Quick Navigation to Checkrides<\/h2>- Practical Pilot Exam<\/a><\/li>
- Part 61 vs Part 141<\/a><\/li>
- What is the oral exam?<\/a><\/li>
- What is a “prog” check?<\/a><\/li>
- How hard is it to pass a checkride?<\/a><\/li>
- What are the FAA first-time checkride pass rates?<\/a><\/li>
- Can you retake a failed checkride?<\/a><\/li>
- How many checkride failures is too many?<\/a><\/li>
- Does a failed checkride affect a pilot’s ability to be hired?<\/a><\/li>
- How long is a checkride?<\/a><\/li>
- What documents are needed for a checkride?<\/a><\/li>
- What to Bring to a Checkride and What to Wear to a Checkride<\/a><\/li>
- What is the cost of a checkride?<\/a><\/li>
- What happens if you fail a checkride?<\/a><\/li>
- Watch Our 7-Minute Video on Checkrides!<\/a><\/li>
- What are some tips for passing a checkride?<\/a>
- 7 Checkride Tips:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Checkride Traditions<\/a><\/li>
- Go for it!<\/a><\/li>
- Join the Forum Discussion on Checkrides Below!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Practical Pilot Exam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Pilot](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/checkride-stripes.jpg\")
Flight instructor Bill McKenna (left) adds a stripe to Noah Hogan’s epaulets after a clean instrument pass at Epic’s KTUS campus. A “clean” pass is when a pilot passes a checkride on the first attempt.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nFor a pilot, few events are more satisfying than passing a checkride and earning that certification! A pilot checkride is the FAA practical test required to receive a specific pilot certificate or rating<\/strong>, such as the Private Pilot License<\/a> (PPL) or Instrument Rating<\/a> (IR). This practical evaluation serves as a final exam following months of flight training. Under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), pilots practice maneuvers, prepare study materials, and build proficiency before being endorsed for the test. However, it\u2019s the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) who ultimately conducts the checkride. The DPE determines whether the applicant meets all FAA requirements for certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt Epic, chief and assistant chief pilots are authorized by the FAA to conduct checkrides for our students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Epic](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/epic-inhouse-checkride-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Logan Dochtermann (left) was Epic’s first pilot to take his checkride with an Epic examiner. Logan passed his instrument checkride and is pictured here with his instructor, Breyton Jackson. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPart 61 vs Part 141<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you train at an FAA Part 61 school, you must take your checkride with a DPE. However, some Part 141 schools, such as Epic, have examining authority. This means the end-of-course stage check is your checkride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the oral exam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Pilot](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-exam-room.jpg\")
<\/a>At Epic, DPEs conduct the oral exam in private.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAt the end of ground school, pilots complete the FAA written exam<\/a>, which is a requirement prior to taking a checkride. Before the flight portion of a checkride, the DPE administers an oral exam. <\/strong>This is to evaluate knowledge of aviation regulations, procedures, weather minimums, aircraft systems, and more. Questions cover a wide range of topics, such as airspace classification, logbook entries, aircraft maintenance, and emergency scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPilots often prepare with a binder or study guide. We dissuade students from using \u201cgouge\u201d notes, which are basically summaries compiled from previous applicants’ experiences. These are becoming a crutch. Instead, we encourage you to master the content. Try teaching it to someone else. That’s a better way to learn the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Pilot](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/oral-exam-guide.png\")
<\/a>Pilots rely on a variety of study materials like the Oral Exam Guides to prepare for the FAA oral exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhile the exam is not fully open book, you’ll still hear, “How is the checkride open book?” around any flight school campus. Actually, applicants are allowed to reference charts, manuals, and aircraft documents. At Epic, we encourage our pilots to be familiar with these resources and only rely on them for clarification, not as a crutch. Hint: Take your time when responding during the oral exam. It is better to be thorough than fast.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is a “prog” check?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
“Prog” check is short for progress check. It is also known as a stage check. Prog checks provide an informal way to assess a pilot’s progress during flight training, especially before a checkride.<\/strong> During a prog check, instructors evaluate a pilot’s skills and knowledge to verify they\u2019re on track for earning their pilot certificate. Although these are not official FAA checkrides, stage checks are common in flight training and important to ensure high training quality and a better pass rate for the final FAA test.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStage checks help CFIs spot problem areas where a student may need more practice before moving forward. This can be ground training (procedures and knowledge) as well as flight maneuvers. Instructors give students helpful feedback to fix any weaknesses early. Prog checks also help instructors adjust their teaching methods if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example would be a pre-solo stage check to confirm the student is safe and ready to fly solo. These checks happen at other milestones, too, like before moving on to advanced maneuvers or doing a cross-country flight. Under FAR Part 141, prog checks are required to meet FAA standards at Part 141 schools like Epic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow hard is it to pass a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Commercial](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/commercial-checkride.jpg\")
<\/a>Epic student Loic Chenge from Belgium passed his commercial multi-engine checkride on his first attempt. Loic trained hard and focused and was completely ready for his exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPilots pass checkrides every day, and most pass on the first attempt. This is because flight instructors prepare students throughout training on all FAA requirements. No CFI wants a student to have to retest. Many schools use flight simulators and mock checkrides to help students master the material. Epic instructors oversee student pilots in a flight simulator<\/a> as they prepare them for all types of scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThorough preparation is key. Whether you’re preparing for an instrument, multi-engine, or ATP checkride, repetition, understanding, and good habits are essential. <\/strong>Common reasons for failure include skipped checklist items, poor decision-making under pressure, or knowledge gaps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat are the FAA first-time checkride pass rates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The FAA reported the following data in 2023 for first time pass rates: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Private Pilot<\/strong> (PPL): 74.5%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Commercial<\/strong> (CSEL): 79%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flight Instructors <\/strong>(CFI, CFI-I): 76.1%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Airline Transport <\/strong>(ATPL): 91.2%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All<\/strong>: 79.3%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Prepared pilots are more likely to pass. Although these numbers are high, it is evident that many pilots failed on the first try. At Epic, we post all first time passes in our monthly newsletter<\/a> and are proud that more than 80% of our pilots pass the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nCan you retake a failed checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Absolutely. If a pilot does not meet standards in any area, the DPE issues a Notice of Disapproval outlining deficiencies. After additional instruction, the applicant can reschedule and retake only the failed portion. Many successful aviators have retaken a checkride. That said, repeated failures may raise concerns later in a career.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow many checkride failures is too many?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no official FAA limit, but multiple failures on record could lead to awkward questions during interviews. Airlines and employers will look at patterns. However, one or two failed attempts, followed by clear improvement, are not career-ending. Be honest about what you learned and how you improved.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDoes a failed checkride affect a pilot’s ability to be hired?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No, not really. There are many reasons a fully qualified pilot could fail a checkride. <\/strong>A bad case of nerves could cause a pilot to forget to use a preflight checklist or miss some crucial step the DPE has to point out. Anything can go wrong, but a good pilot will use the failure as an opportunity to reflect, practice, and improve. The things you miss on a checkride are things you will never forget again. What matters is your response during your interview. Airlines may ask, “What happened?” and “What did you learn?” Showing that you used the experience to grow is a strong indicator of your professionalism.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Ray](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ray-altmann-ppl.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n“Pilots often stress about how long it takes to complete a checkride. Having taken and passed 8 checkrides here at Epic, including the PPL pass pictured here, I can tell you they fly by faster than you expect. Plan on anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, including the oral exam, although actual flight time is typically between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.” <\/em>-Ray Altmann, Chief Flight Instructor at Epic Flight Academy <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow long is a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The entire checkride, both the oral and flight portions combined, can take 3 to 6 hours. The flight portion alone often lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours. I’m often asked, “How early should I arrive for my checkride?” We tell our pilots to plan to arrive at least an hour early to check documents, preflight the aircraft<\/a>, and settle in.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat documents are needed for a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You’ll need the basics. I recommend organizing these in a binder ahead of time. Bring these items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Pilot certificate (Even PPL checkride pilots must bring their student pilot certificate.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Medical certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Logbook<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FAA written test results<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Government-issued photo ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aircraft documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All required endorsements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Instrument](\"https:\/\/epicflightacademy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/instrument-checkride.jpg\")
<\/a>Adriana Fuentes Mejias (left) is pictured with her flight instructor, Anastasia Lasic, after passing her instrument checkride on her first attempt.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat to Bring to a Checkride and What to Wear to a Checkride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Besides the documents I listed above, you should also bring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Navigation logs <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Performance charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Current VFR\/IFR charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Functioning headset<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dress neatly. At Epic, our pilots only fly while wearing a uniform. Elsewhere, business casual is common. A private pilot checkride doesn\u2019t require a uniform, but clean, comfortable attire makes a good impression. Look professional, especially if it’s your CFI checkride!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the cost of a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) set the price for a checkride. The fee can range from $500 to as high as $2,000 or more, which is another reason why you want to pass on the first attempt. DPEs are contracted to work for the FAA, which gives them authority to pass or fail a checkride. <\/strong>In some areas, you could test with an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), although they are less common. The checkride is one aspect of the overall cost<\/a> of training. How much it costs does vary.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat happens if you fail a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look, every pilot dreads this, but if it happens, it’s not insurmountable. The DPE will give you detailed feedback, which identifies what went wrong. The FAA requires you to retrain and reschedule the failed portion of the checkride, the parts you struggled with. Failing can feel discouraging, but it\u2019s often a turning point toward deeper understanding of a critical concept. Discuss the reschedule policy with your DPE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, you won’t need to retake the entire checkride if you retake it within 60 days. However, after that, you will be expected to take the entire checkride again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWatch Our 7-Minute Video on Checkrides!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- 7 Checkride Tips:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Checkride Traditions<\/a><\/li>
- Go for it!<\/a><\/li>
- Join the Forum Discussion on Checkrides Below!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nPractical Pilot Exam<\/h2>\n\n\n
\nFlight instructor Bill McKenna (left) adds a stripe to Noah Hogan’s epaulets after a clean instrument pass at Epic’s KTUS campus. A “clean” pass is when a pilot passes a checkride on the first attempt.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nFor a pilot, few events are more satisfying than passing a checkride and earning that certification! A pilot checkride is the FAA practical test required to receive a specific pilot certificate or rating<\/strong>, such as the Private Pilot License<\/a> (PPL) or Instrument Rating<\/a> (IR). This practical evaluation serves as a final exam following months of flight training. Under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), pilots practice maneuvers, prepare study materials, and build proficiency before being endorsed for the test. However, it\u2019s the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) who ultimately conducts the checkride. The DPE determines whether the applicant meets all FAA requirements for certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Epic, chief and assistant chief pilots are authorized by the FAA to conduct checkrides for our students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Logan Dochtermann (left) was Epic’s first pilot to take his checkride with an Epic examiner. Logan passed his instrument checkride and is pictured here with his instructor, Breyton Jackson. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nPart 61 vs Part 141<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you train at an FAA Part 61 school, you must take your checkride with a DPE. However, some Part 141 schools, such as Epic, have examining authority. This means the end-of-course stage check is your checkride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the oral exam?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n<\/a>At Epic, DPEs conduct the oral exam in private.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nAt the end of ground school, pilots complete the FAA written exam<\/a>, which is a requirement prior to taking a checkride. Before the flight portion of a checkride, the DPE administers an oral exam. <\/strong>This is to evaluate knowledge of aviation regulations, procedures, weather minimums, aircraft systems, and more. Questions cover a wide range of topics, such as airspace classification, logbook entries, aircraft maintenance, and emergency scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pilots often prepare with a binder or study guide. We dissuade students from using \u201cgouge\u201d notes, which are basically summaries compiled from previous applicants’ experiences. These are becoming a crutch. Instead, we encourage you to master the content. Try teaching it to someone else. That’s a better way to learn the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Pilots rely on a variety of study materials like the Oral Exam Guides to prepare for the FAA oral exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nWhile the exam is not fully open book, you’ll still hear, “How is the checkride open book?” around any flight school campus. Actually, applicants are allowed to reference charts, manuals, and aircraft documents. At Epic, we encourage our pilots to be familiar with these resources and only rely on them for clarification, not as a crutch. Hint: Take your time when responding during the oral exam. It is better to be thorough than fast.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is a “prog” check?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
“Prog” check is short for progress check. It is also known as a stage check. Prog checks provide an informal way to assess a pilot’s progress during flight training, especially before a checkride.<\/strong> During a prog check, instructors evaluate a pilot’s skills and knowledge to verify they\u2019re on track for earning their pilot certificate. Although these are not official FAA checkrides, stage checks are common in flight training and important to ensure high training quality and a better pass rate for the final FAA test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage checks help CFIs spot problem areas where a student may need more practice before moving forward. This can be ground training (procedures and knowledge) as well as flight maneuvers. Instructors give students helpful feedback to fix any weaknesses early. Prog checks also help instructors adjust their teaching methods if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example would be a pre-solo stage check to confirm the student is safe and ready to fly solo. These checks happen at other milestones, too, like before moving on to advanced maneuvers or doing a cross-country flight. Under FAR Part 141, prog checks are required to meet FAA standards at Part 141 schools like Epic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow hard is it to pass a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n<\/a>Epic student Loic Chenge from Belgium passed his commercial multi-engine checkride on his first attempt. Loic trained hard and focused and was completely ready for his exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nPilots pass checkrides every day, and most pass on the first attempt. This is because flight instructors prepare students throughout training on all FAA requirements. No CFI wants a student to have to retest. Many schools use flight simulators and mock checkrides to help students master the material. Epic instructors oversee student pilots in a flight simulator<\/a> as they prepare them for all types of scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thorough preparation is key. Whether you’re preparing for an instrument, multi-engine, or ATP checkride, repetition, understanding, and good habits are essential. <\/strong>Common reasons for failure include skipped checklist items, poor decision-making under pressure, or knowledge gaps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat are the FAA first-time checkride pass rates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The FAA reported the following data in 2023 for first time pass rates: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Private Pilot<\/strong> (PPL): 74.5%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Commercial<\/strong> (CSEL): 79%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flight Instructors <\/strong>(CFI, CFI-I): 76.1%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Airline Transport <\/strong>(ATPL): 91.2%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All<\/strong>: 79.3%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Prepared pilots are more likely to pass. Although these numbers are high, it is evident that many pilots failed on the first try. At Epic, we post all first time passes in our monthly newsletter<\/a> and are proud that more than 80% of our pilots pass the first time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nCan you retake a failed checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Absolutely. If a pilot does not meet standards in any area, the DPE issues a Notice of Disapproval outlining deficiencies. After additional instruction, the applicant can reschedule and retake only the failed portion. Many successful aviators have retaken a checkride. That said, repeated failures may raise concerns later in a career.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow many checkride failures is too many?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no official FAA limit, but multiple failures on record could lead to awkward questions during interviews. Airlines and employers will look at patterns. However, one or two failed attempts, followed by clear improvement, are not career-ending. Be honest about what you learned and how you improved.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDoes a failed checkride affect a pilot’s ability to be hired?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No, not really. There are many reasons a fully qualified pilot could fail a checkride. <\/strong>A bad case of nerves could cause a pilot to forget to use a preflight checklist or miss some crucial step the DPE has to point out. Anything can go wrong, but a good pilot will use the failure as an opportunity to reflect, practice, and improve. The things you miss on a checkride are things you will never forget again. What matters is your response during your interview. Airlines may ask, “What happened?” and “What did you learn?” Showing that you used the experience to grow is a strong indicator of your professionalism.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n“Pilots often stress about how long it takes to complete a checkride. Having taken and passed 8 checkrides here at Epic, including the PPL pass pictured here, I can tell you they fly by faster than you expect. Plan on anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, including the oral exam, although actual flight time is typically between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.” <\/em>-Ray Altmann, Chief Flight Instructor at Epic Flight Academy <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nHow long is a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The entire checkride, both the oral and flight portions combined, can take 3 to 6 hours. The flight portion alone often lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours. I’m often asked, “How early should I arrive for my checkride?” We tell our pilots to plan to arrive at least an hour early to check documents, preflight the aircraft<\/a>, and settle in.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat documents are needed for a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You’ll need the basics. I recommend organizing these in a binder ahead of time. Bring these items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Pilot certificate (Even PPL checkride pilots must bring their student pilot certificate.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Medical certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Logbook<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- FAA written test results<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Government-issued photo ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Aircraft documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All required endorsements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a>
Adriana Fuentes Mejias (left) is pictured with her flight instructor, Anastasia Lasic, after passing her instrument checkride on her first attempt.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat to Bring to a Checkride and What to Wear to a Checkride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Besides the documents I listed above, you should also bring:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Navigation logs <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Performance charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Current VFR\/IFR charts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Functioning headset<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dress neatly. At Epic, our pilots only fly while wearing a uniform. Elsewhere, business casual is common. A private pilot checkride doesn\u2019t require a uniform, but clean, comfortable attire makes a good impression. Look professional, especially if it’s your CFI checkride!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the cost of a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) set the price for a checkride. The fee can range from $500 to as high as $2,000 or more, which is another reason why you want to pass on the first attempt. DPEs are contracted to work for the FAA, which gives them authority to pass or fail a checkride. <\/strong>In some areas, you could test with an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), although they are less common. The checkride is one aspect of the overall cost<\/a> of training. How much it costs does vary.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhat happens if you fail a checkride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look, every pilot dreads this, but if it happens, it’s not insurmountable. The DPE will give you detailed feedback, which identifies what went wrong. The FAA requires you to retrain and reschedule the failed portion of the checkride, the parts you struggled with. Failing can feel discouraging, but it\u2019s often a turning point toward deeper understanding of a critical concept. Discuss the reschedule policy with your DPE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, you won’t need to retake the entire checkride if you retake it within 60 days. However, after that, you will be expected to take the entire checkride again.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWatch Our 7-Minute Video on Checkrides!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Commercial<\/strong> (CSEL): 79%<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Checkride Traditions<\/a><\/li>