Checkrides offered
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- All add-on ratings
- Initial CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor)
Aircraft: Airplane single-engine land (ASEL), airplane multiengine land (AMEL) and the SA-227.
DPE Services
FAA checkrides with a Designated Pilot Examiner
Professional, fair and well-organized practical tests — so you can focus on demonstrating what you’ve trained for.
What is a DPE checkride?
A checkride is the FAA practical test you take to earn a pilot certificate or rating. It is conducted by an FAA inspector or by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) — an experienced pilot the FAA has authorized to conduct practical tests and issue certificates on its behalf.
A checkride typically has two parts: a ground (oral) portion, covering knowledge, risk management and planning, and a flight portion, where you demonstrate the required tasks in the aircraft. Both follow the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS), or Practical Test Standards (PTS) where applicable.
When you complete the test satisfactorily, the examiner issues a temporary airman certificate through IACRA, and your permanent certificate follows from the FAA.
Checkrides, service area & fees
Details for scheduling a practical test with us.
Service area & airports
[Airports where you conduct checkrides, e.g. KXXX, KYYY]
Service area and travel fee: see Checkride policies.
Fees
| Checkride | Checkride fee | Retest fee |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot | $1,500 | $750 |
| Instrument Rating | $1,500 | $750 |
| Commercial Pilot | $1,500 | $750 |
| Add-on ratings (all) | $1,500 | $750 |
| Initial CFI | $3,000 | $1,500 |
Retests are half of the original checkride fee. DPE fees are set by the examiner, not by the FAA, and are paid directly to the examiner.
Payment, deposit, travel, cancellation, weather/discontinuance and retest terms are on the Checkride policies page.
Availability: [Optional: typical days/lead time, or “contact us for current availability”]
How to schedule
FAA checkrides are usually arranged by the applicant’s instructor together with the examiner. Here’s the general process.
Get ready with your instructor
Complete your training and the required aeronautical experience, pass any required knowledge test, and get your instructor’s endorsements. Your instructor typically coordinates the checkride with the examiner.
Request a date
Use the checkride request form below (your instructor can submit it for you) with the checkride, aircraft, airport and preferred dates. [State how far in advance to book and how/when you reply.]
Complete your IACRA application
Fill out the application in IACRA (the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) and have your recommending instructor review and sign it.
Examiner requests FAA authorization
Before the test, the examiner submits the planned practical test through the FAA’s Designee Management System (DMS) for authorization. Your test date is confirmed once that step is complete.
Checkride day
Bring everything on the checklist below. The test follows the applicable ACS/PTS, with a ground portion and a flight portion.
Tip: the FAA’s online Designee Locator (on faa.gov) lists active examiners. Exact procedures can change — your instructor and examiner will confirm the current requirements for your test.
Request
Request a checkride
Tell us about the checkride you need. We’ll reply by email to confirm availability — a request isn’t a confirmed booking until we’ve confirmed the date and the FAA authorization step is complete.
Before you request: IACRA & prep checklist
- Register in IACRA and note your FTN (one letter + 7 digits, e.g. A1234567).
- Start your IACRA application (Form 8710-1). Your name must match your photo ID and medical exactly.
- Have your recommending instructor review and sign it in IACRA. Check your logbook endorsements, including the 61.39 practical test endorsement.
- Have your knowledge test report (if required) and the aircraft’s N-number ready. Check its inspections and ADs are current.
- Read the checkride policies (fees, cancellations, weather, retests) and the what-to-bring list.
What to bring: checkride prep checklist
A general list of items commonly needed for an FAA practical test. Requirements vary by certificate, rating and aircraft — your examiner will confirm the exact list. The full list on the policies page includes aircraft records and test-specific items.
You (the applicant)
- Government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport)
- Completed IACRA application, with your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) and your instructor’s recommendation signed in IACRA
- Current pilot certificate (or student pilot certificate) and medical certificate, or BasicMed documentation where applicable
- Pilot logbook showing the required aeronautical experience and the required instructor endorsements
- Airman Knowledge Test Report, if a knowledge test is required for the certificate or rating
- Current aeronautical charts (paper or electronic) and a flight computer (E6B or equivalent) and plotter
- Flight planning for the cross-country your examiner assigns, including weather and a weight-and-balance / performance calculation
- View-limiting device for tasks that require it (e.g. instrument tasks)
- Payment for the examiner fee
The aircraft
- Airworthiness certificate and registration certificate
- Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or Approved Flight Manual (AFM), with current weight-and-balance data
- Aircraft maintenance records/logbooks showing required inspections are current (e.g. annual, 100-hour if applicable, ELT, and any other applicable inspections and airworthiness directives)
- Any other documents required for the specific aircraft (e.g. operating limitations, equipment needed for the tasks being tested)
[Optional: anything else you require, e.g. emailing the cross-country plan in advance]
FAQ
What happens if I don’t pass part of the checkride?
If any task is unsatisfactory, the examiner issues a Notice of Disapproval. You’ll need additional training and a new endorsement from an authorized instructor before retesting. Under FAA rules, credit for the areas you passed generally carries forward for a limited time (typically 60 days), so the retest may focus on the areas not yet completed — the examiner will explain exactly what applies to you. Our retest fee is half the original checkride fee ($750, or $1,500 for Initial CFI).
What if the checkride is stopped for weather, a maintenance issue, or illness?
If a practical test can’t be completed for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance — weather, an aircraft problem, illness, etc. — the examiner can issue a Letter of Discontinuance. Tasks completed satisfactorily generally receive credit for a limited time (typically 60 days) so the test can be finished later.
What is your weather cancellation and rescheduling policy?
See cancelling & rescheduling and weather, maintenance & Letter of Discontinuance on the Checkride policies page.
What standards are checkrides based on?
Practical tests follow the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or, where an ACS hasn’t been published, the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for the certificate or rating. Reviewing the applicable ACS/PTS with your instructor is the best preparation.
Can I use my own aircraft or a flight school aircraft?
Generally yes — the applicant provides an airworthy aircraft suitable for the tasks being tested, with its documents and records. [Add any aircraft requirements or limitations that apply to you.]
How long does a checkride take?
A checkride usually includes a ground (oral) portion and a flight portion, and often takes most of a day depending on the certificate or rating, weather and preparation. [Optional: add your typical schedule or start time.]
This page is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Refer to 14 CFR Part 61, the applicable ACS/PTS, and FAA guidance for current requirements.
Ready to schedule your checkride?
Send us the certificate or rating, your aircraft, preferred airport and dates, and your instructor’s contact information.
Request a checkride