Legal Briefing

Paperwork for the practical test

As a student pilot, you've been reading, writing, calculating, charting, tracking, observing, and practicing, all in preparation to qualify to take a practical test with an FAA-designated examiner and finish the evaluation with a "Congratulations" and a new private pilot certificate in your possession. As a part of preparing for that day when you'll meet the examiner, let's review what you'll need to have with you before you can begin the test.

According to Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 61.103 and 61.37, to be eligible for a private pilot certificate-and to take the practical test to obtain one-a person generally must

• be at least 17 years of age to obtain a rating in other than a glider or balloon;
• be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language;
• have received appropriate endorsements from an authorized instructor;
• have passed the required knowledge test; and
• meet the aeronautical experience required by the regulations.

Note that at least two endorsements are required to take the practical test. One endorsement must come from an authorized instructor who can certify that you have been given instruction on the aeronautical knowledge required and you are prepared to take the knowledge test. This endorsement is given during your flight training, before you are allowed to take the private pilot knowledge test, which you must pass before taking the practical test. The other is a logbook endorsement that must be made by an authorized instructor who conducted the required flight training and can certify that you are prepared for the practical test.

So, to get a private pilot certificate, you'll need to take a practical test with a person who is authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests for the certificate that you are seeking: an FAA-designated examiner. You'll need to complete the first page of FAA Form 8710-1, which will summarize the information necessary to show your eligibility and compliance with the requirements to take the test and receive a private pilot certificate. The form asks you what certificate or rating you are applying for; your date of birth; if you read, speak, write, and understand the English language; and it asks you to record your pilot time to show compliance with the required aeronautical experience.

It also requires information that is not strictly required by FARs 61.37 and 61.103, but is otherwise relevant to issuance of a pilot certificate upon successful completion of the test by other parts of the regulations. For instance, the form asks for personal identification information such as your name, address, height, weight, and hair and eye color, and it asks if you are a U.S. citizen; whether you have been convicted for a violation of any federal or state statute relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances; and whether you have failed a test for the certificate or rating before.

At the bottom of the form, you must sign your name. Your signature means you certify that all statements and answers provided on the form are complete and true to the best of your knowledge. Signing also acknowledges that you have read and understand the Privacy Act statement at the bottom of the form. The second page provides a place for your instructor to give his or her recommendation that you are ready to take the checkride, and for the examiner to record the activities and results of the practical test.

When you show up to take the practical test, you'll need to be prepared to show the examiner a form of identification so that he or she can verify that you and the person reflected on the application are the same. You'll also need to show the examiner your logbook to prove that you accomplished the required flight training and you received and logged training within the preceding 60 days. You'll need to give the examiner proof that you successfully passed the required knowledge test within the previous 24 calendar months. And, you need to be prepared to show the examiner your FAA airman medical/student pilot certificate, if one is required.

Putting all the paperwork together to show that you are ready to take the test is a cumbersome but necessary task, and being prepared for it will help that part of the process go more smoothly and allow you to concentrate more fully on demonstrating to the examiner your aeronautical knowledge, judgment, proficiency, and competency to fly the aircraft.

Kathy Yodice is an attorney with Yodice Associates in Washington, D.C., which provides legal counsel to AOPA and administers AOPA's legal services plan. She is an instrument-rated private pilot.

An interactive version of FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, is available at AOPA Online.