Cecilia Aragon - Flight Instructor and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

Private/Instrument/Commercial Pilot Practical Test Preparation Guide

Your checkride is officially scheduled once you receive email confirmation from me with your assigned date and scenario. To ensure you're fully prepared, please review the requirements below.

Required Documents and Materials

Pilot Documentation

Bring these items with you on exam day:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or U.S. passport)
  • Signed pilot certificate (student/private/recreational/sport etc.)
  • Current Medical Certificate/BasicMed
  • Completed FAA Form 8710-1 (print a copy after your instructor signs it in IACRA— this serves as backup if the system experiences technical issues)
  • Original Airman Knowledge Test Report
  • Pilot Logbook with all required instructor endorsements
  • FAA Form 8060-5 (Notice of Disapproval), if applicable
  • Letter of Discontinuance, if applicable
  • Part 141 school graduation certificate, if applicable
  • Examiner's Fee (accepted payment methods: cash or Zelle)

Aircraft Requirements

Aircraft Documentation

  • Airworthiness certificate
  • Registration certificate
  • Operating limitations
  • Weight and balance data

Maintenance Records

  • Logbook showing current airworthiness inspections and airworthiness directive (AD) compliance
  • Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or FAA-approved Aircraft Flight Manual

Personal Equipment and Resources

  • View-limiting device
  • Current aeronautical charts (printed or electronic format accepted)
  • Flight computer and plotter
  • Flight plan forms and flight logs (printed or electronic format accepted)
  • Chart Supplement U.S., airport diagrams, and other relevant publications
  • Current Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Final Preparation Tips

The Night Before: Get adequate rest. Focus on maintaining a positive attitude and trust in your training.

Day of the Exam

  • Pack lunch, snacks, and beverages
  • Don't forget to bring all documents

What to Expect: I maintain a supportive and professional testing environment. The practical test is open-book and conducted strictly according to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

Common Delays to Avoid

Documentation Issues

  • Missing photo ID, student pilot certificate, or medical certificate
  • Name discrepancies across documents (ID, pilot certificate, medical, knowledge test, or application)
  • Expired, missing, or incorrect endorsements
  • Flight times not meeting regulatory requirements (especially cross-country hours)
  • Errors on FAA Form 8710-1
  • Inability to verify electronic logbook entries
  • Failure to review and understand knowledge test deficiencies

Aircraft-Related Issues

  • Aircraft cleanliness (dirty windshield or interior/exterior)
  • POH missing supplements or lacking aircraft N-number/serial number on the front page
  • Insufficient familiarity with recent airworthiness inspections and AD compliance records (including "Next Due" on all recurring ADs)
  • Incorrect weight and balance calculations
  • Missing or non-functional safety equipment (fire extinguisher, life vests, first aid kit)
  • Unaddressed inoperative equipment

By addressing these items in advance, you'll ensure a smooth and successful checkride experience.

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