Passing your FAA checkride on the first attempt is the goal of every student pilot. The checkride — officially called the Practical Test — is the final step to earning your pilot certificate. Here’s a comprehensive guide from Axiom Aviation’s experienced CFIs on how to prepare and succeed.
Faa Checkride Preparation Tips
The FAA checkride has two parts: an oral examination (typically 1–2 hours) and a flight test (1–2 hours). The Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is evaluating not just your ability to perform maneuvers, but your aeronautical decision-making, risk management, and overall airmanship. Flying the maneuvers perfectly but showing poor judgment is still a bust.
Master the ACS or PTS Standards
Download and study the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for your certificate. The ACS tells you exactly what topics will be covered on the oral and what tolerances you must maintain during each maneuver. Know it inside and out — your examiner does.
Be Honest With Your CFI
Your CFI’s endorsement is their professional reputation on the line. They will only sign you off when they genuinely believe you’re ready. Be honest about areas where you feel less confident — this allows your instructor to give you more practice on weak areas before the checkride.
Prepare Your Documentation
- Government-issued photo ID
- Student pilot certificate (if applicable)
- FAA medical certificate
- Written test results (passed within 24 months)
- Logbook with all required endorsements and flight hours
- Aircraft documents: airworthiness certificate, registration, POH
- Cross-country flight plan and weather briefing (for private checkride)
Day of Checkride Tips
- Get a full night of sleep — fatigue significantly affects performance
- Eat a proper meal before the checkride
- Arrive early and complete your pre-flight before the examiner arrives
- If you don’t know an answer during the oral, say “I would look that up in the FAR/AIM” — never guess
- During the flight, if you make a mistake, acknowledge it and correct it — self-correction shows good airmanship
- Ask for clarification on any maneuver instruction you don’t understand
The faa checkride is the final hurdle between you and your certificate. Axiom Aviation students pass their faa checkride at rates above the national average. Our faa checkride prep includes mock oral exams, standardized maneuver practice, and instructor sign-off criteria aligned with the ACS. Thorough faa checkride preparation at Axiom is built into every stage of training. Visit the FAA testing center. Explore programs or contact us today.
Axiom Aviation’s CFIs in Utah specialize in thorough checkride preparation. We don’t send students to the examiner until we’re confident they’ll pass. Contact us to start your training journey today.