Requirements for the Private Pilot Practical Test (ASEL)

The Private Pilot Practical Test (ASEL) is the final step toward earning a Private Pilot Certificate. It consists of both an oral exam and a flight test (commonly referred to as a checkride). There are many requirements that need to be fulfilled before taking the practical test. The requirements are based on the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), and the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the Private Pilot (ASEL) certificate.

The examiner will use the ACS as the framework to evaluate both your knowledge and skills during the practical test.

It is imperative prior to attending the practical test to ensure that ALL of your requirements are met, your documentation is completed and your logbook is up-to-date, with all training, solo flights and required endorsements are properly signed off by your instructor before the checkride.

General Requirements

Be at least 17 years old.

Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (AELS) 61.103(c), AC 60-28b, 61.65a

Obtain and have at least a non expired third-class medical certificate from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner. (AME)

Complete ground school training, which can be done through a flight school, online courses, or self-study. Ground school covers topics like aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and FAA regulations.

Note: While there is no formal educational requirement, you must pass a knowledge test that covers various subjects related to aviation

Aeronautical Experience Requirements for Private Pilot Practical Test (ASEL)

You must meet the all of the Aeronautical Experience Requirements to be eligible for the Private Pilot Practical Test in the Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) category. The requirements are outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations §61.109(a)

Flight Training (aka dual)

Total Flight Time: Minimum 40 Hours §61.109(a) 
(which must include the following (all times are the minimum requirement) :

20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor. §61.109(a) 

At least 3 hours of cross-country flight training. 61.109(a)(1)

Night training

3 hours of night flight training, (in a single-engine airplane) §61.109(a)(2) that includes —

One (night) cross-country flight over 100 nautical miles and §61.109(a)(2)(ii) 
10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport. §61.109(a)(2)(ii) 

Solo Flight Time

10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b)(1)
and the training must include at least:

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.
with – three takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

Maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments (aka “hood time”)

3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight; §61.109(a)(3)

Practical Test Preparation

3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test within the preceding two calendar
months. §61.109(a)(4) 

Documents – Eligibility Determination

The Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) will determine your eligibility BEFORE the exam can begin. It Is of the utmost importance that you have completed all of the required documentation and have it with you at the practical test. If there are any irregularities with your documentation the practical test will be discontinued.

The CFI and Applicant must check all of the required documentation in order to ensure the practical test can go ahead before the applicant attends the final progress check (at ECAC).

Required Personal Documents

Government Issued Photo ID (valid & unexpired) (61.3(a)(1)(2), AC 61.65 Appendix 2)

  • U.S. State issued driver’s license or ID, Passport, or US Armed Forces ID Card.
    • Must be unexpired, government issued
  • Name must consistent with name on student pilot certificate
  • Name is consistent with name on Airman’s Knowledge Test Results
  • Name is consistent with name on 8710-1 application
  • Meets minimum age requirement (private: 18 years of age per 61.123(a))

FAA Student Pilot Certificate (61.123(j))

  • Name on the student pilot certificate must match the name on the photo ID
  • Name on the student pilot certificate must match the name on the knowledge test result sheet

FAA Current Medical Certificate (61.3(c)(1)(2), 61.39(a)(4))

Airman’s Knowledge Test Result Sheet

  • MUST be the original test result (must have legible raised seal) (61.39(a)(2))
  • Minimum score 70% (61.39, 61.35(b)
  • Must have been taken within 24 calendar months prior to the practical test (61.39(a)(1))
  • Name on the test result must match Photo ID (AC 61.65)
  • Name on the test result must match the student pilot certificate.
  • Missed test question subjects will be retested during practical exam

Student Training Logbook

  • Ensure that the student’s name is correct and matches Govt, ID, Pilot Certificate, Medical
  • Ensure that the student’s contact information is correct.
  • Include:
    • Phone Number
    • Email
  • Ensure that all columns are added and carried over.
    • Last page may be in pencil
  • Ensure that all pages are signed to be correct and accurate.
  • Ensure all required endorsements are filled out correctly and signed by the flight instructor

Record of Student’s Ground Training or Course Graduation Certificate.

A Record of Student’s Ground Training is completed by the student’s flight instructor or ground instructor for in-person ground training.

If the student has studied with a training institution, a “Course Graduation Certificate” is issued to a student, verifying that they have successfully completed a specific ground training course, typically including details like the course title, dates attended, completion status, and any relevant certifications earned.

Record of Ground Training Provided by CFI

DPE’s require a signed document that specifies the following has been covered in ground training. Ensure you have this document printed and signed by your CFI.

Ground Training RecordDownload

The following areas of ground training must have been completed.

  • Applicable FAA regulations relating to private pilot
  • Accident reporting requirements of the NTSB
  • Use of the applicable portions of the AIM and FAA circulars
  • Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation
  • Radio communication procedures
  • Recognition of critical WX situations, windshear
  • Use of WX reports/forecasts
  • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft including collision and wake turbulence
  • Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance
  • Weight and balance computations
  • Principles of aerodynamics, power-plants, and aircraft systems
  • Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques
  • Aeronautical decision making and judgment
  • Preflight action including runway lengths, takeoff and landing distances
  • Preflight action including WX reports and forecasts, fuel requirements
  • Preflight action including how to plan for alternatives if planned flight can’t be completed

IF you are retesting after failure ( § 61.49 )

An applicant for a knowledge or practical test who fails that test may reapply for the test only after the applicant has received:

  • The necessary training from an authorized instructor who has determined that the applicant is proficient to pass the test; and
  • An endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave the applicant the additional training.

You will need to provide

Copy of Notice of Disapproval,

Newly endorsed 8710-1,

Logbook endorsement

IF resuming a practical test under a Letter of Discontinuance,

Provide a copy of the Letter of Discontinuance

Logbook Endorsements AC 61.65x

  • Practical test prerequisites logbook endorsement (FAR 61.39, reference AC 61.65H Page A6, paragraph A1, A2)
  • Date of endorsement is within 2 calendar months prior to test date
  • Applicant is prepared for practical test
  • All missed FAA Knowledge Test questions remediated by CFI

Flight Training endorsement (proficiency for practical test) (61.103(e), 61.107, 61.129, AC 61.65H

Evidence of ground training in logbook or on home study course. 61.105

Airman Knowledge Test endorsement
((61.35(a), 61.123(c), 61.125, reference AC 61.65H , page A12, paragraph A34 (if available in logbook))

If a retest after a prior unsatisfactory practical test: 61.49, reference AC 61.65H

Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Practical Test Fee

Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) / Evaluator’s Fee.  Contact examiner to discuss.

Private Pilot Practical Exam Eligibility Determination Checklist

IACRA

8710-1 application properly completed using IACRA 61.39(a)(7)

  • Signed by applicant
  • Signed by recommending instructor
  • Name on application must be consistent with name on ID
  • Flight hours entries must meet minimum hours per regulations
  • Note: for retest appointments, a separate 8710-1 & additional CFI logbook endorsement per 61.49 is required
  • IACRA https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

8710-1 Paper Form copy (Recommended in case of IACRA unavailability) 61.39(a)(7)

  • Signed by applicant
  • Signed by recommending instructor
  • Required Equipment (aircraft): Note: applicant must demonstrate that aircraft used is an eligible aircraft:
  • IACRA https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

Required aircraft documents

Valid, current and available on board the aircraft (AROW)

  • Airworthiness Certificate (visible, readable, applicable by serial number to aircraft)
  • Registration Certificate (unexpired)
  • Owner’s Manual, POH, or AFM as applicable to aircraft
  • Current Weight and Balance

Original A/C maintenance logs available on test day (for airworthiness determination)

Annual, 100-hour, or progressive inspections current as required by operation

AD compliance list available, current, showing one-time and reoccurring AD compliance

Aircraft must be acceptable per FAR 61.45 (US Registry, appropriate category and class (ASEL)), standard or special airworthiness certificate)

Personal Equipment

Completed cross country and weight and balance scenario assignment from the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) including:

  • Flight log (checkpoints, course, heading, altitude, distances, and time etc. using actual weather for the day)
  • Fuel calculations for the assigned cross country using actual weather for the day
  • Weather and go-no-go decision using actual and simulated weather for the day
  • FAA flight plan form filled out in its entirety for the assigned cross country
  • Aircraft performance using actual weather for the day
  • Completed weight and balance per Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) scenario

Appropriate Current Aeronautical Charts for the area (Printed or Electronic)
Applicants may use your iPad or similar device. Make sure it is charged and has current data. 
Contact examiner to discuss.

Appropriate Chart Supplement for the area (Printed or Electronic)

View-Limiting Device. Approved hood or foggles. Do NOT use one that you made yourself

E6B or equivalent

Plotter or equivalent

Flight Log

Flight Plan form

Airman’s information Manual (AIM)

Current 14 CFR FAR’s

Current Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

Common errors that delay the start of a practical test or cause rescheduling issues:

Several common errors in the application process can delay the start of a practical test or even cause the need for rescheduling. These mistakes often arise from incomplete or inaccurate information on FAA Form 8710-1, issues with documentation, or misunderstandings about the requirements. 

Not ensuring that all student pilot’s names on certificate, ID, medical certificate match.

Not ensuring that all required endorsements filled out correctly as required

Forgetting the 61.39 logbook endorsement that is always required even when 61.127 & 61.129 are given.

Using the lower portion of the AKT (FAA written) as a practical test endorsement.
This form was designed for retests of the AKT (FAA written) not the practical exam.

Failure to construct endorsements essentially per AC 61.65H (or current version)

Failure to cite appropriate FARs in endorsements.

Failure to meet all Total, Dual, and Solo/supervised PIC requirements and document in the pilot logbook.

Failure to provide the ORIGINAL Airman Knowledge Test (AKT) results (must have raised seal).

Failure to meet the 5 hours SOLO, Night, VFR hours per 61.129(a)(4)(ii) (can be supervised PIC if noted as such),

Failure to meet the 10 SOLO, Night, VFR take-off and landings to a FULL STOP at an airport with operating control tower per 61.129(a)(4)(ii)

Failure to tab ALL the preceding FAR requirements in the logbook for quick reference BEFORE test day.

If you can’t prove it you can’t test! Don’t let all of the hard work you have put into preparing for a checkride to be spoiled by documentation errors!

INSTRUCTOR & STUDENT PRE-TEST CHECKLIST     

When you have a date for your Private Pilot practical test, applicants must fill out the Pre-Test Checklist prior to the Practical Test.

This is a requirement to ensure that all documents, endorsements and names are correct so that a student does not begin a test and is subsequently cancelled due to an error.

Download and print the checklist (below), once the form is completed you should have another ECAC CFI check the documentation as a back-up.

Note: Marc Nathanson is willing to check the application and documents.

Private Pilot Checkride Pre-Test ChecklistDownload
Private Pilot Checkride Pre-Test ChecklistDownload