WHAT'S THE CHECKRIDE PROCESS?
Besides all of the hours you've spent getting ready for the checkride, there's quite a bit of work involved in preparing for the event itself. Take a deep breath, this will take some effort. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth ride.
STEP 1 - YOU
The first step is to schedule your checkride. I require the checkride to be scheduled at least seven days out. To schedule your checkride, go to my calendar and request a date and time. The calendar will require that you supply me with some information about yourself, your instructor, and your aircraft. That will take us to step 2...
STEP 2 - ME
I'll get back to you with either an approval for the date/time you selected, or with some alternative suggestions. Once we have the checkride firmly scheduled you'll want to start working on steps 3 and 4.
STEP 3 - YOU
Fill out your IACRA. I can't move forward with the checkride until you've completed the application and sent me your FTN. I mean, it's a dead stop here until you (and your instructor) get this done.
Email me a copy of your photo ID, your pilot certificate, and your medical.
STEP 4 - YOU
The first part of the checkride will be a review of information to assure that you are eligible for the exam and that the airplane is airworthy. When I email your confirmation I'll include a link to an online form that contains most of the information I need to do this. I know it's a lot, but if I don't have it prior to the checkride we'll get to spend the first hour of ground going over all of this data instead of just confirming it. Trust me, it will make the checkride go much faster and relieve a lot of anxiety if you'll complete the form.
STEP 5 - ME
Once I have all of your information I can prepare the checkride request to send to the FSDO. Without the approval from the FSDO I can't do the check ride. It's usually not a problem but it helps if you have all of your information together and get it to me as soon as possible. I'm required by the FAA to submit for approval at least 24 hours prior to the checkride.
STEP 6 - US
It's checkride time! Here's a checkride checklist to help you make sure you bring everything you'll need. There's not much an examiner can do to help with the anxiety associated with your checkride. I get it. I really do. If you're well prepared (you've done everything in the ACS, right?) you'll be fine. I'll do everything I can to make the checkride as comfortable as possible. It's up to you and your instructor to make sure you're prepared, it's up to me to perform a fair and honest evaluation.