On Reddit I frequently heard stories from either newly-passed or newly-failed private pilots outlining the entire process and seeking advice. So I started wondering - how difficult is it to pass the PPL check in the US? I heard that there is a long oral questions part where the examiner quizzes you on the theoretical parts before you even start to brief the flight, much less get in the cockpit. Are there no written exams there, just these questions? Or is it both? If both, why is this part so long (heard it can go on for over an hour)? Do you need to know what every FAR regulates? I frequently see Americans referencing FARs alongside their numbers as if they had an index in their head lol

Here in EASA land one of my friends told me that the check is “hard to fail if you paid attention” and, while stressful, yeah, the examiner did not try to trip me up with questions nor did he ask me to perform maneuvers I haven’t practiced well. It felt like just another solo XC flight, a couple touch-and-gos at the destination airport including without flaps and without engine power, then on the way back a few stalls, deep turns, some rudimentary instrument flying and that was it. Haven’t heard of anyone who failed the thing so far.

So, how’s the situation where you guys are? What’s the pass rate? Do you know someone who failed (or maybe even you yourself had failed)? Would love to hear from you all!

  • @[email protected]
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    31 year ago

    I can’t compare to EASA but it’s not too bad.

    There is one written exam for each certificate (PPL, Instrument, Commercial etc). These are largely memorization exercises and I used to recommend people get them out or the way ASAP during their training so they could focus on the practical exams.

    Practical exams are two parts; oral and flight.

    The oral exam typically lasts about an hour. I wouldn’t say you’re quizzed but the evaluator is trying to make sure you have a real understanding (not just rote) of your plane, the NAS and above all can make good, safe, decisions. The flying portion is also about an hour and covers all the required maneuvers from ACS/PTS.

    • @Darc
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      1 year ago

      Knowledge - 100%.

      Practical - I wish. I was super prepared for my PPL checkride, did fantastic on Oral. DPE told me “your knowledge exceeds commercial standards.” Flight was fine. 6 hours total. 3 hours oral. 1.9 hobbs. 30 min break between for food the DPE requested. It varies from DPE to DPE.

      I enjoyed my checkride experience, and passed, but don’t plan on doing anything else that day unless you consult several other students and they confirm shorter times.