Checkride General Information

Our goal is to provide a fair, transparent, and professional evaluation environment. To ensure the day of your checkride proceeds efficiently and meets all regulatory standards, please review the following general information and requirements.

The Evaluation Process

Every checkride is conducted in accordance with the current FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS) for the certificate or rating sought. We utilize a formal "Plan of Action" to ensure all required areas of operation are evaluated. The checkride consists of two primary phases:

  • The Ground Portion: A comprehensive discussion to verify your aeronautical knowledge.

  • The Flight Portion: A practical demonstration of your piloting skills and decision-making.

Applicant Requirements

To begin the evaluation, we must verify that you are eligible and prepared. Please ensure you have the following ready:

  • IACRA Application: Your application must be completed and signed by your recommending instructor. Please have your FTN and IACRA login credentials available.

  • Identification: A valid, current government-issued photo ID.

  • Pilot Credentials: Your current pilot certificate (if applicable) and a valid FAA Medical Certificate or BasicMed documentation.

  • Knowledge Test: Your original, passing Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).

  • Logbook & Endorsements: Your logbook must clearly document and tally that you meet all aeronautical experience requirements under 14 CFR § 61.51, and contain all necessary instructor endorsements. We highly recommend using tabs to highlight required entries. (Note: Arriving missing mandatory documentation or presenting an unairworthy aircraft prevents the test from legally occurring and will result in a cancellation fee).

Aircraft Requirements

The aircraft provided for the checkride must be airworthy and properly equipped for the tasks to be performed. As the acting Pilot in Command, you must present the aircraft maintenance logs so we can verify:

  • Annual & 100-Hour Inspections: As required by the type of operation.

  • AD Compliance: A documented list of all applicable Airworthiness Directives.

  • Transponder, Pitot-Static, and Altimeter: Current certifications for IFR evaluations.

  • ELT: Current battery and inspection status.

Fees & Payment

  • Checkride Fee: Please refer to our current Pricing page for the specific certificate or rating sought.

  • Payment Terms: In accordance with FAA policy, testing fees are collected strictly after we verify your eligibility and qualifications during the initial document audit, but prior to the commencement of the actual evaluation.

  • Processing Fees: All credit and debit card transactions are subject to a non-refundable 4.0% processing fee.

  • Discontinuance & Retest: Should a checkride be discontinued due to weather, maintenance, or other factors, we will work with you to reschedule. Please note that additional fees may apply for retests or subsequent travel, as outlined in our specific travel and retest policies.

Preparation Tips

  • Arrive Early: Ensure the aircraft is fueled and positioned before our scheduled start time. Please note our strict late-arrival policy: applicants arriving more than 15 minutes late to their appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee.

  • Study the ACS: The Airman Certification Standards are the "open-book" for your checkride. If it is in the ACS, it is fair game for the evaluation.

  • Ask Questions: We are committed to a transparent process. If you have any questions regarding the logistics or requirements of your checkride, please reach out to us in advance.

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