Your Mock Checkride
Virtual meet-up
We’ll meet at the pre-agreed time via Zoom or other video-conferencing software (by arrangement). Make sure you’ve set up in an environment that’s comfortable and free from distractions. Prior to beginning the mock checkride, we will collect the remaining portion of the exam fee, if not paid in full at booking.
Time requirements
Our oral exams for Private and Sport are scheduled for 3.5 hours. Commercial exams are scheduled for 3.75 hours. CFI and CFI-Sport exams are scheduled for 4.5 hours. Occasionally, we run longer in a session. There is no charge for extra time. It’s our goal to get you the practice and feedback you need; we don’t watch the clock during appointments.
Our aim is to make our mock checkrides more challenging and more comprehensive than the corresponding average FAA checkride. We cannot cover every possible ACS/PTS task and element; it would take many, many hours, perhaps even days. Rather, we act in the way FAA examiners do. We test required ACS/PTS items, as well as some optional items, with a goal of assessing whether a candidate has the prerequisite knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge in a way that is appropriate for the certificate they seek.
Let's get you qualified
We want your mock checkride to be as realistic as possible. For this to work best, you’ll need to do a bit of work beforehand and collect your documents; here’s what to bring. Before we begin testing, we qualify you for the exam in the same way an examiner does. Items checked for Private include:
- Applicant has completed IACRA and has paper 8710 form as backup
- Applicant speaks English
- Applicant has proper identification
- Applicant has U.S. pilot certificate (student pilot)
- Applicant has current medical certificate or BasicMed
- Applicant meets age requirements
- Applicant has passed written exam and provided examiner with written test results
- Applicant has appropriate logbook endorsements for practical test, including training for knowledge test (ground training or home study), preparation for practical test, written retest after failure (if required), practical retesting after failure (if required), any other endorsements required by training environment or
- Log of flight AND ground training as required (see 61.107 for Private)
- Aeronautical experience (see 61.109(a) for Private)
- Aircraft suitability, including aircraft paperwork, required inspections, AD compliance, POH or AFM
If an applicant is found to not qualify based on a problem with one or more of the above items, it is noted (and mentioned in the debrief) but the mock checkride continues. We estimate that we see qualification issues with around half of our clients. In some cases, this is a function of where a client is in their training (hasn’t received final signoffs, still needs to complete a particular flight for experience, etc.). These are easily remedied. Other cases, such as missing endorsements, inadequate cross-country distances, etc. will need additional legwork to resolve prior to your actual checkride. We’ll tell you what you need to do to fix any issues we find.
IMPORTANT: if an applicant fails to qualify during an actual checkride appointment, the checkride will not start (and thus will not be logged as either a pass or failure). Most DPEs will charge a substantial fee (sometimes their entire fee) to cover their time spent meeting with an unqualified applicant. That’s an expensive mistake!
Mock FAA Practical Test
Once we’ve completed the qualification phase, we provide a briefing that explains how the test will take place, the assessment criteria, and the possible outcomes. We follow a Plan of Action, using the scenario provided to you as a guide for our discussion of the FAA ACS (or PTS, for some tests). The ACS (or PTS) is the guiding document for every FAA checkride, and we use it this way, too.
Calling this the “question-and-answer” phase doesn’t quite fit; it’s more of a discussion between two pilots about how to exercise your new certificate’s privileges safely and legally. We’re not looking to “grill” you and make you uncomfortable. We want to find out if you have the knowledge, skills, and risk management procedures you need for your new certificate.
Speaking of questions, during this discussion, you’ll receive questions and prompts that cover the ACS/PTS material. Some questions will be straightforward; some will require you to think critically, and some will spur you to dig deep into your aeronautical knowledge bank. Our goal isn’t to “stump” you – but rather, to give you an opportunity to practice with multiple types and difficulty levels of questions. Don’t worry, high achievers, we’ll have some tough topics in there for you.
We also make a point to cover deficient items from your written test, as examiners are required to ask about these areas. We often weave these questions into the scenario-based discussion.
When the oral exam concludes, the outcome of the test is stated (pass/fail) and the debrief begins.
Debrief
During the debrief, we discuss areas of strengths and weaknesses, as well as strategies for improvement prior to your checkride date. We also suggest resources to consult, if necessary. The debrief usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Wrap-up
When you successfully complete a mock checkride with us, you’ll be able to take your actual FAA checkride with confidence.
If you have any questions in the days leading up to your actual checkride, don’t hesitate to ask. We are happy to be a resource.
We conduct mock checkrides under Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificates, so there’s no requirement for a logbook entry for these sessions. However, we’d be glad to send you one if you’d like it for your records! Just let us know during the mock checkride or by email afterward.