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What is some advice for taking PPL check ride? I'm eligible to take mine in January, that's when I turn 17.
I'm getting my PPL and want to pursue aviation as a career. Just wanted to get some insight on other people's experiences. #aviation
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Diane’s Answer
I remember my checkride. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate maneuvers, takeoffs, and landings, ground reference maneuvers, and landing and takeoff configuration stalls, just like your instructor taught you. I recommend you focus on emergencies. Lost procedures, engine failure, engine failure in the pattern, best glide, forward slip. Be familiar with and Have your emergency checklist handy so you can go immediately to it. Know how to declare an emergency. Have your sectional available for positional awareness. Brief your passenger/examiner on sterile cockpit, show him/her how to use the seatbelt and harness, how to watch for traffic, and any emergency equipment. Know how to calculate Takeoff and Landing distance. You may be asked to plan a short cross country. Know your V-speeds. Best rate, best angle, flap, Vno, Vne. The list is extensive and you should be prepared by then. Focus mostly on possible emergencies.
It is important to think of a checkride as a verification. When your instructor signs you off, they are stating that you are ready. The examiner is checking your instructors assessment.
Good luck.
Consider flying with a second instructor to evaluate and refine your skills and knowledge before your checkride.
It is important to think of a checkride as a verification. When your instructor signs you off, they are stating that you are ready. The examiner is checking your instructors assessment.
Good luck.
Diane recommends the following next steps:
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John’s Answer
You are asking this at a good time. That is to say that you have a nice amount of time to let this advice sink in. Continue to practice and polish your basic skills. I hope you have one principal flight instructor that you can confide in. Get that person's support. At some point a few weeks before the check ride review the FAR's and ground-school material. You want to be up to speed on a wide range of materials, but not so focused on details that you lose sight of the basics: aviate, navigate, communicate. A little bit before (several days) take a break to get relaxed and your head clear. You will be fine. And then you can look forward to training for your instrument rating.
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Alan’s Answer
I am not sure that I can add anything to the answers already given. They have given you excellent advice. If you have the opportunity to take a 'mock check ride' with another instructor, do so. Good luck!