In the world of aviation, becoming a certified pilot involves an intricate dance of detailed study, hands-on practice, and a series of examinations. One critical step in this process is the ‘Check Ride.’ Often cloaked in a veil of mystery, the Check Ride is a pivotal moment in a budding pilot’s flight training.
A check ride is the final exam that you have to pass before you can get your pilot’s license or add new privileges to your existing certificate. It is a practical test that evaluates your knowledge and skills in the aircraft that you are flying.
A ‘Check Ride’ is the final step in obtaining a pilot’s license, functioning as a comprehensive examination of a pilot’s knowledge, flying skill, and ability to cope with emergencies. It’s conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and is divided into two parts: an oral examination and a flight test.
What is a check ride and what to expect in a check ride?
A check ride consists of two parts: an oral exam and a flight test. The oral exam is a one-on-one interview with an examiner, who will ask you questions about various topics related to your flight training, such as aerodynamics, weather, regulations, navigation, emergency procedures, and more. The oral exam can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the level of certification and the examiner’s discretion.
The flight test is the part where you actually fly the aircraft with the examiner on board. The examiner will observe how you perform various maneuvers and procedures that are required for your certificate or rating.
For example, if you are taking a check ride for your private pilot license, you will have to demonstrate takeoffs and landings, stalls, steep turns, ground reference maneuvers, navigation, diversion, and emergency scenarios. The flight test can last from one to three hours, depending on the type of aircraft and the weather conditions.
The check ride is not meant to be a trick or a trap. The examiner is not there to fail you, but to make sure that you meet the standards of safety and proficiency that are expected from a pilot. The examiner will use the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) as a guide to evaluate your performance.
The ACS is a document that outlines the knowledge, skills, and risk management elements that are required for each task in the check ride. You can find the ACS for different certificates and ratings on the FAA website.
What are some of the common types of check rides in pilot training?
The most common types of check rides are:
Private Pilot Check Ride:
This is the check ride that you have to take to get your private pilot license, which allows you to fly for personal or recreational purposes.
You have to demonstrate your ability to fly solo, perform various maneuvers and procedures, navigate using charts and instruments, and handle emergency situations. The private pilot check ride usually takes about two hours, including an oral exam and a flight test.
Instrument Rating Check Ride:
This is the check ride that you have to take to get your instrument rating, which allows you to fly in weather conditions that require the use of instruments.
You have to demonstrate your ability to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR), communicate with air traffic control (ATC), interpret instrument approaches and departures, and deal with instrument failures. The instrument rating check ride usually takes about three hours, including an oral exam and a flight test.
Commercial Pilot Check Ride:
This is the check ride that you have to take to get your commercial pilot license, which allows you to fly for compensation or hire. You have to demonstrate your ability to fly with a higher level of skill and professionalism, perform complex maneuvers and procedures, operate a multi-engine aircraft (if applicable), and comply with commercial regulations.
The commercial pilot check ride usually takes about four hours, including an oral exam and a flight test.
Flight Instructor Check Ride:
This is the check ride that you have to take to get your flight instructor certificate, which allows you to teach other pilots how to fly. You have to demonstrate your ability to fly as an instructor, explain and demonstrate various topics and tasks, evaluate student performance, and provide feedback and correction. The flight instructor check ride usually takes about six hours, including an oral exam and a flight test.
There are also other types of check rides for specific ratings or endorsements, such as multi-engine rating, tailwheel endorsement, high-performance endorsement, etc. These check rides are usually shorter and focus on the specific skills and knowledge required for the rating or endorsement.
How to prepare for a check ride during commercial pilot licence training?
To pass the check ride, you have to demonstrate that you can fly the aircraft safely and competently in various situations. You also have to show that you have good judgment and decision-making skills, and that you can manage risks effectively.
You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to avoid making any major errors or deviations from the standards. If you do make a mistake, you should be able to correct it promptly and learn from it.
If you fail the check ride, don’t be discouraged. Getting discouraged by failing a checkride is one of the top reasons why student pilots quit pilot training. You can retake it after receiving additional training from your instructor. You will only have to repeat the tasks that you failed, not the entire check ride. However, you should try to avoid failing by preparing well in advance. Here are some tips on how to ace your check ride:
- Review your flight training materials and notes regularly. Make sure you understand the concepts and procedures that are relevant to your certificate or rating.
- Practice your maneuvers and procedures with your instructor until you can perform them consistently and confidently. Ask for feedback and work on your weak areas.
- Study the ACS for your certificate or rating and know what the examiner will expect from you. Use it as a checklist to review your knowledge and skills before the check ride.
- Schedule your check ride when you feel ready and comfortable. Don’t rush or postpone it unnecessarily.
- Get enough rest and sleep before the check ride. Eat well and stay hydrated.
- Arrive early at the airport and check the weather, NOTAMs, and other information that might affect your flight.
- Bring all the required documents and equipment for the check ride, such as your pilot certificate, medical certificate, photo ID, logbook, aircraft documents, charts, flight plan, calculator, etc.
- Dress appropriately and professionally for the check ride. Wear comfortable clothes that suit the weather and the cockpit environment.
- Be polite and respectful to the examiner. Introduce yourself and establish a good rapport.
- Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions and questions. Answer honestly and concisely. Don’t guess or make up answers if you don’t know something. Admit it and explain how you would find out.
- Be confident but humble. Show that you are proud of your achievements but also aware of your limitations.
- Relax and enjoy the flight. Treat it as a learning opportunity rather than a test. Remember why you wanted to become a pilot in the first place.
Some other frequently asked questions about checkrides:
How often do pilots do checkrides?
The frequency at which pilots take checkrides depends on several factors, such as the type of license they hold and their current flying activities. Private pilots typically don’t have a specific checkride schedule unless they are seeking additional ratings or certifications.
For commercial pilots and airline transport pilots, however, it is mandatory to undergo a checkride at least once or twice a year as part of their recurrent training. This is to ensure that their skills and knowledge are always up-to-date and in line with the latest aviation regulations and procedures.
What happens when a pilot fails a checkride?
Failing a checkride isn’t the end of a pilot’s journey, but rather a bump in the road. If a pilot fails a checkride, it’s known as a “Notice of Disapproval.” The examiner will document the areas that were found unsatisfactory, providing the pilot with clear feedback about where improvement is needed.
The pilot will then have the opportunity to undergo additional training to address these areas and retake the failed portions of the checkride. The retake can be scheduled as soon as the pilot and their instructor feel ready. Remember, failure can be an opportunity for learning and growth.
Are airline checkrides hard compared to checkrides during training?
Airline checkrides are generally viewed as more challenging compared to training checkrides due to the heightened level of responsibility and increased complexity of operations.
While training checkrides focus on mastering basic flight maneuvers and safety procedures, airline checkrides require pilots to demonstrate proficiency in handling intricate systems and managing a variety of real-world scenarios that may occur during commercial flights.
However, with ample experience and thorough preparation, pilots can successfully navigate these checkrides, much like they did during their initial training.