What is a FAA checkride?
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A FAA checkride is the practical test required to earn a pilot certificate or rating. It consists of an oral exam covering FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) tasks, followed by a flight portion, both conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
How long is a private pilot oral exam?
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A private pilot oral exam typically runs 1 to 3 hours, depending on the DPE and how thoroughly you answer each ACS task area. Oral exams for instrument rating and commercial checkrides can run longer since they cover more task areas.
What does a DPE ask during a checkride?
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A DPE asks questions tied to the FAA ACS task areas for your certificate — aircraft systems, weather, airspace, regulations, performance and limitations, and aeronautical decision-making — then follows up based on how you answer, the same way CheckrideReady's AI examiner does.
How should I prepare for a checkride?
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Study the ACS task areas for your certificate, review your aircraft's POH and your logbook endorsements, and practice answering oral exam questions out loud until you can explain concepts clearly and cite the relevant FAR/AIM references — which is exactly what CheckrideReady's oral exam simulator is built for.
Is this a replacement for a real CFI?
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No — and it's not trying to be. CheckrideReady is a study tool that lets you practice and get comfortable with oral exam questions on your own time, so that when you do sit with your CFI or DPE, you're already sharp. Think of it as the gap between ground school and your actual checkride.
How does the oral exam simulator work?
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The examiner follows FAA ACS standards and questions you the way a real DPE would — starting with a focused question, following up based on your specific answers, and digging deeper when you're vague. It cites AIM and FAR references where relevant and wraps up each session with a brief performance summary.
Which ratings are currently supported?
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Private Pilot's License, Commercial Pilot (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IFR) are fully supported, with more ratings coming soon.
Can my CFI see my progress?
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Yes — on the Premium plan, your CFI can link their instructor account to your profile, view your completed ACS tasks, and assign specific areas for you to focus on. Assigned tasks show up highlighted in your practice view.
What happens after my free trial?
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After your 7-day trial you'll be prompted to choose a plan to continue. Your free trial includes 1 session per day for 7 days. Your progress and session history are preserved regardless of which plan you choose.
Is written exam prep included?
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Written exam prep with FAA-style multiple choice questions is coming soon and will be included in all paid plans at no extra cost when it launches.
