What to Expect on Your First Checkride

Your first FAA practical test (commonly called a "checkride") is the final step to earning your pilot certificate. Understanding the process will help you demonstrate your knowledge, risk management, and skills to the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Here's what to expect based on FAA standards.

The Practical Test Structure

Per FAA Order 8900.2, the practical test consists of two main components: the oral examination (ground portion) and the flight test (practical portion). Both are conducted by a DPE or FAA inspector according to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for your certificate level.

For a Private Pilot-Airplane certificate, the ACS document is FAA-S-ACS-6C, which became effective May 31, 2024. The ACS specifies the knowledge, risk management, and skill elements you must demonstrate.

Before the Practical Test

Per 14 CFR §61.39, before taking your practical test you must have:

• Passed the required knowledge test within the preceding 24 calendar months
• Obtained the required training and aeronautical experience per Part 61
• Received an endorsement from your instructor certifying you're prepared for the practical test
• A completed IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) with your FTN

Key tip: The DPE will verify all documentation before beginning the oral examination. Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in a discontinuance before you even start.

The Oral Examination

The ground portion typically lasts 1-2 hours for a Private Pilot practical test. The DPE evaluates your knowledge across the Areas of Operation specified in the ACS. For Private Pilot, these include:

• Area I: Preflight Preparation (pilot qualifications, airworthiness, weather)
• Area II: Preflight Procedures (preflight assessment, flight deck management)
• Area III: Airport and Seaplane Base Operations
• Area IV: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
• Area V: Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers
• Area VI: Navigation
• Area VII: Slow Flight and Stalls
• Area VIII: Basic Instrument Maneuvers
• Area IX: Emergency Operations
• Area X: Multiengine Operations (if applicable)
• Area XI: Postflight Procedures

The examiner will focus on areas where your knowledge test results showed deficiencies, as well as critical safety topics like aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and risk management.

The Flight Test

After completing the oral examination, you'll proceed to the flight portion. The DPE will evaluate your ability to perform the required tasks to ACS standards.

Per the ACS, you must demonstrate each maneuver within specified tolerances:

• Altitude: ±100 feet (unless otherwise specified)
• Heading: ±10°
• Airspeed: +10/-5 knots
• Bank angle: ±5° (for steep turns: 45° ±5°)

You'll be expected to demonstrate normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, as well as short-field and soft-field techniques. Ground reference maneuvers, slow flight, stalls, and emergency procedures are also evaluated.

What the DPE Is Evaluating

Beyond technical skills, DPEs assess your aeronautical decision-making (ADM) andsingle-pilot resource management (SRM). The ACS emphasizes:

• Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks
• Situational Awareness: Maintaining awareness of position, traffic, weather, and aircraft state
• Task Management: Prioritizing and managing multiple tasks effectively
• Automation Management: Proper use of aircraft automation (if equipped)

The DPE wants to see that you can safely exercise the privileges of the certificate you're seeking. Mistakes happen—what matters is that you recognize them and take appropriate corrective action.

Possible Outcomes

Per 14 CFR §61.43, the practical test can result in:

• Pass: You demonstrated all required knowledge, risk management, and skills to ACS standards
• Notice of Disapproval: You did not meet standards on one or more tasks. You'll receive a letter identifying the areas to review with your instructor before a retest
• Discontinuance: The test was stopped due to weather, aircraft issues, or other circumstances beyond your control. You receive credit for tasks completed satisfactorily

If you receive a disapproval, you must receive additional training from an authorized instructor, who will provide an endorsement before you can retest on the failed areas.

Prepare with Confidence

The best preparation combines thorough knowledge of the ACS standards with practice explaining concepts aloud and demonstrating maneuvers to checkride tolerances. At Pilot Checkride Prep, our CFIs conduct mock oral exams and comprehensive ground instruction based on current FAA standards.

Book a prep session and walk into your checkride ready to demonstrate your skills.