Private/Instrument/Commercial/Sport Pilot
Practical Test Preparation Guide
Your checkride is officially scheduled once you receive email confirmation from me with your assigned date and scenario. To ensure you're fully prepared, please review the requirements below.
Required Documents and Materials
Pilot Documentation
Bring these items with you on exam day:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or U.S. passport)
- Signed pilot certificate (student/private/recreational/sport etc.)
- Current Medical Certificate/BasicMed
- Completed FAA Form 8710-1 / 8710-11 for Sport Pilot (print a copy after your instructor signs it in IACRA—this serves as backup if the system experiences technical issues)
- Original Airman Knowledge Test Report
- Pilot Logbook with all required instructor endorsements
- FAA Form 8060-5 (Notice of Disapproval), if applicable
- Letter of Discontinuance, if applicable
- Part 141 school graduation certificate, if applicable
- Examiner's Fee (accepted payment methods: cash or Zelle)
Aircraft Requirements
Aircraft Documentation:
- Airworthiness certificate
- Registration certificate
- Operating limitations
- Weight and balance data
Maintenance records:
- Logbook showing current airworthiness inspections and airworthiness directive (AD) compliance
- Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or FAA-approved Aircraft Flight Manual
Personal Equipment and Resources
- View-limiting device
- Current aeronautical charts (printed or electronic format accepted)
- Flight computer and plotter
- Flight plan forms and flight logs (printed or electronic format accepted)
- Chart Supplement U.S., airport diagrams, and other relevant publications
- Current Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) and Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
Final Preparation Tips
The Night Before: Get adequate rest. Focus on maintaining a positive attitude and trust in your training.
Day of the Exam:
- Pack lunch, snacks, and beverages
- Remember to bring all documents
What to Expect: I maintain a supportive and professional testing environment. The practical test is conducted strictly according to the appropriate Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS).
Common Delays to Avoid
Documentation Issues:
- Missing photo ID, student pilot certificate, or medical certificate
- Name discrepancies across documents (ID, pilot certificate, medical, knowledge test, or application)
- Expired, missing, or incorrect endorsements
- Flight times not meeting regulatory requirements (especially cross-country hours)
- Errors on FAA Form 8710-1 / 8710-11
- Inability to verify electronic logbook entries
- Failure to review and understand knowledge test deficiencies
Aircraft-Related Issues:
- Aircraft cleanliness (dirty windshield or interior/exterior)
- POH missing supplements or lacking aircraft N-number/serial number on the front page
- Recurring ADs not logged with Next Due tach/date
- Insufficient familiarity with recent airworthiness inspections and AD compliance records (including Next Due on all recurring ADs)
- Incorrect weight and balance calculations
- Missing or non-functional safety equipment (fire extinguisher, life vests, first aid kit)
- Unaddressed inoperative equipment
By addressing these items in advance, you'll ensure a smooth and successful practical test experience.