Private Pilot Checkride Checklist

Private Pilot Checkride Checklist

The private pilot checkride represents the culmination of many hours of study, practice, and dedication to mastering the art of flying. Preparing for this exam involves knowing what to expect and making sure every requirement is met. This detailed checklist will help guide you through the essentials.

Preparation and Documentation

• Logbook: Ensure all flight time is accurately recorded. Double-check endorsements for solo, night flights, and cross-country.
• Medical Certificate: Hold at least a third-class medical certificate, issued by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
• Knowledge Test: Have your Airman Knowledge Test Report with a passing score.
• Identification: Bring a government-issued photo ID and your student pilot certificate.
• FAA Form 8710-1: Complete the Application for Airman Certificate and/or Rating before the checkride.
• Cross-Country Plan: Prepare a detailed cross-country flight plan as it will be reviewed during the oral exam.

Aircraft Documentation

• Registration: Ensure the aircraft has a current, valid registration.
• Airworthiness Certificate: Verify that the airworthiness certificate is current and displayed in the aircraft.
• Maintenance Records: Confirm that the aircraft is up-to-date on all required inspections, including the annual and 100-hour inspections if applicable.
• Weight and Balance: Check the current weight and balance data is available and reflects any modifications made to the aircraft.
• Operating Handbook: Have the Aircraft Operating Handbook (POH) accessible, ensuring all performance charts and procedures are included.

Pre-Flight Preparation

• Weather Briefing: Obtain a thorough weather briefing for the planned route and area of flight.
• NOTAMs: Review all Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) that affect your planned operation.
• TFRs: Check for any Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that could impact your flight.
• Airport Information: Verify the status of the departure, destination, and alternate airports, focusing on runway conditions and available services.
• Navigation and Charts: Ensure all charts, sectional maps, and navigation logs are current and accurate.
• Fuel Planning: Calculate required fuel for the flight, including reserves for unexpected delays or diversions.

Oral Exam Preparation

• Regulations: Be prepared to discuss various FAA regulations applicable to private pilots.
• Airspace: Understand the different types of airspace, their requirements, and relevant operational restrictions.
• Aircraft Systems: Know the basic systems of the aircraft you’ll be flying, including engine, electrical, and avionics systems.
• Weather: Be able to interpret weather charts, METARs, TAFs, and other weather reports.
• Cross-Country Navigation: Explain your flight planning, including headings, airspeeds, altitudes, and fuel calculations.
• Emergency Procedures: Review and be ready to discuss emergency scenarios and appropriate responses.

Practical Test Maneuvers

• Pre-Flight Inspection: Conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection of the aircraft.
• Normal and Crosswind Takeoffs: Demonstrate taking off in normal and crosswind conditions.
• Basic Maneuvers: Perform turns, climbs, and descents using appropriate techniques.
• Slow Flight: Show proficiency in maintaining controlled flight at the edge of stall speed.
• Stall Recovery: Execute proper stall recovery techniques from various configurations.
• Ground Reference Maneuvers: Practice maneuvers such as turns around a point and rectangular patterns.
• Navigation: Demonstrate the ability to navigate using pilotage and dead reckoning.
• Instrument Flight: Maintain control using flight instruments, if applicable.
• Emergency Procedures: Handle simulated emergencies such as engine failures and system malfunctions.
• Landings: Perform normal, short field, soft field, and crosswind landings.

Post-Flight

• Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM): Discuss your decision-making process during the flight portion with the examiner.
• Debrief: Participate in a comprehensive debriefing session to review performance, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Paperwork Completion: Ensure all necessary documentation is completed and submitted to the FAA.
• Temporary Certificate: If successful, receive a temporary pilot certificate while awaiting your permanent one.

Following this checklist thoroughly will help ensure that no detail is overlooked and that you are well-prepared for your private pilot checkride.