Private Checkride Tomorrow
- Thread starter stswick
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write-stuff
En-Route
Every examiner is different so there aren't any standard trick questions. Know the PTS and be calm. You'll probably do great. Good luck!
stswick
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I realize they're all different, this is just an attempt to make sure there is nothing that might catch me off guard. I feel like I know everything that has been made available for study purposes.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you for the encouragement!
JB1842
En-Route
Mine was really picky about airspace. Other than that, it wasn't anything to sweat about. Just relax. Have your FAR/AIM book marked. That way when you look something up, which you can, you at least will be in the right section.
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SixPapaCharlie
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I don't suspect there will be any trick questions.
Don't be afraid to say "I don't know" if you don't know something.
You wont have all the answers and you won't fail for not knowing something.
The oral is simply a conversation with another pilot about flying.
Relax, breathe, and enjoy the conversation.
Don't be afraid to say "I don't know" if you don't know something.
You wont have all the answers and you won't fail for not knowing something.
The oral is simply a conversation with another pilot about flying.
Relax, breathe, and enjoy the conversation.
SixPapaCharlie
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Also worth noting, the oral is going to cover the stuff that was on the written
SixPapaCharlie
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I figured that was on auto reply anytime a thread title has keywords like private checkride.- Joined
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Scott@KTYR
Welcome and Good Luck
JBHusted
Pre-Flight
*MY* examiner wanted short, concise answers.
Q: "What do you do if the engine is out?"
A: Set for best glide, try to restart, set squawk box
NOT: "set for best glide, which in the plane we're in today is 65 knots, trim out the aircraft to fly that speed, check all the fuses, check the fuel selector, full rich, throttle out, throttle in, try the starter, cycle the master, look for a suitable landing location, make the mayday radio calls, set the transponder, set up for the emergency landing, turn everything off right before you hit the ground. . . ."
Q: "What do you do if the engine is out?"
A: Set for best glide, try to restart, set squawk box
NOT: "set for best glide, which in the plane we're in today is 65 knots, trim out the aircraft to fly that speed, check all the fuses, check the fuel selector, full rich, throttle out, throttle in, try the starter, cycle the master, look for a suitable landing location, make the mayday radio calls, set the transponder, set up for the emergency landing, turn everything off right before you hit the ground. . . ."
JasonM
Pattern Altitude
Stop studying right now. Relax and try to get a good nights rest! good luck!
write-stuff
En-Route
Alright, here's one that I give my students. It almost always works in the oral exam, but only once.
If the examiner brings up something that you don't know and you don't know where to look (you'll have your FAR/AIM all tabbed and marked up for quick reference), you tell him this: "You know, that's something I wanted to talk with you about. I've discussed it with my instructor, but I still don't quite understand it." If it's not something too fundamental, it may well be your Get Out of Jail Free card.
Good luck!
If the examiner brings up something that you don't know and you don't know where to look (you'll have your FAR/AIM all tabbed and marked up for quick reference), you tell him this: "You know, that's something I wanted to talk with you about. I've discussed it with my instructor, but I still don't quite understand it." If it's not something too fundamental, it may well be your Get Out of Jail Free card.
Good luck!
Shawn
En-Route
This is one of my favorite quotes from the checkride sticky posted at the top of this forum:
14. Avoid this conversation:
Examiner - Q: Do you have a pencil?
Applicant - A: I have a #2, a mechanical, a red one...
Examiner - Q: Do you have a pencil?
Applicant - A: I also have an assortment of pens, and some highlighters...
Examiner - Q: Do you have a pencil?
Applicant - A: Yes.
Examiner - Thank you.
One of the hardest things to do when you’re nervous and pumped up is to shut up and answer the question. I've watched people talk themselves into a corner by incorrectly answering a question that was never asked, or by adding an incorrect appendix to the correct answer to the question that was. If the examiner wants more, he'll tell you.
14. Avoid this conversation:
Examiner - Q: Do you have a pencil?
Applicant - A: I have a #2, a mechanical, a red one...
Examiner - Q: Do you have a pencil?
Applicant - A: I also have an assortment of pens, and some highlighters...
Examiner - Q: Do you have a pencil?
Applicant - A: Yes.
Examiner - Thank you.
One of the hardest things to do when you’re nervous and pumped up is to shut up and answer the question. I've watched people talk themselves into a corner by incorrectly answering a question that was never asked, or by adding an incorrect appendix to the correct answer to the question that was. If the examiner wants more, he'll tell you.
Fredbob711
Pre-takeoff checklist
Like others have said...
Keep your answers simple and only answer exactly what was asked, don't try and impress the DPE with your knowledge of tangents.
If you don't know the answer, look it up. Have your FAR/AIM tabbed so it's easier to find the different sections. If you can get a hold of the aircraft/engine logbooks beforehand, tab those as well with last annual, and other required inspections.
A small one that my instructor recommended was to tab your logbook as well. Mark things like your cross countries, night cross country, night landings, etc.
For the flying portion, don't let the DPE distract you and remember they expect safe, not perfect. And don't forget the passenger briefing, they may say it's not necessary but it's better to start and have them stop you than to not try and them ding you for it.
Keep your answers simple and only answer exactly what was asked, don't try and impress the DPE with your knowledge of tangents.
If you don't know the answer, look it up. Have your FAR/AIM tabbed so it's easier to find the different sections. If you can get a hold of the aircraft/engine logbooks beforehand, tab those as well with last annual, and other required inspections.
A small one that my instructor recommended was to tab your logbook as well. Mark things like your cross countries, night cross country, night landings, etc.
For the flying portion, don't let the DPE distract you and remember they expect safe, not perfect. And don't forget the passenger briefing, they may say it's not necessary but it's better to start and have them stop you than to not try and them ding you for it.
FlySince9
En-Route
If you do a maneuver and it didn't seem your best... don't be afraid to ask if you can do it again... Shows confidence and knowledge of what it should look like... and the next attempt you'll do better... especially if you're nervous
Stingray Don
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I think the most important thing to remember is that the examiner wants to make sure you can operate safely. Focus on safety and you should be fine. Take your time and be thorough with your checklists so you don't miss anything. Make sure you complete clearing turns prior to any maneuver, and if in doubt ask the examiner if he would like a clearing turn. It isn't likely, but if the examiner asks you to do something that would be a violation, then refuse and explain why - (for example if he asks you to climb to an altitude that would put you in IMC). Get a good night's sleep, relax, and have fun!
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Bro do you even lift
Hi all,
My private pilot checkride is tomorrow and I was wondering if you all had some last minute advice?
Thanks!
don't mistake a drag strip for the runway like, well, like I'm sure someone did on their checkride......
good luck and have fun with it! (I know, easier said than done)
Shawn
En-Route
Another tip on the practical checkride is DO NOT verbalize your mistakes. Just correct them and fly on. On my IFR chackride I made what I though to be two significant mistakes that I thought could have easily been disqualifying. I kept my mouth shut, made the correction and kept on flying. Not only did he not fail me on those mistakes, DPE didn't even bring them up in the post flight briefing!
Chances are the examiner wont ask any trick questions, if you dont understand something dont be afraid to say "I dont know" a few times, he/she will explain it, you do not have to know every single question. Just try to relax, take a deep breath and you will do just fine, looking forward to a write up.
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I have had multiple checkrides, including a 709 ride with the FAA, and never once was I asked "a trick question".
That's not to say I was never asked a question. Couldn't answer, there were plenty of those. And that leads me to my checkride tip: When you don't know the answer, state, "I don't know."You need to say this at least once, it's mandatory that you admit you don't know everything. What you'll find at some point the examiner will drill into minutia on a subject. If you got the first two or three, you're good to use "I don't know".
One key thing to remember throughout the process. The examiner wants to pass you, the question they are trying to answer is "are you safe". I asked one examiner what her standard for 'safe' was. She said, "If I would be comfortable putting my daughter in a plane with you." It's an interesting and pleasant comment coming from a person who just signed you off. Considering what Betty looked like in her 60s I considered taking her up on that.
Just relax, if you know what you are doing, you will pass.
One tip about the flight portion. If you are demonstrating a maneuver and it starts going wrong, bail out and recover as soon as you realize it is going wrong. They like seeing that level of realization and humility and will give you a mulligan. Always correct problems early, it will stand you better than doing everything perfect first try (which will not happen, I promise you will screw up at least three times). Screwing up does not fail you, failing to recover from screwing up in a timely and positive manner fails you.
That's not to say I was never asked a question. Couldn't answer, there were plenty of those. And that leads me to my checkride tip: When you don't know the answer, state, "I don't know."You need to say this at least once, it's mandatory that you admit you don't know everything. What you'll find at some point the examiner will drill into minutia on a subject. If you got the first two or three, you're good to use "I don't know".
One key thing to remember throughout the process. The examiner wants to pass you, the question they are trying to answer is "are you safe". I asked one examiner what her standard for 'safe' was. She said, "If I would be comfortable putting my daughter in a plane with you." It's an interesting and pleasant comment coming from a person who just signed you off.
Considering what Betty looked like in her 60s I considered taking her up on that.Just relax, if you know what you are doing, you will pass.
One tip about the flight portion. If you are demonstrating a maneuver and it starts going wrong, bail out and recover as soon as you realize it is going wrong. They like seeing that level of realization and humility and will give you a mulligan. Always correct problems early, it will stand you better than doing everything perfect first try (which will not happen, I promise you will screw up at least three times). Screwing up does not fail you, failing to recover from screwing up in a timely and positive manner fails you.
Zeldman
Touchdown! Greaser!
I received a "trick" question. While we were walking away from the plane after the checkride, the examiner asked me, "How would you know when all the fluid has leaked out of the compass?"
I thought I knew it all... I told him the card would be leaning, the card would not move during turns....etc....
He told me, "No. You can tell when all the fluid has leaked out because it will be all over the glare shield...."
For the oral portion....
1. Be sure to wear your best leather jacket, the one with the top gun patch on it.
2. When you walk into his office, toss your logbook onto his desk with a loud plop and tell the examiner that he might want to look at this. Be sure to have one of those huge, I am a real pilot leather logbooks.
3. Wear a big aviator watch. Look at his puny Walmart watch, look at your watch, sniff loudly while looking at his watch....
4. If you don't know the answer to a question, just tell him that your instructor told you that subject isn't important.
While at or in the airplane,
5. When at the plane, tell the examiner that you know the plane has enough gas. Don't tell him how you know....
6. When the examiner retards the throttle for the simulated engine failure, slap his hand and restore power....
7. When the examiner ask you why you didn't wear your seatbelt, tell him that seatbelts are for sissies, real men don't use seatbelts...
8. Most importantly, ignore all the above advice. Just relax, don't dig yourself into a hole trying to answer a question. And don't be afraid to ask questions.
All of my checkrides were learning experiences, even the ATP checkride.
I thought I knew it all... I told him the card would be leaning, the card would not move during turns....etc....
He told me, "No. You can tell when all the fluid has leaked out because it will be all over the glare shield...."
For the oral portion....
1. Be sure to wear your best leather jacket, the one with the top gun patch on it.
2. When you walk into his office, toss your logbook onto his desk with a loud plop and tell the examiner that he might want to look at this. Be sure to have one of those huge, I am a real pilot leather logbooks.
3. Wear a big aviator watch. Look at his puny Walmart watch, look at your watch, sniff loudly while looking at his watch....
4. If you don't know the answer to a question, just tell him that your instructor told you that subject isn't important.
While at or in the airplane,
5. When at the plane, tell the examiner that you know the plane has enough gas. Don't tell him how you know....
6. When the examiner retards the throttle for the simulated engine failure, slap his hand and restore power....
7. When the examiner ask you why you didn't wear your seatbelt, tell him that seatbelts are for sissies, real men don't use seatbelts...
8. Most importantly, ignore all the above advice. Just relax, don't dig yourself into a hole trying to answer a question. And don't be afraid to ask questions.
All of my checkrides were learning experiences, even the ATP checkride.
There weren't any "trick" questions on any of my rides. Just know the PTS and you'll be fine
Old Geek
Pattern Altitude
Review the special emphasis areas in the PTS, instruments required for VFR flight, and don't worry about it. During the checkride, just keep your head into it until he/she says to return to the barn. You'll make minor mistakes, but you'll still pass...
wilzup
Pre-Flight
I am sure you have already thought of this but make sure your FAR/AIM is 2015.Hi all,
My private pilot checkride is tomorrow and I was wondering if you all had some last minute advice?
What were some of the "trick" questions they asked you?
Thanks!
Better yet bring an iPad and use the eCFR system, always current.
This is a good suggestion. Also what you an do is talk through your maneuver. Let's say you're doing steep turns; If you see yourself getting high, say "looks like I'm 100 feet high. I'm going to add some power or reduce some bank to increase the angle of attack slightly." Or something that just lets the examiner know you see the mistake and you are correcting in a timely manner.
ksandrew
Pre-takeoff checklist
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ksandrew
Funny but stupid, on my private in 1970 the DPE cut the power over an old military field that was still occasionally used. He told me to put it on the numbers.
I did a complete balls up of the approach and was at two hundred feet halfway down the runway. I told him that I thought that it was inadvisable to put it on the numbers as there would be no runway left. He then explained that he had meant the numbers on the other end of the runway.
I said "OK that should be easy", so I went around and this time landed on the numbers.
I did pass and nothing more was said.
Life is a barrel of fun.
Ken Andrew
I did a complete balls up of the approach and was at two hundred feet halfway down the runway. I told him that I thought that it was inadvisable to put it on the numbers as there would be no runway left. He then explained that he had meant the numbers on the other end of the runway.
I said "OK that should be easy", so I went around and this time landed on the numbers.
I did pass and nothing more was said.
Life is a barrel of fun.
Ken Andrew
cwoods798
Pre-Flight
Know your aircrafts limitations and emergency procedures word for word. Airspace is always a heavy hitter, and know the basic performance calculations. Other than that just relax and have fun.
bflynn
Final Approach
EminiTrader
Cleared for Takeoff
I studied till 3 am foe my ifr ride. I was exhausted!! Put the books down and chill. Your CFI has confidence in you. After all he/she signed you off. Good luck!
Jay Honeck
Touchdown! Greaser!
Don't forget the most important part of the checkride: You. Be well rested, and eat a good meal beforehand.
I skipped breakfast, the flight was delayed through lunch, and I was famished by the end of my checkride. Just like those silly Snickers ads, it really is hard to be yourself when you're hungry.
As for the test itself, if your CFI signed you off, you're ready. Relax and enjoy the flight.
I skipped breakfast, the flight was delayed through lunch, and I was famished by the end of my checkride. Just like those silly Snickers ads, it really is hard to be yourself when you're hungry.
As for the test itself, if your CFI signed you off, you're ready. Relax and enjoy the flight.
jheyen
Pre-Flight
How'd it go? Need a PIREP. I'm getting close to mine as well and am soaking up as much as I can. Hoping to do a mock check ride with another instructor this week.
MAKG1
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MAKG
I got one, but it didn't count.
My DPE asked me what this was. It took me a few minutes, after which I wanted to KILL him.
Attachments
SixPapaCharlie
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Scott@KTYR
Hi all,
My private pilot checkride is tomorrow and I was wondering if you all had some last minute advice?
What were some of the "trick" questions they asked you?
Thanks!
How did you do?
overdrive148
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overdrive148
Mine whipped out his iPhone and was showing me "neat" stuff during taxi. I asked him if he was supposed to have it out, he said "should I?" Told him no, he smiled and turned it off and put it away.
I messed up and did at least 2 full 360's trying to intercept a VOR radial and completely forgot how in the stress of the moment. He gave me a hand and gave me a few hints that led me back in the right direction.
He told me to do a soft field takeoff... on the roll... after a short field landing. Threw me for a complete loop, that's for sure! He also gave me some serious help on that one, step by step verbally after I threw him a confused look.
I thought I was flying so terribly that all I could think about was how badly I failed and how upset my dad would be with me for it. I was basically already thinking ahead to the next checkride.
On about short final, full stop, he yawned and reached over behind my seat and flipped the window latch and pushed the window open. Charts flapping everywhere, dirt and dust, hot dry wind, you name it. Didn't even skip a beat in landing, and as I got off the active I asked him why he did that. He responded flatly that he was hot.
Despite all that went "wrong" and how I felt during the test and the walk of shame from the ramp to the terminal after securing the airplane, he shook my hand and said I'd get my license in 6-8 weeks and congratulations. I asked him about how badly I did some stuff, and he responded that it's a license to learn.
Hope your ride went well!
Especially if it's a Rolex. Real or fake!
