Ace Your FAA Checkride: 10 Proven Tips to Pass with Confidence
The FAA checkride is the final step in earning your pilot certificate—and it can be nerve-wracking. But don’t worry—with the right preparation and mindset, you can pass with confidence. Whether you're going for your Private Pilot License or an advanced rating, here are 10 proven tips to help you crush your checkride.
1. Know the ACS (Airman Certification Standards) Inside and Out
The ACS is your checkride roadmap. Everything the examiner will evaluate—both oral and flight—is laid out there. Study each task and ensure you meet the required knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Tip: Highlight weak areas and review them with your instructor before test day.
2. Fly Like You’re Already a Certified Pilot
Examiners aren’t just checking your technical flying—they’re looking for decision-making, confidence, and sound judgment. Act like the pilot-in-command from start to finish.
3. Chair Fly the Entire Flight Portion
Mentally rehearse every maneuver and radio call. Visualize your checklist use, control movements, and how you’ll correct any deviations.
Bonus: Record yourself talking through the flight as if you were teaching it to someone else.
4. Review Your Logbook and Endorsements
Hand with pen over application form
Your logbook should be up to date, signed, and include all necessary endorsements. Double-check this before scheduling your checkride—missing paperwork is a common reason for postponement.
5. Prepare Like a Pro for the Oral Exam
Don’t just memorize facts—understand concepts. Expect questions about airspace, weather, systems, regulations, performance, and risk management. Be ready to explain why behind your decisions.
6. Use the “I Don’t Know” Rule Wisely
If you're unsure of an answer during the oral, it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure, but here’s how I’d find the answer.” Honesty and resourcefulness go a long way.
7. Practice With Real-World Scenarios
Go beyond maneuvers. Practice things like weather briefings, go/no-go decisions, diversions, and abnormal procedures. Examiners love realistic judgment scenarios.
8. Communicate Clearly
Whether in the cockpit or during the oral, speak with clarity. Verbalizing your thought process shows the examiner you’re in control and understand what you’re doing.
9. Don’t Aim for Perfection—Aim for Safety
You don’t have to fly a perfect ride. Examiners expect minor mistakes. What matters is how you recognize, correct, and learn from them.
10. Rest, Hydrate, and Eat Before the Checkride
It may sound basic, but it makes a huge difference. Fatigue, hunger, and stress cloud your judgment and performance.
Summary
Treat the checkride as a chance to show off how far you’ve come—not something to fear. Preparation is key, but so is your mindset. Walk in like a pilot who knows they’re ready—because you are.
