PPL Checkride Requirements

P1-PPL Checkride Requirements

This is a self-graded test, we do not have instructors you can book or grade your flight. If you need help you can ask in our Discord.

Watch this video to get a preview of the checkride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-Csjwq4D4&t

Originating airport: Astoria Regional (KAST)
Simulated cross-country destination: To be decided by you.

Figure 1. Astoria (KAST) Taxi Diagram

Checkride Examination Requirements

Examination must be flown entirely without the use of a flight director or autopilot.

Pilot Rating Aircraft Requirements

Aircraft allowed to be used for this pilot rating must be:

Fixed wing
Single engine and Piston driven
Max Gross weight less than 5670kg (12,500lbs)

There are three possible outcomes of each listed task:

Pass (satisfactory)
Fail (unsatisfactory)
Discontinuance

One or more failed (or incomplete) tasks automatically result in a failed (or discontinued) checkride. A retake should focus on the tasks that were marked as failed or incomplete during the original test however the evaluator has the discretion to re-evaluate any tasks.

Briefing

Aircraft speeds
- V_y - Definition and actual speed in the aircraft being used
- V_x - Definition and actual speed in the aircraft being used
- Stall speed
Weather including winds aloft, icing conditions, go/no-go decision
Diversion in case of bad weather
Cross-country route
- Airspaces classes incl. weather minima
- ATC interaction (who is on-line, when to contact them)
- Route selection (VOR or GPS navigation is NOT permitted)
- Weather briefing
- Fuel calculations
- ETE, GS, MH
File flight plan including equipment

Emergency Procedures

Engine failure during takeoff run
Engine failure during flight
- Best glide speed
- Selection of landing area
Engine fire during start

General en-route

ATC communications (real or simulated)
Use of voice UNICOM
Loss of communications
Proper ATC Freq tuning
Proper phraseology

Pre-flight

Full use of checklists
External checks
Start from cold-dark
Radio tuning
Appropriate use of mixture
Proper run-up procedures

Taxi

Understanding ATC instructions
Steering on the taxiways
Instrument check (heading, turns, compass)
Lights
Wind corrections - actual or simulated
Runway incursion avoidance

Take-off

Make radio calls
Verify runway, wind
Rotate and climb-out at Vy +10/-5 knots
Proper exit from traffic pattern
- Straight out
- 45 degree exit

Navigation

Initial navigation using landmarks and deduced Reckoning (DR) only
Determine position - use of VOR or GPS equipment for assistance, if equipped
Intercept or track given course
Maintain assigned heading and altitude

Steep Turns

Determine that area is safe
Two 360 degree turns in opposite directions
Maintain altitude, airspeed and bank (45 degrees). Correct roll-out heading

Slow Flight

Determine that area is safe
Entry
Flight characteristics
Exit

Power-Off Stalls

Determine that area is safe
Approach or landing config
Transition into a stall
Stall recognition
Stall recovery
Return to altitude at Vy

Pattern Entry at Uncontrolled Airport

Determine standard traffic pattern (left or right)
Standard entries
- Cross from upwind at +500 feet with 225 degree turn
- Cross from upwind at pattern altitude with 90 degree turn onto downwind

Traffic Patterns

Proper calls
Segments of the pattern
Distance from runway, altitude, air speeds
3-5 patterns including 1-2 go-arounds

Normal Approach and Landing

Runway selection and confirmation
Touchdown attitude and location
Crosswind correction - actual or simulated

Go-around/Rejected Landing

Go-around/Rejected landing considerations and execution
Risks with low-altitude maneuvering

Postflight Procedures

Taxi to parking
Securing aircraft back to dark & cold

Tomas Hansson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Chief Flight Instructor, VATSTAR
DISCLAIMER: all information contained herein is for flight simulation purposes only.
May 2023