FAQ
What is a “scenario based” checkride?
The FAA mandates that each designated Pilot examiner (DPE) provide the applicant with a realistic scenario describing a typical flight that you might make after successfully completing your checkride. Most of the ground portion of the checkride will be based on the scenario.
When will I learn what the scenario will be?
About a week before the checkride, I will email you the relevant information. This will allow you to plan the flight, complete a weight and balance, and study the route and airspace.
Will we actually fly the scenario flight?
Not the entire flight, but depending on the checkride we will start out on the route you chose. It is good to pick a first waypoint 7-10 miles from the departure airport so we don’t have to go too far.
What should I study for the checkride?
The FAA publishes the Airman Certification Standards for each checkride. You will find a link to them on this website. The examiner is required to test a minimum of one knowledge topic, one risk topic, and all skill topics in each task.
The FAA also requires the examiner to test any areas in which the applicant was deficient on the written knowledge test. Make sure that you review these with your flight instructor in advance.
The FAA also requires the examiner to test any areas in which the applicant was deficient on the written knowledge test. Make sure that you review these with your flight instructor in advance.
Where will the checkride take place?
Unless other arrangements are made, the ground portion will take place at my office located at 240 Aviation Drive North, Suite 207. If you are based at Naples, we will proceed to your flight school or hangar after the ground portion of the exam.
If you would like me to come to your location, please contact me as soon as you make the appointment so I can ensure I have enough time to reach you.
If you would like me to come to your location, please contact me as soon as you make the appointment so I can ensure I have enough time to reach you.
How long will the checkride take?
Plan on 4-5 hours to complete all the paperwork, the ground portion, and the flight. Flight time is generally around 1.5 hours.
Still have questions? Ask the DPE.