What’s in a Checkride? Understanding the FAA Practical Test

For every aspiring pilot training at Red Arrow Flight Academy in Santa Teresa, NM, the FAA checkride is the final step between student pilot and certified aviator. It is the moment where all your training, study, and flight hours come together in a single day to prove you are ready to fly on your own. Whether you are pursuing your Private Pilot Certificate or planning to go further into a professional flying career, understanding what the checkride involves can help you feel more confident and prepared.

What Exactly Is a Checkride?

The FAA Practical Test, commonly known as the checkride, is a formal evaluation that tests both your aeronautical knowledge and flight skills. It is administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner, or DPE, who is approved by the FAA to assess pilot applicants. While it might feel intimidating, the checkride is not designed to trick you. It is meant to confirm that you can safely operate an aircraft within the parameters of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the Airman Certification Standards.

At Red Arrow, we make sure our students understand the structure of the checkride and what to expect well before they are scheduled to take it.

Two Parts: Oral and Flight Test

The checkride has two main components: an oral exam and a flight test. It usually begins on the ground, with the DPE conducting a detailed discussion of your flight planning and decision-making. This portion can take between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the examiner and your preparedness.

During the oral portion, you might be asked to:

• Explain the details of a cross-country flight you have planned
• Discuss airspace classifications and VFR weather minimums
• Interpret weather reports and forecasts
• Describe aircraft systems and performance
• Answer questions about regulations and safety procedures

Your instructor at Red Arrow will work closely with you during ground training to ensure you are confident in each of these areas.

After successfully completing the oral exam, the flight portion follows. You will fly with the examiner and demonstrate key maneuvers such as:

• Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings
• Slow flight and stalls
• Steep turns and ground reference maneuvers
• Navigation and diversion procedures
• Emergency procedures and system failures
• Use of cockpit checklists and situational awareness

The DPE is evaluating your decision-making, ability to maintain control of the aircraft, and whether you can perform safely within the required standards.

How Red Arrow Prepares You

At Red Arrow Flight Academy, we take great pride in preparing our students to succeed not just on the checkride, but as confident, responsible pilots. Our FAA-approved curriculum and experienced instructors will guide you through each phase of training with checkride success in mind.

Located at Dona Ana County International Jetport in Santa Teresa, our school offers wide open airspace and low traffic, making it an ideal training environment for mastering skills without the distractions of a congested airport. Plus, our proximity to El Paso gives you a taste of controlled airspace operations as well.

Before recommending a student for the checkride, our instructors conduct a thorough stage check and mock oral exams to ensure readiness. We will only endorse you when we are confident that you will not just pass, but truly understand what you are doing.

Final Thoughts

The checkride is not a mystery. It is a well-structured evaluation designed to confirm that you are a safe and knowledgeable pilot. With the right preparation, mindset, and support from your instructors at Red Arrow Flight Academy, you will walk into the checkride with confidence.

Ready to start your journey toward that first certificate? Learn more about our Private Pilot Program and take the first step toward your checkride today.

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