Final Checkride Prep
It is on the horizon getting closer and closer. You've spent countless hours and expended exuberant energy on your flying skills and aeronautical knowledge, so what's left? Impress your designated pilot examiner (DPE) with not only your polished piloting proficiency, but also your checkride preparation prowess. In this post, you'll read some tried-and-true strategies that those who have gone before you suggest to facilitate success, and minimize stress, on checkride day.
If you are going to your first checkride, you are probably wondering what to expect. While your instructor will brief you on how the day may go, know that a checkride is often comprised of three main parts: getting set up and making sure you are eligible for the certificate which you are applying; moving through an oral assessment of your ground knowledge; and lastly the practical (flight) portion. Each section will build on the last, and
remember that perfection is not the standard. It is okay (and expected) to make mistakes, and while some criteria is more flexible and some less, stay focused on what the next goal is and take it one step at a time. Your examiner will care more about your response and how you handle a mishap so try not to become too rattled as every applicant has had their share of moments they wish they could do over. If you'd like, you can reach out to your scheduled examiner ahead of time to get an even better idea of how the checkride will be conducted, and you can use it as an opportunity to get to know your DPE's personality a bit ahead of time, too.
DO dress to impress
DO NOT show up in disarray
Business-casual is a safe dress-code bet when it comes to selecting what to wear to a checkride, and many aviators treat them as you would an interview. You want to appear like a serious candidate who values professionalism, but also dress thoughtfully so that you will be comfortable in the aircraft and outdoors. If it is during the heat of a summer afternoon when you expect to be flying, it is okay to wear shorts, just try to balance them with a collared shirt and a nice (but functional) pair of shoes. Ties, jeans, and hats can be left at home, but don't forget your foggles or other view-limiting-device if you will need one!
DO keep your documents straight
DO NOT be disorganized
As simple and obvious as it may seem, first impressions matter in the aviation world. If you arrive at your checkride with messy documents, you are already painting the picture of an applicant whose paperwork is an afterthought, which is not starting off on a good note. Think about the work your DPE has done to be in a position to be potentially signing a temporary certificate for you: everything from spending ample time as a flight instructor themselves, to printing and filing their own documents for this particular exam. Give this person confidence that you are a thorough pilot as well, before you even begin.
DO ensure your logbook is accurate
DO NOT have illegible lines
While your instructor is responsible for ensuring you meet the criteria to be eligible for a checkride, you can get a head start by tabbing important logbook pages (endorsements, totals, specific flights, etc.) for your examiner to refer to more easily. If there is an error on one of your logbook entries, strike it out with a single line so that it can still be read, and initial next to it. Avoid marking or whiting an error out if you can, as to keep an honest, clear record from the start.
DO check the forecasted weather
DO NOT plan on discontinuing
If the forecast is clearly a no-go, you (or your instructor) will need to reach out to your examiner to inquire about rescheduling. If you think the weather may be okay but seems borderline, you may choose to begin the exam with the option to discontinue the flight portion until a later time if the weather deteriorates (or for any other reason) in the time you are working through the oral evaluation. Although this is not ideal, it does get you closer to completing the checkride and can alleviate some stress to get the oral test out of the way, however you will need to complete the flight within 60 days or you will need to start the whole checkride over - and likely do some refreshing, too.
DO familiarize yourself if the checkride is at a foreign airport
Since most exams take place somewhere other than your home airfield, you will want to spend some amount of time with the checkride destination's airport diagram. Make note of whether it is towered or untowered, which runway(s) will most likely be in use and the corresponding traffic direction, radio frequencies, etc. If you can, schedule a flight to go to the airport and spend some time getting oriented, or visit it on a simulator and enjoy the best luxury simming has to offer: a pause button.
DO take breaks & bring something to eat
Checkrides can last several hours and even longer if you had to fly to another location. Make sure you take breaks as needed and communicate with your examiner if you're feeling unwell. It is alright to stretch your legs and/or get a drink if you want to give your brain a breather to regroup.
In essence, it is important to demonstrate to your examiner that you are as prepared as possible when the time comes, in any way possible. Your examiner wants you to be successful and will appreciate the effort you've put in to take the checkride seriously.
The day of your checkride is undoubtedly plagued by stress, so do what you can to reduce it by implementing one or more of these helpful steps. Hopefully some of these resonate with you and will increase your peace of mind. As with any phase of your flight training, do not hesitate to ask your instructor for guidance - they'll be happy to support you and do whatever they can to enable your success.
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