What You Need for Your Checkride: Complete Checklist

Before your practical test can begin, the DPE will verify that you meet all regulatory requirements. Missing documentation can result in a discontinuance before you even start. Here's a comprehensive checklist based on 14 CFR Part 61 requirements.

Applicant Requirements (14 CFR §61.39)

To be eligible for a practical test, you must present:

• Government-issued photo identification (valid driver's license, passport, or military ID)
• Pilot certificate (if upgrading—e.g., your Private certificate when testing for Instrument)
• Medical certificate appropriate to the certificate sought:
  • Private Pilot: At least 3rd class medical (or BasicMed if eligible)
  • Commercial Pilot: At least 2nd class medical
• Knowledge test results (Airman Knowledge Test Report) passed within 24 calendar months
• Completed IACRA application with your FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
• Logbook with required aeronautical experience and instructor endorsements
• Graduation certificate (if trained under Part 141)

Required Endorsements

Per 14 CFR §61.39 and AC 61-65, your logbook must contain:

• Endorsement certifying completion of ground training for the certificate sought
• Endorsement certifying completion of flight training and readiness for the practical test
• Solo endorsements (for Private Pilot, per §61.87)
• Cross-country endorsements (per §61.93)
• Training for known knowledge test deficiencies (if applicable)

Tip: Tab your endorsement pages for easy reference. DPEs appreciate organized logbooks.

Aeronautical Experience Requirements

Private Pilot – Airplane (14 CFR §61.109)

• 40 hours total flight time minimum, including:
• 20 hours of flight training with an instructor, including:
  • 3 hours of night flight with 10 takeoffs/landings and one 100+ nm cross-country
  • 3 hours of instrument training
  • 3 hours in preparation for the practical test within 2 calendar months prior
• 10 hours solo flight time, including:
  • 5 hours of solo cross-country time
  • One solo cross-country of 150+ nm with full-stop landings at 3 points, one segment 50+ nm
  • 3 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport

Instrument Rating – Airplane (14 CFR §61.65)

• 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC (of which 10 hours must be in airplanes)
• 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, including:
  • 15 hours with an authorized instructor in the aircraft category
  • One cross-country under IFR of 250+ nm along airways with an approach at each airport
• 3 hours of instrument training within 2 calendar months prior to the test

Commercial Pilot – Airplane (14 CFR §61.129)

• 250 hours total flight time, including:
  • 100 hours as PIC
  • 50 hours of cross-country as PIC
  • One 2-hour day VFR cross-country of 100+ nm
  • One 2-hour night VFR cross-country of 100+ nm
  • 10 hours of instrument training
  • 10 hours in a complex or TAA airplane (for single-engine)

Aircraft Documents (ARROW)

The aircraft used for your practical test must have on board:

• Airworthiness Certificate
• Registration Certificate
• Radio Station License (required for international operations)
• Operating Limitations (POH/AFM)
• Weight and Balance data (current for the aircraft)

Required Inspections (14 CFR §91.409)

Be prepared to show the aircraft is airworthy with current:

• Annual inspection – Within the preceding 12 calendar months
• 100-hour inspection – If used for hire (applies to some flight school aircraft)
• Transponder inspection – Within the preceding 24 calendar months (§91.413)
• Altimeter/static system check – Within 24 calendar months (for IFR, §91.411)
• ELT inspection – Within 12 calendar months (§91.207)
• VOR operational check – Within 30 days (for IFR operations, §91.171)
• Compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives

Equipment for the Practical Test

Bring to your checkride:

• Current aeronautical charts (paper or approved EFB)
• Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD)
• Current FAR/AIM or equivalent reference
• Navigation log with cross-country flight plan
• E6B or electronic flight computer
• Plotter
• Weather briefing documentation
• View-limiting device (for instrument rating)
• Headset

Pre-Test Flight Planning

Most DPEs assign a cross-country scenario. Be prepared with:

• Complete navigation log with checkpoints, headings, times, and fuel calculations
• Weather briefing from an approved source (1800wxbrief.com or ForeFlight)
• Weight and balance calculations for the planned flight
• Takeoff and landing performance data
• Current NOTAMs for departure, en route, and destination
• TFR verification

Don't Leave Anything to Chance

Thorough preparation includes verifying all your documentation is complete and accurate. At Pilot Checkride Prep, our CFIs help you review your requirements, verify endorsements, and ensure you're fully prepared before your practical test date.

Book a prep session and walk into your checkride with confidence.