There are certain tests that aspiring pilots must take, one of the most important being the checkride. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots, as well as air traffic controllers and flight dispatchers, to pass a practical test. Known as a checkride, it places aspiring pilots in a real-world scenario to test their skills and knowledge.
The Basics of a Checkride
A checkride is a practical test that’s performed alongside an FAA-designated examiner. The examiner will sit next to the aspiring pilot in the cockpit while they complete the checkride. Only after completing and passing the checkride will the aspiring pilot earn their wings.
There are many steps to becoming a pilot. In the United States, private pilots typically need at least 40 hours of flight time, whereas commercial pilots require up to 1,500 hours of flight time. In addition to logging the necessary hours of flight, completing a rigorous course and passing a written exam, aspiring pilots must pass a checkride. It’s the final step to become a pilot.
The 2 Main Parts of a Checkride
Most checkrides consist of two main parts: a knowledge section and a practical skills section. The knowledge part encompasses a wide range of flight-related information, such as regulations, navigation, weather and emergency flight procedures.
The practical skills part, on the other hand, covers flight maneuvers, such as takeoffs, landings, ascending, descending, etc. Aspiring pilots must complete and pass both parts of the checkride to earn their wings.
What to Expect During a Checkride
Checkrides consist of an oral exam and a flight test. The oral exam is taken on the ground. While the length may vary, it’s typically around one to two hours. During the oral exam, aspiring pilots must answer questions about regulations, aviation systems, weight and balance calculations, weather and more.
The flight test section involves piloting an airplane. Aspiring pilots will place themselves in the pilot seat while performing preflight inspections, basic and advanced flight maneuvers, simulated emergencies and navigation.
What Happens If You Fail?
Only aspiring pilots who pass the checkride will be able to earn their wings. However, failure typically doesn’t mean the end of the road for aspiring pilots. The examiner may allow them to retake the checkride.
If the examiner allows the applicant to retake the checkride, they can require the applicant to retake the entire checkride, or they can require the applicant to only retake the failed portion of the checkride.
