Ask a Flight Instructor

DECEMBER 18, 2024

I understand that I will be limited to RNAV/GPS approaches but my home airport has several such approaches and airports in the training area also have many of these as well. Are any GPS approaches considered equivalent to a Precision Approach as required for the checkride? I have no NAV radios.

Checkride 52

Checkride Approach Airplanes 52

Flight Training Central

APRIL 21, 2024

Here, we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your flight training and be expected to demonstrate during your private pilot checkride. Welcome to the latest edition of the Flight Maneuver Spotlight series.

Approach 72

Approach Checkride Airplanes Pilot 72

Northstar VFR

MAY 19, 2024

Some CFIs and flight schools leave it up to the student, as long as the exam is passed before the checkride (which is the only requirement). If you’re trying to set a timeline and goal for passing the exam, here are some pros and cons of the different approaches to when you should schedule the exam.

Checkride 88

Checkride Approach VOR Pilot 88

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Our passenger flight was getting a checkride from the FAA. I preached that you could not flunk a checkride if you go by the book. If the glide slope failed, the Policy Manual permitted crews to revert to the Localizer Approach minimus. The flight crew reviewed the ILS 14L approach. Well guess what?

Checkride 98

Checkride Approach Descent Cockpit 98

Northstar VFR

OCTOBER 17, 2024

The Flight Instructor checkride is generally one of the hardest checkrides to pass, so future CFIs ensure their training is thorough and complete before scheduling their checkride. Some schools have a more formalized approach, covering ground topics through a syllabus.

Checkride 86

Checkride Approach Pilot Airplanes 86

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 30, 2025

Youll learn how to navigate, communicate with Air Traffic Control, interpret weather, and conduct instrument approaches to airports, all without relying on whats outside your window. An instrument rating unlocks access to: Airports with IFR approaches (ILS, RNAV, VOR, etc.) A busy Class B airport?

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Approach Visual Flight Rules 52

Air Facts

JULY 15, 2024

I did a checkride in 30 knot winds in the flatlands of Kansas, almost straight down the runway. It felt like pushing it for that airplane, but checkrides are so hard to schedule I went. So I decided to try the approach, and see how it felt. A low approach couldn’t break anything. I approach using the wing low method.

Knot 98

Knot Crosswind Rudder Turbulence 98

Inspire

FEBRUARY 14, 2019

Years ago, every young pilot wannabe had to learn and perform the180-degree power-off approach and landing to pass the private pilot checkride. The post A Lost Art: The Power-Off 180 Approach and Landing first appeared on Hangar Flying. It took a bit of practice, but most young pilots mastered the maneuver.

Approach 40

Approach Checkride Hangar Pilot 40

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 4, 2024

An instrument approach at each airport. I felt skilled, knowledgeable, and confident going into my checkride! With the passed exam out of the way, you now have the foundational knowledge to understand more in the airplane, and you’ll be able to focus on flying and preparing for the checkride.

Checkride 69

Checkride Approach Pilot Airplanes 69

Flight Training Central

APRIL 14, 2025

Here is an example of one: Well, it gets to the 250 NM requirement if we assume they shot approaches at each airport they could and had the right mix of approaches along they way so it looks good on the surface. Well, the regulation states that the pilot must have an instrument approach at EACH airport.

Pilot 52

Pilot Approach Checkride Weather 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 17, 2025

While complete engine failures are not common, the stakes are high which is why pilots train extensively for such occurrences and why they get evaluated as part of a checkride. Choose a location that will best ensure your successful outcome ideally, a flat, open field absent obvious approach obstructions. C Checklist. E Execute.

Flight Deck 100

Flight Deck Approach Air Traffic Control Final Approach 100

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 2, 2024

This methodical approach develops the right habits from the beginning. Here’s the tricky part: if you have trouble passing checkrides or face medical issues, you could find yourself grounded before your career takes off. Cadet programs organize your training in a clear sequence with regular assessments. The good news?

Pilot 52

Pilot Checkride Weather Airlines 52

Flight Training Central

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

While it’s not a test or a checkride, it’s an opportunity to sharpen your skills and stay up to date with regulations. Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) : This involves evaluating a pilot’s approach to decision-making, risk management, and use of checklists in various scenarios. which must be completed every 24 calendar months.

Aeronautical Decision-Making 97

Aeronautical Decision-Making Weather Federal Aviation Regulations Pilot 97

Take Flight OC

MAY 31, 2024

Here’s how we ensure our students never face those common industry pitfalls: Hear From Students Who Switched to Us: Personalized Scheduling: “I was given a checkride date on day one at my old school and felt rushed throughout—Take Flight Aviation tailors the training pace to suit my readiness.” Why Settle for Less?

Checkride 52

Checkride Pilot Approach 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Then, we’d meet in Signature’s lobby, IAD’s FBO, and go over the day’s lesson: destination, altitude, maneuvers, approaches, and completion standards. We flew the usual approaches: VOR, ILS, and the now extinct NDB. Like Jimmy Stewart in Strategic Air Command, we flew GCA approaches at Andrews AFB. My time had come.

NDB 52

NDB Checkride VOR Approach 52

Air Facts

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

These maneuvers include an engine failure on takeoff, loss of lift on the wing during departure, en route, and approach, crosswind landings, wind shear scenarios, engine inoperative landings, low visibility landings, crash landings and evacuation. Checkrides are serious business, and failures can results in termination.

Pilot 94

Pilot Wind Shear Airlines Airline 94

Flight Training Central

MAY 3, 2024

The suggested amount of flight lesson frequency is a minimum of two or three per week, as it allows for a more “wallet-friendly” approach compared to more lessons. There’s always more knowledge to be learned and studying to be done in preparation for your next lesson or even your checkride.

Checkride 97

Checkride Pilot Weather Approach 97

Flight Training Central

MAY 25, 2024

This was my last dual cross country before my instrument rating checkride, and I was beginning to feel confident. But my flight instructor wasn’t wrong – if I would have been on a checkride, I would have failed. ” We went flying on a calm but very low IFR day, with ceilings below approach minimums at two local airports.

Longitudinal Axis 52

Longitudinal Axis Checkride Runway Airplanes 52

Northstar VFR

JANUARY 28, 2024

Do they have a more hands-on approach in the cockpit or are they hesitant to give controls to the student? As you listen to their response, consider if their approach to teaching is something that will work for you. What’s their student checkride pass rate? Students do fail checkrides at times, and for a variety of reasons.

Checkride 52

Checkride Cockpit Approach Pilot 52

Air Facts

DECEMBER 18, 2024

I had just picked my airplane up from its annual inspection and needed to get my IFR clearance from the non-towered KDMW via cell phone from Potomac Approach Control, as the RCO was out of service. You might recall that Steve had tricked his Designated Pilot Examiner during private Pilot his checkride, but got his license anyway.

Clearance 96

Clearance Airplanes Annual Inspection Pilot 96

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 11, 2024

You’ll experience the feel, visual cues, and “mushiness” of the controls as you takeoff and approach to land, so practicing slow flight will help you react quickly with the proper technique as you approach stall speeds in the traffic pattern. It’s much harder to maintain altitude and control in this configuration.

Checkride 52

Checkride Airplanes Pilot AGL 52

Northstar VFR

APRIL 7, 2024

The following tips will help you not only prepare for your next knowledge test, but implementing this well-rounded study approach will help you approach your test day with confidence and boost your chance at a high score. DEVELOP THE RIGHT MINDSET Approach your test preparation strategy with the attitude of learn first, then study.

Checkride 52

Checkride Approach Pilot Weather 52

Northstar VFR

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Checklist use is an element that pilots are tested on during checkrides at every level of training. You’ll need to show these inspection endorsements to the examiner at your checkride. PROGRAMMING The pilot’s reminder to check installed and personal equipment, equipment proficiency, and planning for airport information and approaches.

Pilot 73

Pilot Weather Checkride Annual Inspection 73

CFI Academy

AUGUST 16, 2024

The best flight instructors are those who are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also creative in their teaching approach. The best flight instructors are those who are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also creative in their teaching approach. Why Should You Become a Certified Flight Instructor?

Checkride 52

Checkride Pilot Pilot in Command Approach 52

Pilot Institute

MAY 4, 2024

They are also one of the most feared maneuvers during the private pilot checkride. It only takes a 10% increase in approach speed to increase the landing roll by 20%. These obstacles frequently affect the approach and missed approach paths. Plan your approach path carefully to eliminate large pitch and power changes.

Weight-Shift-Control 52

Weight-Shift-Control Runway Approach Density Altitude 52

WayMan

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Step 7: Pass the Checkride The checkride is the final stepa combination of an oral exam and a practical flight test conducted by an FAA examiner. With thorough preparation from Wayman College, youll approach this step with confidence. At Wayman, we provide practice exams and personalized guidance to help you excel.

Pilot 52

Pilot Checkride Weather Cargo 52

Air Facts

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Our experimental C172 proved itself capable of demanding flight training missions, with both private and commercial pilots training and successfully passing their FAA checkrides in our V8-powered C172, at a fraction of the cost compared to using stock C172 aircraft. The average age of the GA piston fleet is approaching 50 years.

Firewall 98

Firewall Checkride Pilot General Aviation 98

Pilot Institute

MARCH 26, 2024

Going into a checkride (or a grass strip) without solid soft field skills is asking for trouble. As you approach the airport, monitor UNICOM for landing or departing traffic. Another performance factor is the approach speed. The slower the approach, the shorter the landing distance. Well, not exactly.

NOTAMs 52

NOTAMs Runway Approach Descent 52

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 14, 2025

The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a PPL, but students usually take around 5570 hours before theyre ready for checkride. Exam and Checkride Fees When it comes to exams, there are also a couple of costs to keep in mind. The Practical Exam (checkride) can range from $500 to $800 , depending on the examiner and location.

Pilot 52

Pilot Checkride Airlines Airline 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 29, 2024

Additionally, both private and commercial pilot checkrides require the demonstration of slow flight. As the aircraft approaches the target airspeed, add power to ensure you don’t slow down past it. Not Clearing the Area You’ll fail a checkride before even starting your slow flight task if you forget to clear the area.

Lift 52

Lift Rudder Drag Checkride 52

Northstar VFR

JANUARY 21, 2024

All the countless nights of studying, memorizing the FAR AIM (save time by using the NorthStar pre-tabbed FAR AIM ), chair flying your maneuvers and endless stress over checkrides has finally paid off. Equally, the approach and landing are fairly uneventful. After briefing the approach, we start our descent down.

Pilot 52

Pilot Cockpit Airlines Airline 52

CFI Academy

JANUARY 26, 2024

Certified Flight Instructors instill a strong safety culture in their students, emphasizing the importance of adherence to protocols, emergency procedures, and a meticulous approach to pre-flight checks. Tailoring Instruction to Diverse Learners Every aspiring pilot is unique, with distinct learning styles and paces.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Checkride Weather Pilot 52

iPad Pilot News

MARCH 27, 2025

Cirrus Approach Access all your Cirrus airframe and avionics training courses in one easy-to-use mobile platform. Improve your stick and rudder skills as a private pilot go beyond the instrument checkride with these advanced courses. WeatherSpork Another weather app, but with a unique approach.

Weather 91

Weather Pilot Flight Plan Airplanes 91

Airline Reporter

MARCH 13, 2024

Since the last time, I’ve completed my first biennial flight review, which is a mandatory mini-checkride done every two years with a flight instructor, that’s designed to verify that a pilot has properly maintained both their flying skills and regulatory knowledge.

Weather 52

Weather Checkride Clearance Runway 52

Flight Training Central

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Most modern training airplanes provide a comfortable, warm cabin up in the air, even as the temperature approaches 0° F outside. You’ll quickly learn the importance of speed control on final approach and how to make real-world use of the soft-field takeoff and landing techniques.

Weather 52

Weather Runway Airplanes NOTAMs 52

Northstar VFR

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Also, Designated Pilot Examiners have thousands of hours of flight instruction experience and will offer checkrides as a part-time job. I have several friends who have a career with a both/and approach to flying. Experienced flight instructors can be asked to be Chief CFIs, perform stage checks, and advanced sim instructors.

Pilot 62

Pilot Weather Checkride Cargo 62

Jetwhine

JANUARY 17, 2024

Cram enough L–39 knowledge and skill into my brain to pass a type-rating checkride. Only if a pilot chooses the complete course with a checkride is an instrument rating required. The panel on the L–39 is a conglomeration of normal gauges, except some, are labeled in English, and others still in Cyrillic. In a non-U.S.-certified

Knot 52

Knot Rudder Pilot Jet 52