Preparing For A Checkride

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 Feeling  a little nervous before a checkride? That’s completely normal. we  strive to create a professional, fair, and low-stress testing  environment. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth experience is to  arrive prepared — mentally, logistically, and physically.

You've  worked hard to get to this point. Your instructor believes in you, and  so do we. Let’s help you walk into your checkride ready and confident.

1. Get a full night’s rest before the checkride.
    
2. Clear your schedule the day of the test—no distractions.
    
3. Eat beforehand. Snacks are welcome during the oral, and there will be a break before the flight.
    
4. If you're feeling unwell, reschedule. It’s better to fly at your best.
    
5. Arrive early to organize your materials and settle in.

1. Logbook: Totals complete, endorsements in place, important flights tabbed.
    
2. IACRA: Fully filled out and signed by your instructor. Have a paper backup just in case.
    
3. FTN and IACRA login info: Keep this handy—your logbook is a good place.
    
4. Logbook signatures: Ensure all applicable pages are signed.
    
5. Documents:
    
   • Medical certificate or BasicMed
      
   • Knowledge test results (if required)
      
   • Government-issued photo ID (not expired)
      
   • Current pilot certificate
      
   • Graduation certificate (if from an approved school)
      
   • Disapproval Notice or Letter of Discontinuance (if applicable)
      

1. Instructor: Recommended to have your instructor present or available for last-minute questions or endorsements.
    
2. Weight & Balance: The examiner weighs 200 lbs. Bring a completed W&B showing the flight is legal.
    
3. Cross-Country: If applicable, review and bring current weather for the route.
    
4. Recency Requirements: Ensure all are met.
    
5. Examiner’s Fee: Bring the agreed-upon fee in the preferred format.

1. Ensure all aircraft logbooks are present and entries show airworthiness.
    
2. Verify maintenance is current and the aircraft is suitable for the test.
    
3. Clean the windshield — situational awareness is critical at a busy airport.

Bring the following items:

• View-limiting device (if applicable)
   
• Current aeronautical charts
   
• E6B or electronic flight computer and plotter
   
• Flight plan form and flight logs
   
• Current FAR/AIM, Chart Supplement (AFD), and applicable publications

Pass:
You’ll receive a Temporary Airman Certificate valid for 120 days.

Fail:
You’ll receive a Notice of Disapproval. Credit may be given for successfully completed areas.

Letter of Discontinuance:
Issued if the checkride cannot be completed. This is not a failure. You'll retain credit for completed portions.

Before the checkride, please notify the examiner if:

• You hold a foreign pilot certificate.
   
• You have dual citizenship.
   
• You are re-testing (bring your 8040-5 form).