2024

1. Aircraft Knowledge

The aircraft you present for your check ride plays a central role in the examination. Whether you're using a rented aircraft or your own, it’s your responsibility to ensure all required maintenance has been completed and properly signed off. While you're not accountable for performing the maintenance on a rented aircraft, you must verify that it's airworthy before the test. Having this information neatly presented to the examiner can significantly shorten the check ride process, allowing more time to focus on your flying abilities.

• Maintenance Documentation: Before the examiner arrives, ensure that the aircraft has up-to-date inspections, including annual, 100-hour (if applicable), and airworthiness directives. Present this information confidently to the examiner to demonstrate your thoroughness.
• Pre-Flight Inspection: A detailed pre-flight inspection before the examiner’s arrival is critical. This includes ensuring the aircraft is properly fueled for at least a 3-hour flight plus reserves, which will keep the process moving smoothly. Having a backup plan—such as another aircraft available—will ensure that your check ride isn't delayed in case of an unexpected maintenance issue.
• System Familiarity: Be ready to discuss and demonstrate the functionality of all key aircraft systems, from avionics to fuel, electrical, and landing gear systems. This shows not only your operational competence but also your attention to detail, a vital trait for any pilot.

2. Organization

The organizational aspects of your check ride can set the tone for the entire process. The initial stages of the Practical Test involve the examiner verifying that you and the aircraft meet all regulatory requirements. This includes checking your credentials, logbook, endorsements, and the necessary aircraft documents such as maintenance records and inspections. If you're well-organized, this portion can be streamlined significantly.

• Logbook Preparation: Ensure your logbook is meticulously organized. Tag or highlight the required flight times for your certification, as this will allow the examiner to quickly verify that you meet the experience requirements. It’s also helpful to have endorsements from your instructor clearly marked.
• Aircraft Documents: Presenting required aircraft documents—such as the airworthiness certificate, registration, operating limitations, and weight & balance sheet—in a logical sequence demonstrates your preparedness. This will impress the examiner and reduce the time spent on these checks.
• Flight Plan and Weather Briefings: In addition to your logbook and aircraft documents, be ready with a detailed flight plan and weather briefing. Having this information well-organized not only shortens the ground portion of the check ride but also reflects your readiness to handle real-world flight scenarios.

3. Performance

Understanding your aircraft’s performance characteristics is another key area the examiner will evaluate. Whether you’re flying from a performance-challenged airport or operating in hot or high-altitude conditions, you must be able to calculate and discuss how these factors impact your flight.

• Performance Calculations: Be prepared to walk the examiner through the aircraft’s performance charts. Demonstrating that you know how to calculate takeoff and landing distances, climb performance, and fuel consumption for different conditions will show that you’re ready for real-world flying.
• High/Hot Operations: If your test includes operating from a high-altitude or hot environment, be ready to discuss the effects on your aircraft's performance. Know how to adjust your takeoff and landing distances, as well as climb rates, based on these challenging conditions. Crosswind Landings: Be prepared to perform and explain crosswind landings, as they are a common component of the check ride. Understanding wind correction techniques and being able to adjust your approach accordingly is essential.

4. Weight & Balance

Weight and balance calculations are crucial for safe flight operations. Incorrect calculations can lead to unsafe flying conditions, so it’s important to have a thorough understanding of how weight and balance affect your aircraft’s performance.

• Accurate Calculations: Ensure your weight and balance calculations are precise and neatly organized. These should be presented in a clear format for the examiner to quickly review. Understand the aircraft’s maximum gross weight and how changes in loading—such as fuel burn or adding passengers—impact the center of gravity (CG).
• Adjusting for Real-Life Scenarios: In real-world flying, last-minute changes often occur, such as a shift in passenger seating or baggage adjustments. Be prepared to make quick, accurate recalculations on check ride day, as this demonstrates both your adaptability and your understanding of safe aircraft operations.
• Impact of Weight & Balance on Flight Characteristics: Be conversant in how an aft or forward CG affects the aircraft’s stability, control, and performance. You should be able to explain how improper weight distribution could impact the aircraft's handling during takeoff, landing, and in-flight maneuvers.

Skyfarer Academy: Your Partner in Check Ride Success

At Skyfarer Academy, we are dedicated to helping you succeed in every step of your aviation journey. Whether you need one-on-one instruction, guidance on aircraft knowledge, or assistance with logbook organization, we are here to support you. Our experienced instructors provide tailored sessions that help you master the skills and knowledge necessary to pass your check ride with confidence.

By focusing on Aircraft Knowledge, Organization, Performance, and Weight & Balance—and with the expert support from Skyfarer Academy—you’ll be equipped for success. Get in touch with our flight instructors to schedule your live online training, and make sure your check ride day is a triumph!