What Is a Checkride? #1 Ultimate Guide to Passing Your FAA Exam Fast

What is a checkride, and why does it matter so much in your pilot training journey?

For every student pilot, the checkride is the final hurdle—the official FAA practical exam that determines whether you’re ready to hold a pilot certificate. It’s where all your ground knowledge, flight hours, and simulator time come together for one decisive evaluation.

Passing a checkride isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about demonstrating real-world readiness, situational awareness, and sound judgment in the cockpit. For many, it’s the moment when training ends and real flying begins.

In this guide, you’ll discover exactly what a checkride involves, how to prepare effectively, what to expect during the oral and flight portions, and how to walk away with your certificate on the first attempt. If you’re serious about earning your wings, this is the guide that gets you over the finish line.

What Is a Checkride?

Let’s start with the basics: what is a checkride?

A checkride is the FAA’s official term for the practical test every pilot must pass to earn a certificate or rating. It’s the final evaluation that determines whether you’ve mastered both the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to fly safely and competently.

The checkride is split into two parts:

The oral exam – a structured ground interview where you’re tested on everything from airspace rules and weather interpretation to aircraft performance and emergency procedures.

The flight portion – a real-world flight conducted under the supervision of a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). During this flight, you’ll perform specific maneuvers, demonstrate decision-making, and show that you can handle the responsibilities of the certificate or rating you’re applying for.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what is a checkride and what exactly it tests—you can think of it as the FAA’s way of saying: “Prove it.”

Types of Checkrides

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to checkrides. The type you take depends entirely on the certification or rating you’re pursuing. While the structure remains similar, the content and performance expectations change.

Here are the most common types of FAA checkrides:

Private Pilot Checkride (PPL): Your first major certification. Tests fundamental flight skills, regulations, navigation, and basic emergency handling.

Commercial Pilot Checkride (CPL): Focuses on advanced maneuvers, professionalism, and tighter flight standards. It’s your gateway to earning money as a pilot.

Instrument Rating Checkride (IR): This checkride evaluates your ability to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), relying solely on instruments without visual reference.

Airline Transport Pilot Checkride (ATP): The highest level of certification. Expect in-depth system knowledge, complex scenario planning, and precision flying.

Recurrent or Type Rating Checkrides: Required when flying complex aircraft (like jets) or maintaining currency under specific programs. These checkrides keep you sharp and compliant.

Each checkride follows the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS) set by the FAA, depending on the certificate level.

When Do You Take a Checkride?

So, exactly when do you take a checkride in your flight training journey?

The answer isn’t just “after you finish your lessons.” The FAA has specific eligibility requirements, and your instructor must certify that you’re truly ready to be evaluated. Here’s how the timeline typically works.

Timing Within Flight Training

You’ll typically take your checkride near the end of your training program, after meeting all the experience requirements laid out in the applicable Airman Certification Standards (ACS). For a Private Pilot License (PPL), for example, that means a minimum of 40 flight hours under Part 61—though most students log 55–70 before feeling fully prepared.

Training under Part 141 schools may require fewer hours (typically 35 for PPL), but the structure is more rigid. Either way, you won’t be scheduling a checkride until your CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) is confident you can meet FAA standards.

FAA Eligibility Requirements

Before you can be scheduled for a checkride, you must meet all FAA requirements for the specific certificate or rating:

Completed required flight and ground training
Logged specific hours for solo flight, cross-country, and night flight (if applicable)
Passed the FAA written knowledge exam with a valid passing score
Been trained on all tasks outlined in the ACS or PTS
Met age and language proficiency standards

Endorsements and Logbook Sign-Offs

Even if you meet all the flight hour minimums, your instructor must give you written endorsements in your logbook stating that:

You’ve completed the necessary training
You’re prepared for the checkride (both oral and flight portions)
You’ve reviewed the applicable knowledge areas missed on the written test (if any)

These endorsements are non-negotiable. Without them, the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) cannot legally conduct your checkride.

So, what is a checkride really about? It’s more than just passing a test. It’s a formal confirmation that you’re trained, signed off, and ready for the responsibility that comes with pilot certification.

How to Prepare for Your Checkride

Now that you know what a checkride is and when it happens, let’s talk about what separates a pass from a failure—preparation.

Passing your FAA checkride on the first attempt starts long before checkride day. The most successful candidates treat it like a professional job interview combined with a practical exam—because that’s exactly what it is.

Know the Standards Inside Out

The FAA doesn’t keep secrets. Every maneuver, question category, and standard is spelled out in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS)—depending on the license or rating.

Download it. Print it. Highlight it. Your DPE will use these exact documents to evaluate your performance, so there should be no surprises.

Use the Right Study Materials

Reviewing only your ground school notes won’t cut it. You need targeted study resources like:

FAA’s official ACS or PTS guide
Oral exam prep guides
Weather and chart interpretation practice
Scenario-based flight decision-making tools
Online mock oral exams or apps (e.g., ASA, Sporty’s, King Schools)

And don’t forget to review any incorrect answers from your written exam—you’ll likely be asked about them again.

Simulated Flights and Mock Checkrides

Ask your instructor for at least one mock oral and mock checkride flight. These simulate real exam conditions and help build confidence in time management, radio calls, navigation, and unexpected scenarios (like simulated emergencies).

Pro tip: Make the mock checkride tougher than the real thing.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Showing up without required documents (ID, logbook, IACRA signed)
Not knowing aircraft performance (V-speeds, weight/balance)
Guessing during the oral instead of admitting uncertainty
Poor cockpit organization and checklist discipline
Fixating on small errors instead of recovering confidently

Remember, checkrides aren’t about being perfect. They’re about being safe, competent, and aware. The DPE wants to see how you think—not just how you fly.

Whether it’s your first or your fifth, every checkride is a milestone—and knowing what to expect is key to passing confidently.

What Is a Checkride Like on Test Day?

By the time you’re checkride-ready, you’ve already passed the FAA written exam, logged the necessary hours, and earned your instructor’s endorsement. But what is a checkride like when the pressure is real and the outcome matters?

It starts with paperwork. You’ll meet your DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner), and before anything else, they’ll go over your documents. Bring these without fail:

Valid government-issued photo ID
Logbook with all required instructor endorsements
FAA knowledge test results
Completed IACRA application
Medical certificate (if applicable)
Aircraft documents (ARROW)

Once the admin side is done, the oral exam begins. It’s less of a quiz and more of a structured conversation. The examiner wants to see how you reason through real-world scenarios, so expect questions around:

Airspace classes and operating requirements
Weather analysis and go/no-go decisions
Aircraft performance and weight/balance
Cross-country planning and fuel strategy
Emergency procedures and risk management

No trick questions—just practical, safety-focused dialogue. The goal is to confirm you’re capable of making smart decisions in and out of the cockpit.

Next comes the flight portion, which typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll preflight the aircraft, brief the examiner, and then demonstrate the maneuvers and procedures outlined in the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS). These usually include:

Normal, short-field, and crosswind takeoffs/landings
Steep turns, slow flight, and stalls
Simulated emergencies (like engine failure or lost comms)
Navigation using visual references and checkpoints
Checklist use, communication, and overall cockpit management

Throughout the flight, the DPE is assessing not only your skill, but your decision-making, workload management, and ability to fly professionally. You don’t need to be perfect—but you do need to be safe, confident, and consistent.

So, what is a checkride, really? It’s the FAA’s final confirmation that you’re not just trained—you’re ready.

What Is a Checkride Failure and How to Recover From It?

Let’s be honest: not every checkride ends with a handshake and a freshly printed certificate. Sometimes, despite preparation, things don’t go as planned.

So, what is a checkride failure? It simply means that you didn’t meet the performance standards on one or more parts of the test—either during the oral or flight segment. When that happens, the DPE will issue a Notice of Disapproval, clearly identifying what went wrong.

But here’s the key—most checkride failures are partial. That means you may only need to redo the section you didn’t pass. For example:

Failed one maneuver? Just re-fly that maneuver.
Struggled in the oral exam? Only retake the knowledge portion.

This targeted retake is not uncommon and is fully allowed under FAA policy.

Once you’ve retrained on the missed elements, your instructor will re-endorse your logbook, and you’ll schedule another checkride—often with the same examiner.

To make the most of your retake:

Review your DPE’s feedback in detail
Revisit the specific ACS tasks you missed
Practice under pressure in simulated checkride scenarios
Rebuild confidence through mock checkrides with your instructor

Also, keep in mind that many checkride failures are more about nerves than knowledge. Anxiety, overthinking, or rushing through a task can derail even a well-prepared student. If this sounds like you, invest time in mental prep as much as maneuver drills.

At the end of the day, what is a checkride failure? It’s not a verdict on your potential—it’s feedback. And every skilled pilot knows: feedback is how you grow.

Tips to Pass Your FAA Checkride the First Time

Every student pilot wants the same thing—to pass their FAA checkride on the first attempt. And while the checkride might feel like the most stressful part of training, the truth is this: if you’re prepared, it’s completely within reach.

So, what is a checkride tip worth remembering above all? It’s this—your goal isn’t perfection, it’s safety and decision-making.

Here’s what separates students who pass from those who fall short:

Trust your training. You’ve spent hours learning every maneuver, every checklist item, every procedure. When test day comes, fly like it’s just another lesson. Don’t overthink—just perform.

Think out loud. The examiner isn’t a mind reader. When you verbalize your decisions—whether it’s adjusting for wind drift or explaining why you’re diverting—you show confidence and command.

Don’t fake it. If you don’t know something, say so. “I don’t know, but I’d look it up here,” is far better than guessing. Examiners value honesty over improvisation.

Recover like a pro. If you make a mistake—and most pilots do—acknowledge it and correct it calmly. A smooth recovery shows maturity and PIC readiness.

Also, focus on what you can control. Get proper rest the night before, fuel up with something light, and double-check your documents and aircraft.

Remember, what is a checkride really testing? Not just skill, but mindset. Passengers don’t care how steep your turn was—they care how you think under pressure. So does your examiner.

What Is a Checkride Like According to Real Pilots?

Ask any licensed pilot about their checkride, and you’ll usually get the same reaction: a knowing smile, a quick flashback, and some version of, “Yeah—I was nervous too.”

Understanding what is a checkride really like from a pilot’s perspective can help you see it as more than just a test. It’s a defining moment—and a shared one.

Many pilots will tell you:

The oral wasn’t as scary as they expected—it was more of a professional conversation than a quiz.
The examiner wasn’t there to fail them, but to confirm they were ready.
They felt nervous at first but settled in quickly once they started flying.
Their examiner was supportive and even helped them learn something mid-flight.

Some say they were surprised by how much emphasis was placed on attitude and judgment, not just technical skill. Others admit they over-prepared one area and got caught off guard by simple questions—like what to do if your transponder stops working mid-flight.

Here’s what many wish they’d known:

That small mistakes won’t fail you—unsafe behavior will.
That it’s okay to slow down and breathe.
That the DPE is a fellow aviator, not an enemy.
That everything they needed was already in their logbook, checklist, and training.

So, if you’re still wondering what is a checkride like, the best answer is this: it’s a challenge, but not a trap. It’s a gateway to certification, backed by the same aviation community that once stood in your shoes.

Conclusion

By now, you’ve got a clear answer to the question: what is a checkride, and more importantly, how do you pass it?

A checkride isn’t just a test—it’s a milestone. It’s where training ends and certification begins. Whether you’re working toward your Private Pilot License, an Instrument Rating, or Commercial Pilot Certification, the process is designed to validate your skills, judgment, and readiness to act as pilot-in-command.

If there’s one thing to take away from this guide, it’s this: trust your preparation. Don’t let nerves take over. You’ve already done the work—now it’s about showing that you can apply it when it counts.

The best checkrides happen when you treat the flight like any other well-executed lesson. Fly with intention, think clearly, communicate confidently, and recover from mistakes like a pro.

So next time you ask yourself what is a checkride and whether you’re ready—the answer might be: you’re more prepared than you think.

FAQs: What Is a Checkride?

Question	Answer
What is a checkride and why is it required?	A checkride is the FAA practical exam that evaluates a pilot’s skill and knowledge for certification.
What is a checkride oral exam like?	The oral exam includes scenario-based questions on weather, regulations, aircraft systems, navigation, and risk management.
What is a checkride flight portion like?	It involves a full preflight inspection, maneuvers, navigation, simulated emergencies, and proper communication with ATC.
How many hours before you can take a checkride?	It depends on the certificate; for a PPL under Part 61, the minimum is typically 40 hours of total flight time.
Can I fail a checkride and retake it?	Yes. You only need to retake the failed section after additional training and a new instructor endorsement.

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