Preparing for your check ride

The term "Check ride" usually strikes fear in pilots whether your a powered parachute pilot or a airline pilot. Taking a few steps to prepare can make the task go much smoother and make sure you get through it without the dreaded "pink slip".

Here is a checklist to make sure your ready for the powered parachute practical test.

1. Make sure you have the hours required in your category of aircraft. The examiner will really appreciate it if you tag the entries in your log book where the requirements are met.
   For a Powered Parachute:
   
   • 10 hours dual with an instructor (Must have 3 hours within the past 60 days before the check ride)
   • 2 solo hours
   • 1 hour of cross country training.
   • 1 cross country flight to a different airport at least 10 miles away.
   • 20 takeoffs and landings at an airport {footnote} An airport is defined as an area of land or water used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. {/footnote}
   • 10 Solo takeoffs and landings
2. Have the required endorsements in your log book. The endorsements for powered parachute are:
   
   • pre-solo aeronautical knowledge
   • Pre-solo flight training
   • solo flight (first 90 days)
   • Initial Solo cross country flight training
   • solo cross country flight (for each cross country)
   • taking the knowledge exam
   • taking sport pilot practical test
3. Have the required documents for the aircraft you are flying ( Airworthiness, registration, Operating Handbook, and Weight and Loading data)
4. Know the Practical Test Standards (PTS). This can not be emphasized enough. This book is your prep guide for the practical test. Its what the FAA uses as a guide to evaluate if you meet the standards required. It will basically lay out the foundation of how the examiner is going to test you. If you study this book well, you shouldn't have any problems with the practical test. Your instructor should be teaching you this as you go along in your training.
5. Have your 8710 filled out correctly, or better yet, use the IACRA system.
6. Call your examiner and make the appointment for your check ride! Good luck!!!

Contact Firefly Aviation X to schedule a check ride