In Part 1 of our How to Pass the Checkride series, we examined some of the various paperwork and qualification issues that can prevent your checkride from starting. Now let’s look at some of the common causes for a disapproval during the ground portion of the test.

The number of applicants who arrive for the checkride unqualified would surprise you. How does this happen? Despite your instructor's best efforts and intentions, there are several “gotchas” when verifying applicant eligibility. These pitfalls can appear in the applicant’s logbook, on IACRA (the electronic web-based application for a pilot certificate or rating), or in the applicant’s personal/airplane documents.

You have six landings and an hour of flying in the previous six months. Is your pulse starting to rise? Feeling a little uneasy as you watch your family preparing to fly with you today? Are you current? Yes. Proficient? Probably not. But what exactly does it mean to be proficient?