As expected, the most common check ride question is: What material will I be tested on? The obvious answer, and the only correct one, is the material in the Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards pertinent to the rating for which you are applying for. While the answer is technically correct, it is not a very satisfying answer to an applicant or CFI. The ACS/PTS controls the material an examiner can ask and what maneuvers (and competition standards) will be required for the flight portion. Below is some valuable information I’ve learned as a flight instructor that you can use to prepare for your test.

Applicable to all exams:

• Arrive well rested and prepared. It is probably better to spend the evening before resting rather than cramming. Bring something to drink and a snack with you.
• Make sure you meet the requirements for the rating for which you are applying and have the required endorsements from your CFI. X/C requirements are measured “airport to airport” and do not include distances flown in the traffic pattern or instrument procedures.
• Bring reference material, books, etc. that you have used during your training. If you are asked a question during the ground portion that stumps you, look up the answer! Forget it is a “test” and tell the examiner what you would do if you found yourself in the scenario in “real life”. If it includes asking an instructor or “Googling” the answer – tell the examiner just that.
• Unless the examiner has stated otherwise, bring proof of the required inspections for the aircraft (logbooks or copies thereof). Digital copies of the logbook are acceptable.
• The best way to prepare is to review the ACS/PTS pertinent to your exam and make sure you’re knowledgeable about each and every item. Don’t gloss over information in the ACS/PTS and assume you know the material. Read, digest, and think about each item.
• Many exams cover filing, opening, and closing a flight plan. If this topic is part of your exam, make sure you know at least one method of filing/opening/closing a flight plan. If you plan on utilizing an application (such as ForeFlight), make sure it is set up properly to do so. If you plan to file using an a different method, make sure you know exactly how to do it.
• Many exams cover spins. Make sure you know the proper recovery techniques, and what is required to get into a spin, etc. Have you thought about what the angle of attack is while in a spin?

 

Required Endorsements/Paperwork:

• You need to make sure your instructor has signed your 8710 application in IACRA or you have a paper 8710 with your instructor’s signature. Preferably both as the check ride cannot start unless there is a signed application.
• You should bring a paper copy of your 8170 IACRA application. If IACRA goes down during your check ride, a paper application will be needed or else the check ride will be discontinued.
• There is a section on the application for aircraft PIC class totals. Make sure you have filled this in, and that you’ve entered only PIC time, not total time. Many applicants are missing this information.
• There is a section on the application for the aircraft to be used for the test. This is ONLY the aircraft you are planning to utilize for your check ride. In most cases, only one aircraft (not two) should be entered here.
• There is a section on the application for “Name of medical examiner”. It must match what is on your medical certificate, including any “DO” or “MD”.
• Your instructor must give you an endorsement indicating you have received and logged training time within 2 calendar months. See AC 61-65 for exact wording.
• Your instructor must give you an endorsement indicating you have demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas found deficient on the airman knowledge test. See AC 61-65 for exact wording.
• Your instructor must give you an endorsement indicating you have received the required training for the rating you are applying for and are prepared for the practical test. See AC 61-65 for exact wording.
• If you have graduated from a Part 141 school, you must bring your graduation certificate.
• You must bring your logbook that shows evidence of the required aeronautical experience for the rating you are applying for. Note that instructional flights need to be properly endorsed. See FAR 61.51 and ask me any questions prior to the check ride.
• You must bring Government issued photo ID. If you are not a US Citizen, you must bring your passport.
• You must bring your pilot certificate (not a copy).
• You must bring your medical certificate (not a copy).
• Bring your IACRA login information (username/password). You will need this during the check ride to electronically sign your application.

 

Applicable to Private Pilots:

• Know the aircraft systems. Many new pilots forget that “learning to fly” is more than just getting the airplane safely on the ground.
• Know airspace, VFR weather requirements, required equipment, etc.
• Make sure you know how to use the performance charts for your aircraft. “My CFI told me the airplane burns 6 GPH” is not an acceptable answer.
• Know the difference between an Emergency Descent and Emergency Approach and Landing and how to perform both of them per the standards in the ACS.

 

Applicable to Commercial Pilots:

• Know your limitations/privileges as a commercial pilot. When do you need an operating certificate? Can you make money under Part 91?
• Make sure you remember all the stuff you learned as a private pilot, to a higher level. If you got lucky during your private exam by guessing on a few questions, that material should be rock solid for this rating.
• The FAA is very clear regarding the power-off 180 accuracy approach and landing: The applicant is not permitted to execute a go-around once the maneuver is started, even if the applicant recognizes the outcome will not meet the standards. Do not land short. Also, it is a landing. It needs to resemble a landing – meaning you can’t just “force” the airplane on the ground well above typical landing speeds and consider it acceptable.

 

Applicable to Instrument Ratings:

• Be familiar with the procedures for departing an airport without a published departure procedure.
• Many airports have non-standard alternate minimums. Make sure you know how to properly file an alternate.
• Know when an IFR clearance is required.
• Know the Part 91 takeoff minimums and when the aircraft can descend below the MDA/DA.
• Be very familiar with the avionics & flight instrumentation installed in the aircraft.
• Make sure you know how to perform all approaches via radar vectors, all IAFs, and any feeder routes.
• Know what a visual approach is and how to use it.
• Know how to interpret your approach minimums, including circling approaches & when they are necessary. Be sure you know how to correlate any information your GPS may give you with published RNAV approach minimums.
• Be familiar with airframe icing, causes, and ways it can be removed and/or prevented from occurring.