Pass your checkride.
ACS-aligned mock checkrides, oral exam simulator, and adaptive drilling for every FAA pilot rating.
Everything a student pilot needs to pass the PPL practical test on the first attempt — ACS-aligned oral drills, scenario-based weather and W&B problems, and a full mock checkride with an AI examiner that adapts to your answers.
The CFI initial is the hardest checkride in general aviation. This guide breaks down the FOI, lesson plans, FAR requirements, and oral exam topics — then shows you how to drill them until you can teach them cold.
A no-fluff prep system for the Instrument Rating — Airplane practical test. Built around the current ACS, the FARs your DPE will quote, and the weak spots that bust checkrides.
A no-fluff guide to the Flight Instructor — Instrument practical test, written for CFIs who already know how to fly approaches and now have to teach them. Built around the current FII ACS.
An ACS-driven study system for the Commercial Pilot — Airplane checkride: oral simulator, scenario-based drilling, and a full mock checkride with pass-prediction. Built for pilots who don't want surprises in the exam room.
A no-fluff guide to passing the AMEL practical test — oral exam topics, the Vmc demo, engine-out maneuvers, and exactly what DPEs probe. Built for pilots adding the multi-engine class rating.
A working playbook for the Flight Instructor Multi-Engine practical test — eligibility, oral exam hot topics, Vmc demo standards, and the engine-out scenarios DPEs actually run. Built for CFIs adding multi-engine instructor privileges.
A pilot-built guide to passing the Airline Transport Pilot practical test — every ACS task, every regulatory requirement, and the oral questions DPEs and FAA examiners actually ask.
How an FAA checkride works before you book the DPE
A checkride is the practical test: an oral (knowledge) portion and a flight (skill) portion, both scored against the areas of operation in the applicable Airman Certification Standards. Good checkride prep is not just flying — it is closing every prerequisite under 14 CFR §61.39 and rehearsing every ACS task and oral question so nothing on the §61.43 scoresheet is a surprise.
Sources: 14 CFR §61.39, 14 CFR §61.43, and the FAA Airman Certification Standards; date_retrieved: 2026-05-27.
§61.39(a) requires a passing knowledge test taken within the 24-calendar-month period before the month you finish the practical test.
Training logged within the 2 calendar months before application, a "prepared for the practical test" endorsement, and a review of any subject areas you were deficient on in the knowledge test.
§61.39(a) requires holding at least a third-class medical certificate when a medical certificate is required for the certificate sought.
The three ways a checkride ends (§61.43)
Pass — temporary certificate
Meet the standard in every area of operation in the applicable ACS (§61.43(a)(1)) and the examiner issues your temporary airman certificate. You are not eligible for the certificate until all areas of operation are passed (§61.43(d)).
Notice of Disapproval
Under §61.43(c), if you fail any single area of operation you fail the practical test. The examiner issues a Notice of Disapproval listing the areas to retrain before the retest.
Letter of Discontinuance
Weather, aircraft airworthiness, or any safety-of-flight concern can pause the test (§61.43(e)). Finish the remaining areas within 60 days, presenting the original notice or letter, and keep credit for the areas you already passed (§61.43(f)).