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The Practical Test

The Practical Test is your opportunity to demonstrate an ability to apply the knowledge, risk management, and skills outlined in the relevant ACS (Airman Certification Standards). This event requires coordination between you, your flight instructor or flight school, the FAA, and a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner), if one is involved.

The test is tracked through IACRA/DMS, and there are various time frames for scheduling and completing the test. Regulation mandates that you cannot initiate the test unless you have a coordinated plan to complete both the ground and flight portions within the allotted timeframe, considering all external factors (PAVE). Each test session—whether an initial test, a retest, or a continuation of a previously discontinued test—is generally allocated a 5-hour window and is subject to various Certification Rates.

Special Test Events

Retest: If an applicant does not meet the Airman Certification Standards, even after being endorsed as ready by their CFI, a Retest is occasionally available at a discounted rate. This event follows the issuance of a Notice of Disapproval, requires a new application, additional training, and an endorsement IAW FAR 61.49.

Continuance Test: The PAVE Check concludes with External Pressures. Although the Practical Test itself involves an amount of pressure, pilots also need to balance WX conditions, aircraft availability & MX, personnel schedules, and a myriad of other factors. If circumstances beyond the applicant’s control—such as unexpected weather or unresolvable maintenance issues—necessitate discontinuing a test for safety of flight, a Continuance Test may be organized, occasionally at a discounted rate.

The Continual Pursuit of Excellence

WINGS Discount: Pilots who complete a phase of the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program within 30 days of their Practical Test date are generally eligible for a discounted test event rate.

AKT Discount: Pilots who score 100% on the applicable Aeronautical Knowledge Test (AKT) are generally eligible for a discounted test event rate.

Deposit and Cancellation Fees: These fees are generally waived when an organization or CFI avoids excessive rescheduling or processing errors that prevent applicants from initiating their tests.

CFI Responsibilities and Benefits

Endorsing CFIs: By the time your applicant meets with an examiner, you have already certified—through the authority granted by your privileges and limitations—that the applicant is prepared for the Practical Test. CFIs are expected to take ownership of their applicants (and their success!), personally present them for tests, and participate in their post-test briefings.

CFIs who endorse eight applicants who pass a Practical Test on their first attempt are eligible to receive complimentary ground instructor certifications.