By Brandon Martini, Co-CEO, Stratus Financial
Checkride preparation tips are essential for every pilot in training because all the hard work, study sessions, and hours in the cockpit come down to one decisive day: the checkride. Whether you’re earning your Private Pilot License, adding your Instrument Rating, or going for your Commercial Pilot Certificate, the checkride is your opportunity to prove to an FAA examiner that you’re ready to fly safely and competently.
And while the word “test” can make even the most confident student a little nervous, the truth is this: if you’ve made it this far, you already have the skills you need. The checkride is about showing what you know, not tricking you into failure.
Understand the Road Ahead
From zero time to a commercial pilot, most students will complete multiple checkrides:
- Private Pilot Checkride – your first big milestone.
- Instrument Rating Checkride – demonstrating your ability to fly in the clouds and by instruments alone.
- Commercial Pilot Checkride – proving your mastery of advanced maneuvers and readiness for professional flying.
- Optional Multi-Engine Add-On – if your career goals include multi-engine aircraft, this is an additional checkride.
Knowing what’s ahead in your training sequence helps you pace yourself, both in skill-building and in mental preparation.
Treat Every Flight Like a Mini-Checkride
Every training flight is an opportunity to sharpen your skills. One of the best checkride preparation tips is to treat your lessons like mini-checkrides, fly each training session as if your examiner is in the right seat. Use proper checklists, maintain professional radio communication, and brief each flight just like you will on test day. The more these habits become second nature, the less you’ll have to “think” about them under checkride pressure.
Master the ACS
One of the most valuable checkride preparation tips is to study the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The ACS is your blueprint for the checkride. It lists every maneuver, task, and knowledge area you’ll be tested on. Your instructor will already be teaching to the ACS, but you should read it for yourself and highlight anything that feels less than solid. That’s your study roadmap.
Don’t Neglect the Oral
Many students focus heavily on the flight portion but forget that the checkride starts on the ground. The oral exam is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of regulations, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, and decision-making. Treat it as an opportunity to show your professionalism, answer confidently, and if you don’t know something, say so and then explain how you’d find the answer.
A smart checkride preparation tip is to practice answering questions out loud with your instructor or a study partner. Explaining concepts like aerodynamics, weather, or regulations verbally helps reinforce your knowledge and prepares you to think on your feet.
Rehearse with a Mock Checkride
Ask your instructor or another qualified CFI to run you through a mock checkride, including the oral and flight portions. This not only helps you spot weak areas but also simulates the mental endurance you’ll need on the real day.
Prepare Logbooks and Paperwork Early
Nothing adds stress like scrambling for documents on checkride morning. Make sure your logbook endorsements, identification, written test results, and aircraft paperwork are all in order well ahead of time.
Control the Variables You Can
Get a good night’s sleep, eat a balanced meal, and stay hydrated. Avoid cramming at the last minute—it can increase anxiety. Show up early, breathe, and remember: your DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) isn’t looking for perfection, but for safe, consistent, and sound decision-making.
Keep Perspective
Yes, the checkride is important but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t pass on the first try. Many great pilots have had to retake a checkride. Treat it as part of your learning process and remember that your goal isn’t just to earn a certificate it’s to become the best, safest pilot you can be.
Final Approach
A checkride is like a long cross-country flight: it requires preparation, focus, and adaptability. By following these checkride preparation tips and training with purpose, studying the ACS, and building solid habits, you’ll be ready to show your examiner that you’re more than capable. And once that temporary certificate is in your hand, you’ll know it wasn’t just a test, it was your ticket to the next stage of your flying career.