Checkride 101: Checkride roles

It’s not that you shouldn’t do a go-around on a checkride. In fact, it’s a required task on the private, instrument, and commercial practical tests. But you should not ask the examiner to make the go-around decision. That’s your call. On a checkride, the applicant is the pilot in command, unless there are extenuating circumstances. While this may seem strange considering the examiner has a zillion hours and the applicant likely has less than 100, FAR 61.47 states, “the examiner is not the pilot in command of the aircraft during the practical test unless the examiner agrees to act in that capacity for the flight….” In other words, on a checkride, you’re the boss, and acting like it will go a long way toward helping you earn your certificate or rating.

There are lots of ways that you, as the applicant, can demonstrate you are ready to be the pilot in command. On the walk-around, if you notice a discrepancy of some sort, make your own decision considering what you know about required equipment, or go grab a mechanic to discuss the issue. Once you have made up your mind about the flat spot on the tire or the missing static wick, keep the examiner in the loop on the airworthiness of the aircraft you are choosing to fly.

You can also prove you are ready to hold that pilot certificate by grabbing the ARROW documents before the examiner asks to see them. It does not exactly build confidence when the examiner must climb around in the backseat searching for a weight and balance sheet because you have no idea where it is. During the flight, please do not ask the examiner if he or she would like for you to do a clearing turn. Just go ahead and do it, because that’s the way to safely prepare for a maneuver. If you don’t understand a radio call from ATC, just ask them to “say again, please,” rather than turning to the examiner for clarification. By all means, be courteous and open with the examiner about your decision making processes (thinking out loud is great here!), but do not expect them to make the decisions for you.

Remember, for most checkrides, the DPE is only there to serve as an observer. Although they must hold a flight instructor rating, the FAA does not allow teaching during the checkride. So, it’s in your best interest to save your aviation related questions for after you have passed your checkride. In the post-flight debrief, the examiner will likely have some good tips for you, but until then, self-reliance is key. Also, the DPE is not a tour guide or a human GPS. Take responsibility for your own navigation using your map or navigational aid, and don’t ask the examiner for directions if you can’t remember how to get back to the airport. The DPE is also not to serve as a crewmember, so good cockpit organization is a must. Don't ask the DPE to hold the controls while you look for a pen or chart.

There are, however, a few ways the DPE is authorized to help the applicant. They can, and will, act as safety pilot if you are under simulated instrument conditions, or they can hold a checklist or an iPad for you if you need your hands free. In the case of an actual emergency, expect the DPE to step in and do whatever is needed to get on the ground safely. Barring those situations, it would be best to behave as if no one is even there. Remember, as PIC, you are the final responsibility for safety in the aircraft. This is your chance to show off your skills, so be assertive with decision making and don’t rely on the DPE as anything other than a friendly passenger in that seat next to you.

Natalie Bingham Hoover is an FAA-DPE and chief flight instructor of a busy flight school near Memphis, Tennessee.