FAA Notice 8900.485 removed geographical limitations for DPEs. My normal availability is in Nebraska and Western Iowa. Other areas by special arrangement.
The Check Ride
As I begin the check ride, I expect the outcome to be successful and want the applicant's experience to be as enjoyable as possible. All checkrides will be conducted in accordance with the FAA Airman Certification Standards/Practical Test Standards and within the FAA DPE guidance information to allow the applicant an opportunity to demonstrate the required skill, knowledge and judgment required. I know an applicant has worked very hard and incurred a great expense to get to the point to be ready for a check ride. Perfection is not the standard, but the minimum ACS/PTS standards must be met for a successful outcome. Make smooth, prompt, and positive corrections, if something doesn't go perfect, just continue as best you can. I will let you know if a maneuver does not meet the PTS/ACS standards. If a maneuver is performed unsatisfactorily, second chances are not allowed. Every applicant who meets the ACS/PTS standards will be successful. Those who do not meet the standards will be required to receive additional training and re-test to assure that they can safely operate in the National Airspace System. Following the check ride, I will give you and your instructor (if available) a complete debriefing.
Please use IACRA
IACRA is the Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application. You are expected to go to the IACRA website, register and complete an application for your certificate or rating. Once you set up your account, you will receive an FTN number. You will also create a user ID and Password. Be sure to write this information down in a safe place, perhaps in your logbook. You will need this information during your check ride. In addition, please bring a completed paper version of the FAA form 8710, signed by your instructor. This is so that in the event IACRA is down or goes down during the check, we will be able to continue the check ride and issue appropriate documents.
Items to bring to the check ride
Please refer to the “Applicant’s Practical Test Checklist” in the applicable PTS, as well as completing the applicants checklist in reference material under the "More" tab on this site. You should also bring the aircraft maintenance records so we can verify that the aircraft is airworthy. The aircraft you bring must be capable of performing all required maneuvers. Please be sure everything is working on the aircraft. If not, you should know what action is required. You should also know what equipment and instruments are required for the aircraft to be airworthy. If you are taking an Instrument practical test using a GPS, this must have a current database. You should bring current charts, Airport Facility Directory, AIM, etc.
Be very familiar with the aircraft maintenance logs and prepared to determine airworthiness. Bring a list of each inspection completion date/time and next due date/time.
Prepare all required preflight preparation items per 91.103 based on actual real-time weather for the proposed flight time.
I will allow applicants to use programs such as Foreflight for their planning. However, with electronic or paper , you must be prepared to explain and demonstrate that you know the underlying concepts and that you can perform the calculations.
Please be sure your pilot logbook is completely filled out with all totals carried forward and flag the various requirements such as your long cross country, takeoffs and landings at a towered airport, etc. (depending on what is required for the certificate or rating) This will save both of us time.
Logbook endorsements include (REF. FAA A/C 61.65H);
A logbook or training record endorsement from the instructor who prepared the student for the required knowledge test (if required), or reviewed the home study course that the student used to prepare for the test.
An endorsement from the instructor who has accomplished the required training and/or can attest that the student has met all the aeronautical experience requirements, and is competent to perform at the level required for the certificate or rating sought.
An endorsement that states that the student has had training time within the preceding two calendar months, that the student is prepared for the test, and has been found knowledgeable in areas shown deficient on his or her airman knowledge test.
Anytime a complex or high performance airplane is used for the flight test, the applicant must be endorsed appropriately, and if it has been more than 24 months since the last check ride, there must be an endorsement for the successful completion of a flight review.
If the check ride is a retest, make sure that the notice of disapproval is available. The examiner must have this in order to give the applicant credit for any previously passed areas. Also, a new application must be filled out, and one additional endorsement must be entered in the logbook.
Again, please refer to the ACS/PTS Applicant's Practical test checklist if unsure of what to bring or feel free to contact me with any questions.