Checkrides: Passes, Failures, and Discontinuances – What Every Student Pilot Should Know

Checkrides are one of the most important milestones in a pilot’s training journey. Every certificate and rating—Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and beyond—requires successfully passing a checkride administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or, in some cases, an examiner from a flight school with Examining Authority.

While every student aims to pass on the first attempt, checkrides don’t always go as planned. There are three possible outcomes: Pass, Failure, and Discontinuance. Understanding these outcomes, their consequences, and how to prepare for success is essential for every student pilot.

The Three Possible Outcomes of Checkrides

1. Passing the Checkride: The Goal of Every Student Pilot

✅ Outcome: You successfully demonstrate the required skills and knowledge, meet FAA standards, and receive your new certificate or rating.

✅ What Happens Next: After passing, your examiner issues a temporary airman certificate (valid for 120 days) while the FAA processes your permanent certificate.

✅ Why It Matters:

• A first-time pass keeps your training on schedule.
• Fewer failures look better on your training record and future airline applications.
• You gain confidence as a pilot, knowing you’ve met the FAA standard.

🚀 Best Strategy to Pass:

• Be over-prepared—know the ACS (Airman Certification Standards) inside and out.
• Use mock checkrides with your instructor to simulate the real test.
• Arrive well-rested and ready, with all necessary documents and endorsements.

2. Checkride Failure: What Happens If You Don’t Pass?

❌ Outcome: If the examiner determines that you did not meet the FAA standards for a maneuver, knowledge area, or scenario, you receive a Notice of Disapproval.

❌ What Happens Next:

• You must undergo remedial training with your instructor before attempting the checkride again.
• You will only need to retake the failed portion of the exam (not the entire checkride).
• A failure becomes a permanent part of your FAA record.

❌ Why It Matters:

• One or two failures may not significantly impact your career, but multiple failures can be a red flag for airlines and employers.
• Some airlines ask about checkride history during interviews. Frequent failures may indicate a lack of preparation or training discipline.
• Retesting costs money—DPE fees and additional flight hours add up quickly.

🚀 How to Recover from a Failure:

• Analyze what went wrong—Was it a lack of knowledge, nerves, or a procedural mistake?
• Address weak areas with targeted retraining before your retest.
• Go into the retest with confidence—many pilots fail a checkride at some point, but still go on to have successful careers.

3. Discontinuance: When Checkrides are Interrupted

🛑 Outcome: The checkride is paused before completion due to factors beyond your control.

🛑 Common Reasons for Discontinuance:

• Weather changes that make it unsafe to continue.
• Mechanical issues with the aircraft.
• Unforeseen examiner availability issues (e.g., scheduling conflicts, time constraints).
• Student-related reasons like illness or emergency.

🛑 What Happens Next:

• The examiner issues a Letter of Discontinuance, documenting what parts of the checkride were completed successfully.
• You can resume the checkride later, completing only the unfinished sections.
• The letter remains valid indefinitely, so you don’t have to start over if you resume within a reasonable timeframe.

🚀 How to Handle a Discontinuance:

• Stay prepared—when you resume the checkride, you need to be just as ready as on the first attempt.
• Reschedule as soon as possible—the longer you wait, the more review you’ll need.
• Keep a positive mindset—a discontinuance is not a failure, just a temporary delay.

Why Passing Checkrides Matters

Every checkride is a stepping stone in your aviation career. Whether you’re aiming for an airline job, corporate flying, or instructing, your checkride history follows you.

1. Airlines and Employers Look at Checkride Records

Most airlines and corporate flight departments ask about checkride history during hiring. While one or two failures might not disqualify you, multiple failures can make you a less competitive candidate.

2. Failing Can Delay Your Training Timeline

A failed checkride means extra training, rescheduling fees, and additional flight hours, all of which add time and cost to your training.

3. Checkrides Build Your Confidence as a Pilot

Passing checkrides isn’t just about getting a certificate—it’s about proving to yourself that you meet the FAA’s high standards. Each checkride you pass boosts your confidence and prepares you for the next level of flying.

How to Improve Your Chances of Passing on the First Attempt

• Know the Airman Certification Standards (ACS): The ACS outlines exactly what you need to demonstrate during your checkride. Know it inside and out so you’re never caught off guard.
• Take a Mock Checkride: Have your instructor simulate a real checkride. This will help you get comfortable with the testing environment and identify any weak areas.
• Get Plenty of Rest Before the Exam: Fatigue and stress can lead to simple mistakes. Get a good night’s sleep and stay hydrated before your checkride.
• Be Organized: Make sure you have all required documents, endorsements, logbook signatures, and aircraft paperwork ready. Administrative mistakes can lead to delays or disqualifications.
• Train in Varied Conditions: If you’ve only flown in perfect weather, turbulence or crosswinds on checkride day might throw you off. Fly in different conditions during training to build confidence.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Checkrides can be nerve-wracking, but remember: Examiners want you to succeed. If you make a mistake, don’t panic—correct it and keep going.

Every Pilot Faces Checkride Challenges

Checkrides are a normal part of every pilot’s journey, and even the best pilots sometimes fail. What matters most is how you prepare, learn from mistakes, and move forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Passing on the first attempt keeps your training on track and looks great on your record. 
• Failures aren’t career-ending, but multiple failures can be a red flag for employers.
• Discontinuances are not failures—just temporary delays.
• Preparation, confidence, and resilience are the keys to success.

At FLT Academy, we provide the best training possible to help you pass your checkrides with confidence. Ready to start your journey to becoming a pilot? Contact us today and let’s get you in the sky!