It's Checkride time, checkride time, checkride time!!

jspeed87

jspeed87

Well-Known Member
I can't wait.... this tuesday. It all comes down to this. PPL SEL. Any tips/advice or trick questions to know about? :D
 
I didn't get any trick questions, the questions were all very straightforward. As for any advice. Just don't get nervous, or else you might overlook the little things. Also expect the unexpected. So many unexpected things happened during my checkride, just stay cool and do the best you can.
 
What surprised me the most about my PPL checkride is that "perfection" wasn't required to pass.

The examiner treated it a little like an instructional ride, and when I messed something up he was more than happy to offer some techniques and advice.

He told me he knew I would pass when I was relaxed and not "white-knuckling" when I was flying -- even with making several errors.

So, RELAX! Have fun. That's the key to success. And...don't land in the over-run.
 
Any good examiner will keep it straight forward. Your CFI wouldn't sign of off unless he/she was confident you knew what you were doing and could pass. You've seen it all before, so take a deep breath, relax and just fly.

No worries about being nervous, if you weren't nervous, you would have reason to worry. Its normal!
 
I agree with Hacker15e. They're not looking for perfection. They want to know that you are safe, can make good decisions, and are willing to learn from mistakes.
 
Hacker15e said:
What surprised me the most about my PPL checkride is that "perfection" wasn't required to pass.

The examiner treated it a little like an instructional ride, and when I messed something up he was more than happy to offer some techniques and advice.

He told me he knew I would pass when I was relaxed and not "white-knuckling" when I was flying -- even with making several errors.

So, RELAX! Have fun. That's the key to success. And...don't land in the over-run.
Click to expand...

Same thing happened to me. I made some small mistakes that i was mentally making a huge deal about, and the examiner really did not care. He just wanted to see that I could safely and confidently fly the airplane.
 
Pretty much what everyone else said. Remember, you're PIC. Don't force landings. If it doesn't look good, go around. Shows good judgment on your part. Also, be ready for the simulated engine failure.

You'll pass, good luck! :beer:
 
You'll do fine, just relax, get some sleep the night before, and use the information you know. As said before, most examiners are pretty cool, and you don't have to be perfect. Just show good judgement and if you make a mistake, correct it and move on. Don't let a mistake mess up the next thing you are doing. You have the sign off, you are ready.
 
If you don't know the answer to a question, don't BS one. Tell the examiner straight up you don't know, but you know where you can look. Worst thing you can possibly do, is make something up, and dig a really deep whole.
 
Some examiners attempt to distract you. It's really hilarious because you'll know about it the moment it happens. One examiner attempted to engage in cavalier personal discussions while on a missed instrument approach. Sometimes you feel like saying "sorry, I'm not falling for that crap".

Good luck on your ride.
 
Hacker15e said:
What surprised me the most about my PPL checkride is that "perfection" wasn't required to pass.

The examiner treated it a little like an instructional ride, and when I messed something up he was more than happy to offer some techniques and advice.

He told me he knew I would pass when I was relaxed and not "white-knuckling" when I was flying -- even with making several errors.

So, RELAX! Have fun. That's the key to success. And...don't land in the over-run.
Click to expand...

My checkride was exactly the same......perfection wasn't required, and I actually learned some new things while I was up with the DPE.
 
As most people said, beyond anything, what the examiner wants to see is that you can safely operate the responsibility of a Private Pilot.

I remember reading a guide when I was preparing for my private that made the point to forget what was behind you and get ready for the next manuver or item. If something is unsatisfactory, the examiner will tell you then. Just relax and enjoy it.
 
One examiner actually told me he would feel like he failed if I didn't learn anything from him.

Here's how you will feel during the checkride:
[yt]y7uzzh07YOY[/yt]
 
PGT said:
One examiner actually told me he would feel like he failed if I didn't learn anything from him.

Here's how you will feel during the checkride:
[yt]y7uzzh07YOY[/yt]
Click to expand...
that is the funniset thing i have seen in alon gtime
 
lol cool guys.. my CFI told me the DPE is very forgiving. He knows I'm going for my training after this and not I'm not just a weekend warrior private pilot. So I'm looking forword to It. :beer:
 
All of the advice in this post is good stuff to listen to. Keep a cool head, think things through, and don't just jump into maneuvers. As many examiners have mentioned before, the PPL is a "certificate to learn." Keep that in mind, don't stress too much, and definitely get a *good* night sleep with a healthy breakfast!

Good luck!
 
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