FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers for You

FAQ: FAQ

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A PRACTICAL TEST?

All tests are requested via the "Book Checkride" tab above. If you have any questions, please email:

* I conduct practical tests in the Jacksonville area, this includes Herlong (KHEG), Craig (KCRG), Fernandina Beach (KFHB), St Augustine (KSGJ), Palatka (28J) and Keystone Heights (42J).

HOW MUCH IS A PRACTICAL TEST?

Practical test cost will be emailed to each Applicant upon confirmation of test date. Cost is typically $900-$2500 depending on type of test and location.

NEW: Selected weekend dates available for Applicants that have time-sensitive situations requiring expedited scheduling. Weekends are my days-off, but you will see selected weekend dates where time-sensitive testing dates are available. The cost for this service is normal test fee plus 50%, prior coordination/approval required.

Admin issuance: ZOOM APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE, FAA-APPROVED! (validation for foreign based, SIC type ratings, Ground Instructor, Milcomps, etc):

- MILCOMPS: $100

- All other admin functions: $200

Note: I accept a variety of payments: Cash and contactless payments: Venmo, Apple Pay, Debit Card (5% fee added for contactless payments). Personal Checks and Credit cards are not accepted.

HOW MUCH IS A RETEST IF I AM DISAPPROVED FOR A TEST?

Retests and Continuances are normally charged $200/hr, see below for more information on Discontinuances.R

If our practical test is discontinued because of extreme weather, maintenance or any other reasonable case beyond your control, there is no charge to reschedule and fly. The checkride fee that is initially charged is non-refundable once the test starts. This fee is not only for the practical test, but covers the administrative time required to coordinate the practical test, our time to develop the Plan of Action for the Applicant, our time to obtain pre-approval from the FAA to conduct the test, and our time to complete all required paperwork that is sent to the FAA after our meeting(s).

Discontinuances for reasons within your control (sleep, not feeling prepared, work schedule, not checking NOTAMs for closures, etc) are normally charged $200/hr for whatever tasks remain. This fee also applies to "personal weather minimum" Discontinuances where there is no doubt that the ACS tasks can be completed, the weather is VFR and well within the aircrafts capabilities, but the Applicant does not want to fly. Although Examiners can appreciate that you would like the perfect day to fly, you are being evaluated to fly in normal every-day conditions within the capability of the aircraft as long as our event can be executed safely.

Note: on the day that you are scheduled for your Continuance flight, you will make the decision to fly NLT 2 hrs prior to your event to allow me enough time to travel to your location. If your decision is "GO" and you later decide to cancel after I am already enroute to your location, any further Continuance flights will be charged $200/hr for whatever tasks remain.

WHAT ARE YOUR RULES FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST?

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON A DISCONTUANCE?

I will conduct the FAA Practical Test following the applicable PTS/ACS.
I will be utilizing a Plan of Action as a guideline to ensure a complete test.
Perfection is not the standard. Proficiency, Safety & Good Judgment!
Digital charts are allowed to be used. During the "Navigation" and "Diversion" task on Private and Commercial checkrides, the GPS must be turned off to disable location services. They may be turned back on after the "Navigation" and "Diversion" tasks.
Paper navigation logs are preferred. Digital navigation logs are allowed, but be prepared to discuss how the navigation log numbers were derived.

Please answer questions as if you hold the certificate and/or rating sought.
Communication is important; I want to avoid any misunderstanding!

SCHEDULING

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

There is no fee for cancelling a test more than 2 business days prior to test day. There is an $450 non-refundable fee ($800 for Initial CFI's) for cancellations within 2 business days prior to your test (for situations within Applicant control/responsibility). Cancellation examples include disqualification for test due to CFI, Flight School or Applicant errors. Specific examples that have occurred very recently:

- Not having original pilot cert, medical and government issued photo ID on test day.

- Applicant not verifying ahead of time that the current aircraft inspection status can be located in the aircraft logbooks. AD compliance is also required. Blanket "All AD's complied with" is not an acceptable way to verify AD compliance, see the Easter-Precision interpretation.

- Applicant not meeting minimum experience requirements for the rating sought. PLEASE ensure you meet the minimum experience requirements prior to test day! I offer a free pre-screening service to ensure eligibility. Simply email me pics of your endorsements and logbooks ground/flight entries.

-Endorsements: I can not conduct tests for Applicants that did not have proper solo endorsements prior to flying their solos. An example would be flying a cross-country solo without the proper endorsement given on solo day. Another example would be soloing outside of your 90-day solo window. Any solo's conducted without having had a valid 90-day solo can not be accepted.

- Instrument time for Private Pilots: The 3 hours required towards the PPL rating must be done in an airplane. Approved simulators may be used towards your total hour requirements, but can not be used to meet the 3 hours of instrument time requirement.

- 250 nm Instrument CCX for the Instrument Rating: you must land at the airport that you are flying too. If you conduct a missed approach then return to your home-field on an "out-and-in", this CCX will not count due to not landing.

- Applicants or CFI's cancelling the test due to failure to maintain proficiency and/or currency while waiting for the test after Applicant has been endorsed.

- Applicants will not be scheduled unless they are completed with training and their IACRA has been signed off by their Instructor.

- I reserve the right to cancel and/or reschedule a practical test for any reason.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF MY PERMANENT PILOT CERTIFICATE?

- Remember that your temporary certificate is good for 120 days, that is approximately 4 months.

- If you would like to see what "processing day" the FAA is working on, you can visit IACRA.FAA.GOV and FAA.gov and go to the "Current Registry Processing Dates" tab on the far left. Your "processing date" is the date your temporary certificate was issued. If they haven't reached your "processing date" yet, then they haven't issued your permanent certificate yet.

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