Training and Safety Tip: Checkride check-up
'Fire everything'
One of the most exciting lines in a science fiction space shoot’em-up is spoken by one of the starship’s captains.
When things have reached a do-or-die point, and when asked what kind of weapon to shoot at the bad guys, the captain shouts, “Fire everything!” This logic applies in the flying world when preparing for a checkride.
Applicants do one of two things during a checkride: pass or fail. Many applicants who fail do so because they forgot to bring something they needed.
Here is a short list of “space weapons” you might consider bringing to the battle that is a checkride.
- Books: It does not hurt to have a handy reference book like the Aeronautical Information Manual in case a question comes up during the oral part of your checkride.
- Water: Nothing can give you a dry throat like taking a checkride. Keep a bottle of water handy in your flight bag.
- Approved painkillers: Checkrides can be a headache. It is nice to have a little relief handy in your bag—ditto for stomach meds like antacids.
- Training records: You have brought your logbook to verify you have the aeronautical experience and training required to take the practical test for the certificate or rating. It may be handy to bring your training folder and other records that document your training history in case of a question.
- Food: A candy bar in your bag can be a lifesaver during a long, drawn-out checkride.
- Aircraft records: Ensure you know the required documents and where they are located for the checkride aircraft. You would be surprised how many applicants show up without them or with things like their pilot's operating handbook out of date.
A checkride is akin to a space battle, remember? Any little trinket, book, or thing you might need is better found in your bag at the checkride than unavailable at home. Ask your flight instructor and friends what they brought to their checkrides that made their day easier.
