5 Common Reasons Why Students Fail a Check Ride

The final step to becoming a certified pilot is the check ride! Because of this, there is a lot of pressure going into your check ride and many things to remember. The list of things to study and maneuvers to practice can leave you feeling overwhelmed and prone to mistakes. Knowing the most common reasons for failing check rides can ease your nerves and make you aware of what you need to practice.

5 Common Reasons Why Students Fail a Check Ride 

1. Not enough training hours – A common problem with check rides occurs during the paperwork stage. The first thing your examiner will do is check your flight times and logbook to make sure you’ve met the minimum requirements. 
2. Airworthy aircraft – Keep in mind that your examiner will not board an aircraft that isn’t airworthy. Make sure that your plane is up-to-date, or else the check ride will need to be rescheduled. 
3. Not using checklists – Failing to use a checklist, or even using one casually, tells the examiner that you ignore rules that aren’t convenient, which would make you an unsafe pilot. Even if you have the checklist memorized, it’s still crucial that you use it, just in case. 
4. Failed stall corrections – Stalls are the most important maneuvers to avoid or to recover from. If you struggle with stalls, make sure you practice before your check ride, as an improper stall recovery is an immediate check ride failure. 
5. Messing up the landing – Many accidents occur during landings. A go-around is an important maneuver to master before your check ride. 

Whether your goal is to get a commercial pilot’s license or just to fly recreationally, choosing the right flight school can increase your chances of success! To learn more about getting a pilot’s license in Salt Lake City, please call Elevate Aviation. We’re excited to help you reach your career goals!