The Checkride

Steps to Checkride

To take a Private Pilot Certificate (or PPL) checkride, you need to have completed these steps:

• Be 17 years old

• Pass the FAA Knowledge Test (within 2 years of your checkride)

• Have at least 40 hours of flight time, 20 with a CFI (the average is 60-70 hours of flight time)

• Have at least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate

• Schedule the check ride with a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner), your CFI can help you with this

  • The checkride takes a full day and is split into two sections:

    • The Oral Exam: Typically lasting 2 hours, the DPE will review your paperwork, test your aeronautical knowledge, and ask you to plan a simulated cross-country flight.

    • The Flight Test: Once you pass the oral exam, you and the DPE will head to the aircraft. You will demonstrate maneuvers, takeoffs, and landings to the standards outlined in the FAA's Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

    • If you successfully pass the checkride, the DPE will issue you a Temporary Airman Certificate, and an official license card will be mailed to you.

    • You’re a pilot!