The FAA Private Pilot Practical Test also known as the Private Pilot Checkride, is the final step in obtaining a Private Pilot Certificate.
It’s vital that you attend your practical test prepared for the oral and flight portions of the test. It is imperative that you have all of the required documents, publications, certificates and logbook(s) with you, correctly filled out ready to prove that you are ready, legal and qualified to take the practical test.
You will need to present the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) with a variety of documents during the practical test in order for them to determine that you may take and be processed for the test.
Private Pilot Requirements
Before you attend any practical test it is of the upmost importance that you ensure that all requirements for that test are satisfied. A failure to meet and log any of the requirements will prevent you from reaching your goal. The FAA requires the following.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:
Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant’s pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
- Conducted the training or reviewed the person’s home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in §61.105(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
- Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in §61.105(b) of this part.
Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
- Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
- Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate.
Aeronautical Requirements
Flight Training:
Accumulate a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, which must include:
20 hours of flight training with an instructor.
This includes at least 3 hours of cross-country flight training.
3 hours of night flight training, including one cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles and 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport.
3 hours of instrument flight training.
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within the preceding two calendar months.
10 hours of solo flight time.
This includes 5 hours of solo cross-country flying.
One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at three points and one segment of at least 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations.
Three takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
Personal Document and Records
It is of the utmost importance that you show up to your practical test with all of the correct documentation in order to be eligible to take the test.
In addition you must ensure that all documents are correctly filled out and the names on your certificates and identification match exactly. Additionally – the name on your documents and certificates name must also mach the name in your IACRA profile)
Pilot Certificate
Current Medical (minimum 3rd class)
- Note any limitations that may be placed on the medical certificate
Identification – Government’ Issued with a photograph
- The government issued identification you use must be current and valid.
- Examples: State Issued driving license, Passport, Military Identification card.
- It must have a photograph of yourself on the document. A good example of an identification would be a passport or state driving license.
- Your name on the pilot certificate, medical certificate and government issued ID, must all match !
Airmen’s Knowledge Test Report (AC Form 8080-2)
- This MUST BE ORIGINAL with the original codes.
- The Airmen’s Knowledge Test Report will have the applicant’s FTN number.
- Check with the testing center if there are questions.
Pilot Logbook(s) to demonstrate aeronautical requirements have been met
- This will show your aeronautical requirements such as required flight time with your flight instructor, solo flight time and ground training.
- Ensure you have all of the appropriate / required Instructor Endorsements (mark these in logbook)
- You must take and present All logbooks with all required endorsements from your flight instructor correctly filled in, verifying that you are prepared for the practical test.
- All logbook columns must be tallied and carried over to each page. You may write the totals in pencil if the last page is not completed or write them down on paper.
- Electronic logbooks are acceptable so long as the instructor’s signature is written, NOT typewritten.
Notice of Disapproval or Letter of Discontinuance (if applicable) (FAA Form 8060-5)
Approved School Graduation Certificate (if applicable)
IACRA FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate Application with Instructor’s Signature
- Log in to IACRA and complete the application for the private pilot practical test
- Ensure all flight times and other required information has been accurately entered into IACRA.
- Print a copy of the 8710-1 form with instructor’s signature – in case IACRA is down during the practical test.
- Contact examiner if this is a problem and need to use paper application!
Aircraft Documents:
Airworthiness Certificate.
- Contact examiner to discuss.
- Do not remove from aircraft
Registration Certificate.
- Contact examiner to discuss.
- Do not remove from aircraft
Operating Limitations / POH
- Ensure this is the specific aircraft’s Pilot’s Operating Handbook for the aircraft that will be used for the practical test
- Check that the serial number & ” N” number with specific weight & balance is for that aircraft!
- Ensure you have a personal copy of the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft you are using for the checkride with you! Ensure you have the most current one!
Logbook Record of Airworthiness Inspections and AD Compliance.
- Ask an ECAC dispatcher to get a copy of the recent maintenance endorsements from maintenance.
- Annual inspection
- 100 hour Inspection / progressive inspections
- VOR equipment check for IFR operations. 91.171
- ELT 91.207
- Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections. 91.411
- ATC transponder tests and inspections 91.413
- GPS DB must be current
- Contact examiner to discuss to ensure they will accept copies of the latest. Ensure the Static, Altimeter, Transponder, and ELT (SATE) checks and all 4 phase inspections are included.
Other Documents Publications
Pilot’s Operating Handbook (as above)
FAA Publications as required
- Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) Current Version.
- Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)Current Version.
- Airmen’s Certification Standards (ACS) Current version for the certificate you are seeking.
- Aviation Sectional / Terminal Area Charts – Not expired for the area you will be flying in
Personal Equipment:
Ensure you have the required equipment that you’ll need to take to the checkride to ensure you’re fully prepared and meet the requirements.
View-Limiting Device (hood)
- Do not make your own – use a commercially sold product
Current Aeronautical Charts
- Terminal Area Chart(s),
- Sectional Chart(s).
Chart Supplement (Current)
E6B Flight Computer
- May be electronic
Plotter
Current FAR/ AIM
Flight Plan / Navigation Log Form
- Completed as directed by DPE
Approved (ECAC) aircraft checklist
- Ensure it is the latest version
- Ensure it is for the correct aircraft
- Have an extra copy of approved aircraft checklist.
Endorsements
For the private pilot checkride, you need specific endorsements from your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in your logbook. These endorsements confirm that you have conducted your training, with the required endorsements and have the correct endorsements to meet the regulatory and practical requirements for the checkride. Endorsements examples can be found in Advisory Circular 61.65H
Make sure these endorsements are completed and up-to-date before your checkride. Your CFI should guide you through this process to ensure everything is properly endorsed.
PREREQUISITES FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST ENDORSEMENT
A1. Prerequisites for practical test: Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) §61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii)
- This endorsement certifies that you have received and logged training within the last 60 days preceding your practical test.
A.2 Review of deficiencies identified on airman knowledge test: §61.39(a)(6)(iii), as required.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which [he or she] was deficient on the [applicable] airman knowledge test.
STUDENT PILOT ENDORSEMENTS
A.3 Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: § 61.87(b)
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of §61.87(b) for the [make and model] aircraft.
A.4 Pre-solo flight training: §61.87(c)(1) and (2)
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged pre-solo flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the [make and model] aircraft. I have determined [he or she] has demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.87 in this or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.
A.6 Solo flight (first 90 calendar-day period): § 61.87(n)
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined [he or she] meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) and is proficient to make solo flights in [make and model].
A.7 Solo flight (each additional 90 calendar-day period): § 61.87(p) I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined that [he or she] meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(p) and is proficient to make solo flights in [make and model].
A.8 Solo cross-country flight: §61.93(c)(1) and (2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required solo cross-country training. I find [he or she] has met the applicable requirements of § 61.93, and is proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a [make and model] aircraft, [aircraft category].
A.9 Solo cross-country flight: §61.93(c)(3).
I have reviewed the cross-country planning of [First name, MI, Last name]. I find the planning and preparation to be correct to make the solo flight from [origination airport] to [origination airport] via [route of flight] with landings at [names of the airports] in a [make and model] aircraft on [date]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.]
A.14 Endorsement of U.S. citizenship recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) §1552.3(h).
The flight instructor must keep a copy of the documents used to provide proof of citizenship for 5 years or make the following endorsement in the student’s logbook and the instructor’s logbook or other record used to record flight student endorsements with the following:
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has presented me a [type of document presented, such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, and the relevant control or sequential number on the document, if any] establishing that [he or she] is a U.S. citizen or national in accordance with 49 CFR § 1552.3(h).
PRIVATE PILOT ENDORSEMENTS
A.32 Aeronautical knowledge test: §61.35(a)(1), 61.103(d), and 61.105.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with § 61.105. I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.
A.33 Flight proficiency/practical test: §61.103(f), §61.107(b), and §61.109.
The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the §61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 and A.2.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with §61.107 and 61.109. I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] practical test.
Other Considerations
Logbook – Be prepared to show all required log book times & endorsements.
FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) All practical tests are in accordance with the applicable (ACS)
It is strongly recommended that you carefully review the ACS prior to your checkride.
Don’t go into the checkride not fully understanding what you will be tested on or the standards you will be held to .
Weather Brief – Ensure you get a full weather brief (1800-wx-brief) prior to attending the checkride.
If you have been tasked to plan a cross country flight to plan use that as the basis of your request for a standard weather brief.
If the weather is below VFR weather minimums on the day of the practical test, you should attend the practical test for the oral portion of the test. Use the weather brief to make a “go / no-go” decision for the flight portion.
Be prepared to call and request an update briefing during the practical test.