You should bring your logbook, medical certificate, government-issued photo ID, and logbook documentation that demonstrates your flight training and experience including endorsement to take the test. Additionally, bring current charts, a view-limiting device, and your written test results. It will be helpful to bring a completed 8710 printed from IACRA if have issues processing the application online.

Plan to be on site for the check ride for at least 4-5 hours. This includes the oral exam and the flight portion, but the total time may vary based on individual circumstances. I do not recommend scheduling any other important activities on check ride day. There is no rush, so take your time.

If you do not pass the check ride, you will receive feedback on areas that need improvement. You will receive a notice of disapproval that lists the tasks that must be demonstrated again, tasks not yet demonstrated, and tasks that were satisfactory. I can assist you explaining weak areas to your instructor. You can schedule a retest once you’ve addressed these areas and feel prepared.

While you cannot have your instructor present during the check ride, you could discuss any last-minute preparation and any questions with them before the test begins. A familiar face can help you feel more confident going into the exam. You could also have an instructor fly the airplane to the check ride location in case the weather is below your personal minimums but it is forecasted to improve before the test starts. If there are any errors discovered on the application or endorsements, them being on site may help you get them corrected.

During the flight portion common reasons include failure to exercise risk management, poor aeronautical decision making, lack of checklist usage, and distraction. Also, loss of situational awareness and not scanning for traffic.

I will present situations that you might encounter in real-world flying, such as adverse weather, mechanical issues, and various airspaces. You are evaluated on decision-making and applying knowledge and skills rather than answering fixed questions. Questioning will revolve around a pre-determined scenario.

Scenario based question example: "explain the airspaces you will encounter along your planned route including classification, altitudes, and entry requirements"

If the scenario includes weight and balance details, use that for your cross country planning. Before we fly, I will need to see an actual weight and balance for the flight portion of the checkide including actual fuel on board. My weight is 160lbs and I will bring a small flight bag with a headset.

• Thoroughly review the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) most recent revision

• Practice oral questioning and maneuvers with your instructor to standards

• Study using FAA materials including areas you were deficient on the knowledge test

• Keep practicing and stay proficient even if your checkride gets delayed unexpectedly

• Verify your logbook endorsements and flight times meet all eligibility requirements

• If you have any questions, clarify them with your instructor well before the test

• You may want to make a binder with copies of everything you need

• Delay or reschedule the checkride if you do not feel prepared

Safety and your personal minimums are the top priority. Please let me know as soon as possible if there is any doubt about the weather or your plans to meet at the scheduled time. We can often delay or move up our start time if I know enough in advance! Delaying your decision to cancel when the forecast is obviously bad only further delays this important event - the sooner you decide to reschedule the sooner I can get you back into my schedule.

No, and you can't drive in for the ground portion either. Depending on your personal minimums, the weather may be acceptable for you to fly to our agreed testing location, but still is not good enough to complete the required maneuvers. We will only start the checkride if we are fully planning to, and actually expecting to, complete the entire checkride that same day.

I use Calendly for my checkride scheduling process. If you’re ready to schedule:

1. Request a Single-Use Link: Contact me by phone, email, or this website, and I’ll send you a personalized Calendly link for your checkride.

2. Select a Date and Time: Click the link, choose an available slot that works for you, and complete the scheduling form. I only show my availability as far as 35 days out, but almost always have an opening within 2 weeks or less. If you don't see a time that works for you, feel free to call and I'll see if I can make an opening.

3. Confirmation Email: You’ll receive an automatic confirmation email from Calendly, which will include a “Reschedule” and “Cancel” link. If you need to make any changes, you can do it directly through those links. If you want to make changes, do it before our scheduled start time - after that - the event is locked and you'll have to contact me for changes.