Online Checkride Prep: Private Pilot & Instrument Rating Simulator Preparation

Embarking on your checkride journey can be daunting. With the right guidance, you can unlock your true potential and impress the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) within minutes.

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Why We Built Online Checkride Prep

We understand how important it is to walk into your checkride fully prepared. That's why we focus specifically on personalized online checkride prep.

Active in the Industry

Our instructors are currently flying and know what's happening in aviation today.

Experienced Airline Pilots

Learn from CFIs who fly for major airlines and bring real-world perspective.

Examiner Expectations

We know what DPEs look for and how to help you present your knowledge.

How Our Online Checkride Prep Works

1

Plan Your Cross-Country

Prepare your cross-country just as you would for the real checkride.

2

Schedule Online Lesson

Meet one-on-one with an instructor over Zoom or similar platform.

3

Refine and Rehearse

We review your planning, knowledge areas, and weak spots.

4

Arrive Confident

You'll know what's coming and how to respond on checkride day.

Aligned with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

Checkrides We Cover

DPEs use the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) to guide checkrides, ensuring a consistent and fair evaluation. We help you prepare for:

Private Pilot ACS

Complete preparation for your Private Pilot checkride oral and practical exam.

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Instrument Rating ACS

Master IFR knowledge and procedures for your Instrument Rating checkride.

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CFI Checkride

Develop teaching skills and prepare for the demanding CFI checkride.

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Private Pilot Checkride Simulator Prep

Your home flight simulator can be a powerful tool for checkride preparation. While simulator time doesn't count toward your certificate requirements, practicing procedures in your sim builds the muscle memory and confidence you need for checkride day.

Our instructors use screen sharing via Zoom to coach you through scenarios in X-Plane, Microsoft Flight Simulator, or Prepar3D. This checkride preparation flight simulator approach lets you practice unlimited approaches, emergency procedures, and cross-country navigation without burning avgas.

What You Can Practice in Your Simulator

  • Emergency procedures: engine failures, electrical fires, partial panel
  • Cross-country flight planning and navigation
  • Instrument scan and basic attitude flying
  • G1000/GTN avionics procedures
  • ACS knowledge areas with visual demonstrations

Why Simulator-Based Checkride Prep Works

DPEs want to see that you understand procedures and can explain your decision-making. Practicing in a simulator lets you:

  • Pause mid-scenario to discuss the 'why' behind each action
  • Repeat procedures until they become second nature
  • Practice scenarios that are dangerous in real aircraft
  • Review ACS knowledge areas with visual context

Our 1-on-1 Checkride Prep

In each tailored session, you work directly with a certified instructor to:

  • Review key knowledge areas and problem topics
  • Practice likely oral questions and scenarios
  • Walk through your cross-country planning
  • Simulate real checkride interactions with the DPE

To Get the Most from Your Lesson

We recommend:

  • Having your cross-country planning in an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) or SkyVector
  • Being ready to share your screen for charts, routes, and weather
  • If using an iPad, install AirServer for smooth screen sharing

Checkride Prep FAQ

What is checkride prep?

Checkride prep is personalized preparation for your FAA practical test (checkride). It includes mock oral exams, cross-country flight planning review, and practice of ACS knowledge areas with a certified flight instructor. Our instructors help you identify and address weak areas before your actual checkride.

Can I use a flight simulator for checkride preparation?

Yes! Home flight simulators like X-Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator are excellent tools for checkride preparation. Our instructors use screen sharing to coach you through procedures, instrument approaches, and emergency scenarios in your simulator. While sim time doesn't count as flight hours, it builds muscle memory and procedural knowledge.

How does online checkride prep work?

We meet via Zoom where you can screen share your EFB (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot) or flight simulator. The instructor conducts mock oral exams, reviews your cross-country planning, and addresses your specific weak areas based on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Sessions are available in 1-hour or 2-hour blocks.

Who are the checkride prep instructors?

All ReadyRoger instructors are active airline pilots with CFI ratings. They fly for major US carriers and bring real-world experience to every session, helping you prepare for questions DPEs commonly ask. Multiple instructors maintain 100% checkride pass rates.

What checkrides do you help prepare for?

We provide preparation for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkrides. Each session is tailored to the specific Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for your certificate or rating.

How much does checkride prep cost?

Sessions are priced at $90 for 1 hour. Most students find that 2-4 hours of preparation is sufficient to feel confident for their checkride, depending on their experience level and specific areas needing work.

When should I start checkride prep?

We recommend starting checkride prep 1-2 weeks before your scheduled practical test. This gives you time to identify weak areas and study them before the checkride. However, many students benefit from earlier preparation, especially for complex topics like weather theory or regulations.

What equipment do I need for online checkride prep?

You need a computer with Zoom and a stable internet connection. We recommend having your Electronic Flight Bag (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot) ready to screen share. If you have a home flight simulator, you can share that screen for procedural practice.

Step Into Your Checkride with Confidence

Don't leave your checkride success to chance. Train with instructors who know what examiners expect and how to help you present your knowledge clearly and confidently.