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FAA Checkride Preparation

Checkride Prep Guide

Checkride Prep Guide

You’ve completed all of your aeronautical experience requirements and your written exam. Now it’s on to the Practical Test (checkride)… but how do you prepare? You’re in luck! This page provides a step-by-step outline to preparing for your checkride oral exam. 

The FAA ACS is the outline of your upcoming Practical Test. Yes, you read that correctly, the FAA tells you exactly what you’ll be tested on! The ACS should be your primary study guide throughout your checkride preparation. 

Simply put, if you are knowledgeable on the Tasks and Elements in the ACS, and can apply them to real-world scenarios, you’ll be ready for the oral exam portion of your checkride.

The resources given here are for the Private Pilot level, but this process will serve you well for any FAA certificate or rating you might seek. 

Studying with the ACS

We encourage all candidates to do at least one line-by-line review of the ACS during their checkride preparation. Naturally, you’ll need a copy of the ACS. You can download a free copy or purchase a printed copy.

Let’s examine an ACS Task, ACS Task I. E., “National Airspace System” to see how to use the ACS to guide your studying.

At the top of each Task, the FAA provides us a set of References. For the Task of “National Airspace System,” these include 14 CFR parts 71, 91, 93; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts. You can find the 14 CFR items in your FAR/AIM or online at ecfr.gov. FAA-H-8083-2 is the FAA Risk Management Handbook. FAA-H-8083-3 is the Airplane Flying Handbook. FAA-H-8083-25 is the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. VFR Navigation Charts refers to VFR sectional charts. 

You’ll find that Tasks are broken down into Elements. Elements are either Knowledge Elements, Risk Management Elements, or Skill Elements.  

One Knowledge Element is “Chart  symbols.” To study for this Element, you will want to pull out a VFR sectional chart and quiz yourself (or have a study partner quiz you) on symbols you encounter on the chart. Use the chart legend or the FAA Chart User’s Guide to verify you’re correct.

The FAA also wants applicants to be familiar with Risk Management Elements. For this Task, you should be able to describe the risks you might encounter in “Various classes and types of airspace.” You might ask questions like “What risks are present in an active Military Operations Area (MOA), and how can I mitigate against these risks in my preflight planning?” You could consult the FAA Risk Management Handbook if you need more information on how to identify and mitigate against risks.

Skills require candidates to apply their knowledge to scenarios provided by the examiner. An example is to “Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.” Again, ask yourself questions like “Along this particular flight route, I might encounter multiple types of airspace. I see I will be in Class E, Class C, and Class B. At this particular point, I will be in Class E airspace. What are the required VFR cloud clearances and visibility minimums in this airspace?”

If you find that you want to explore an Element further, first consider reviewing the References listed in the ACS, then revisit your notes from ground school and/or one of the many supplementary resources listed below. 

FAA Reference Material

The checkride is an open-book test, so take advantage of this! Most people prefer printed copies of FAA reference materials, but searchable digital copies are acceptable. PDFs can be downloaded from the FAA website. You’re not expected to memorize these front to back, but you will want to be familiar with each volume and where to find information you may need. At minimum, you’ll want a copy of the FAR/AIM, the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), and the Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH).

The ASA FAR/AIMs contain a section (pictured at the top of this page) which gives relevant FAR/AIM sections to study for a given certificate. This can be used as a supplement to the ACS outline. 

If you choose to bring a printed copy of the FAR/AIM, many people find it useful to add colored tabs (or to purchase a pre-tabbed version) to help locate information quickly. Tabbing is not required but it does show a level of preparedness that many examiners appreciate. 

  • 2024 FAR/AIM – printed copy
  • 2024 FAR/AIM – printed copy with tab kit
  • FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Revision C – printed copy
  • FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Revision C – printed copy
Other items that may be useful include the following handbooks.
 

Your Ground School and Your CFI

Commercially produced ground schools represent the combined effort of numerous instructors, and are designed to package up difficult material in an easy-to-understand format. Take advantage of this and revisit your ground school material to help reinforce ACS Tasks and Elements you’re having a tough time with. 

Your CFI should be a resource for you during your preparation. They’re a familiar, trusted voice and they know how you learn best. They are also uniquely positioned to offer you in-person training. Sometimes, all it takes to grasp a topic is to connect it to a concrete, real-world example. Struggling with maintenance requirements? Ask your CFI to sit down with you and your airplane’s logbooks and go through the required inspections, maintenance entries, AD lists, etc. 

We also offer one-on-one ground instruction to existing clients. Please contact us to schedule a session.

Checkride Prep Books

Checkride prep books are best used to verify knowledge and fill in weak areas, rather than as primary study guides. The Hayes book, especially, goes into excruciating detail (one might argue it’s too much at times), but if you know the information in these books, you’ll be ready to answer most any question on a checkride. Each book contains a mix of scenario-based and recall-based questions. They’re great for practicing with a study partner or partners. Take turns asking each other questions from each section. 
 

Checkride Prep Podcasts / Audio

Long drive coming up? Put on one of these audio streams! Podcasts are a great way to get “in tune” with the material you may encounter during your checkride oral.

DPE Seth Lake breaks down the ACS (in the same manner we have done above) and explains how an examiner uses the ACS to administer a checkride. This series consists of several episodes.

DPE Jason Blair gives a mock checkride to podcast host Max Trescott. Max is already a certificated pilot and flight instructor, so his answers are more prompt and accurate than those of the average candidate!

Sam Tarrel, a.k.a. Northwest Aeronaut, has assembled a comprehensive series on the Private Pilot ACS. He does an excellent job explaining the ACS point-by-point, as well as tying in to real-world flying examples.

The FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Airplane Flying Handbook are available on Audible. Although the audio format removes some important illustrations and diagrams, they are still a useful listen. Note that these are the -B versions; the current version is -C. There are only minor differences in organization between the versions.
 
Rod Machado’s humor is unique, and you’ll either love or hate it. If you’re partial to dad jokes and silly puns, you’ll want to check out his material. Rod Machado’s Private/Commercial Pilot handbook is available in audiobook format. You’ll probably want to purchase both the audio book and the PDF copy so you can view the illustrations and diagrams.
 

Jason Schappert of MzeroA is another instructor who elicits strong reactions (both positive and negative) from students.  The book spans about two and a half hours of audio; not enough to comprehensively cover the entire ACS. However, he does provide some useful test-taking strategies and highlights several areas which examiners often emphasize.

 

Mock Checkride Videos

We feel like the best checkride prep videos are those which demonstrate the checkride process from start to finish, with actual candidates answering the questions. 

DPE Todd Shellnut has partnered with Gold Seal to make an excellent series of mock checkride videos. You can see candidates at different levels of readiness; and, in some cases, see how a DPE may navigate an exam with a candidate who has less-than-perfect knowledge. 

Here is an oldie-but-goodie; a candidate faces a very straightforward examiner, and gives good responses throughout.

And lastly, a mock checkride given by Mary Latimer, a former DPE, to a candidate, Megan, who does a good job of answering most questions.  The examiner, Mary, presents several scenarios and a range of questions ranging from very simple to quite complex. The only downside of this video is that the examiner did not conduct a thorough debrief with the candidate.

King Schools offers paid videos. We have found these to be of similar quality to the free videos listed above. If you are already a King Schools subscriber, they’re worth a look. 

These mock checkride videos illustrate the exam process, but aren’t a substitute for doing your own mock checkride; the situation is different when you’re having to answer questions! Additionally, our mock checkrides are typically more comprehensive than the oral exams portrayed in these videos.

Additional Materials

Several different “cheat sheets” are floating around the internet. These can be helpful if you learn well from expanded outlines. Use these in the same way you might use flash cards. 

One of the best at the Private Pilot level comes from Gold Seal. It’s also free.

Gold Seal Private Pilot Know-it-all

Several candidates we’ve worked with have liked the content from Backseat Pilot; this is more of an e-Book than a summary sheet. The cost is reasonable.

Backseat Pilot ACS Review

Create Your Checkride Binder

Each ACS has an applicant checklist which spells out the minimum items you must bring to your checkride. We strongly encourage candidates to create a checkride binder so these items are available in one spot for quick reference.

Your checkride binder should include the following sections:

  • Candidate Documents: Photocopies of your photo ID, student certificate, medical certificate.
  • Certificate Application: Application documents, including a printed copy of your IACRA form. A paper 8710-1 is not a bad idea, either. Make sure it is is properly signed by your instructor.
  • Knowledge Test Report: Paper version, and endorsement indicating completion of knowledge deficiency review. Typically, this endorsement is written on the test report. If your instructor puts it in your logbook, make a copy of it and include it with the knowledge test report.
  • Pilot Logbook Copies (optional): You are required to present your original logbook during the exam. Many students tab the appropriate sections for easy lookup. Making copies for the examiner to review is encouraged if your logbooks are electronic or difficult to decipher. You’ll want copies of logbook entries that demonstrate the required flights and hours to meet aeronautical experience requirements for the certificate you are seeking, as well as required endorsements. For Private Pilot, see 61.109.
  • Navigation Logs and Flight Plan: Completed navigation logs and VFR flight plan form for the scenario assigned by your examiner. You do not need to file the VFR flight plan for your checkride.
  • Preflight Briefing / Weather: Printed version of electronic preflight weather briefing or notes from call with FAA briefer. Don’t forget non-weather information like NOTAMs! You’re being asked to plan a flight in the same manner as you would in the real world, so make sure you get your briefing (or update your briefing) as close as possible to your checkride time. Make sure to update your nav log to include the most current winds aloft forecasts.
  • Aircraft Maintenance Records Copies (optional): You are required to have access to the airplane maintenance records during the checkride. Having photocopies of the required items in your binder can expedite this portion of the exam. Make copies of required maintenance records and inspections, e.g., AV1ATE items. 
  • Performance: Actual performance calculations should be made as part of your flight plan. You will want to bring your entire POH, but it’s not a bad idea to have copies of charts from your POH available for quick reference should your examiner ask you to calculate performance in an alternate scenario.
  • Weight and Balance: Completed weight and balance sheet for your aircraft, reflecting the loading scenario provided by the examiner. 
  • Airport Diagrams, Charts/Chart Excerpts, Procedures: If your flight plan requires you to fly to any airports where an airport diagram is available, print one out for discussion and reference. This includes your home airport! Likewise, if your flight plan takes you into congested airspace or if the flight plan will require any special procedures (arrival, departure, etc.), have a copy of these for discussion or reference. Bring the checkride binder aboard the aircraft, too. Your iPad with ForeFlight may be sufficient for your oral, but inevitably, it will “fail” during the flight portion, so you’ll be glad you have paper backups!
  • Personal Minimums List: Although you are not required to provide a written personal minimums list, it is likely that an examiner will ask about your personal minimums. Why not think about them beforehand and write them down?
  • Examiner’s Fee: Check with your examiner to see what method of payment they prefer. 
  • Anything else your examiner requires: Some DPEs will ask you to fill out their own forms or checklists. If you’re asked to complete one of these, do so!

The “Taking Flight” YouTube channel has a good “How to Make a Checkride Binder” video.

Here’s another applicant’s checkride binder video. Her binder contains several items not mentioned above. Although none of these additional items are strictly necessary, it’s easy to tell that she has thought out what sort of questions her examiner might ask and has attempted to bring all the information she can to the checkride.

Answer Strategies: Keep It Simple

When you’re in the checkride with your examiner, remember, keep it simple! Often, candidates, in their enthusiasm and/or nervousness to demonstrate that they are knowledgeable and prepared, will provide answers that are not specific to the question that has been asked. Try to keep your answers to the point. Here’s an example:

Your examiner holds up a pen and asks you “do you know what this is?” 

If you answer “Yes, I know what that is.” Great! Moving on to the next step.

Let’s say instead you answer “a ballpoint pen.” Well, perhaps it wasn’t a ballpoint pen. Now you’ve given an incorrect answer to what seemed like a simple question. And to top it off, after hearing that incorrect answer, the examiner might ask a series of follow-ups. “How can you tell it’s a ballpoint pen? How does it work? How is it different than other types of pens? What are the advantages to a ballpoint design? What kind of ink does it use? How long does that ink last?” 

For an aviation example, let’s look at the question “What is the required visibility for VFR in Class C airspace?” 

The answer is simple; “3 miles.” 

The examiner did not ask about cloud clearances, equipment requirements, communications requirements, or anything else about Class C airspace. By volunteering additional information, you’re increasing the chance that you make an error. If the examiner wants to test your knowledge of cloud clearances, they’ll ask you about cloud clearances in Class C airspace. 

This carries over to the flight portion of your checkride. If you are asked to perform a maneuver, perform that maneuver as your POH and the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook describe it, in accordance with the ACS or PTS standards. A checkride is not a place for “creative” or “experimental” flying. 

However, if you’re certain of your knowledge in a specific subject area, it may be to your advantage to provide more than was asked. 

For example, let’s say you’re asked to “Please describe the engine in your aircraft.” 

You might respond “It’s a Lycoming O-320-H2AD. It has four cylinders, carbureted, horizontally opposed, direct drive. The engine has 320 cubic inches of displacement, an 9.0:1 compression ratio, and runs off of 100 octane low-lead fuel. It produces 160 horsepower at 2,700 rpm. The H2AD suffix means that it has an integral accessory section crankcase, front mounted fuel pump, external mounted oil pump and D4RN-3000 impulse coupling dual magneto.”

At some point during your answer, your examiner is probably going to hold up his/her hand and say “Okay, I get it, you know this well, let’s go on to the next question.” It’s possible that this mastery of the engine system may preclude further questions about aircraft systems, or limit them to a quick spot check of your knowledge.

Answer Strategies: Clarify Ambiguities

It’s likely that not every question during your exam will be crystal clear. If you ever have any uncertainty about what your examiner is asking, you should ask them to provide clarification.

For example, if your examiner asks “What is the required VFR visibility for this airspace?” and points to a spot on the chart, you need more information to accurately answer! Even if they have indicated an area where there is Class B airspace, you need more information. Here’s why:

If you’re within the Class B, the VFR visibility requirement is 3 miles. But maybe the examiner is talking about above the Class B, or below it! The answer could then be 1 mile (Class G underneath the Bravo), 3 miles (Class E above or below the Bravo), or even 5 miles (Class E above the Bravo and above 10,000 feet msl)!

The same axiom of “ask if you’re not sure” applies during the flight portion of your exam. If you’re asked to perform a stall, you need to determine which kind of stall your examiner would like to see. A power-off stall is a very different maneuver than a power-on stall. If the examiner is expecting one and you do the other, that may be a basis for failure. 

The takeaway here is that when in doubt, ask for clarification!

Answer Strategies: Look It Up

Assuming you’ve studied sufficiently, many (most?) questions on your checkride should be familiar and the answers should come easily. However, you may be asked a few questions where you are not sure of the answer, or flat-out do not know it.

“I think I know, let me double-check to confirm” or “Not positive, but I do know where I can find it!”  are good answers in these situations.

You are allowed to consult FAA resources, your checkride binder, your POH, and even Google in a pinch. Use the resources available to you!

Remember, perfection is not the standard on a checkride. If you don’t know the answer, and still can’t find it in your books, admit it and make a note that you’ll research it further later. Do not under any circumstances try to outwit the examiner by making things up. That demonstrates a reckless attitude and is much more likely to result in failure than a few “I don’t knows.” 

Take a Mock Checkride

Okay, you’ve done your studying! Now, it’s time to verify your work with a mock checkride. That’s where we come in. We provide third-party mock checkrides to help you (and your instructor) assess whether you’re ready for your upcoming FAA Practical Test. 

We suggest taking a mock checkride with an instructor other than your own primary instructor approximately 7 to 14 days prior to your scheduled checkride date. If you find you are deficient in some areas during the mock checkride, this buffer provides sufficient opportunity to brush up. 

Students/candidates, here are ten reasons you should take a mock checkride. 

Are you a CFI? Here’s some information for CFIs about why you should send your students to another instructor for a mock checkride.

Schedule Your Own Mock Checkride Now!
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