Pilot Examiner Services

FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Services are provided by Adam Boyd and should be scheduled in advance (Most folks have success booking an exam about six weeks out).  Your CFI should ensure you are prepared for your exam and help you with the IACRA application process.  Be sure to reference your applicable certificate level ACS or PTS and AC 61-65H for requirements and endorsements before scheduling your exam.

Steps to take your FAA Practical Exam with Wildwood Aerosapce LLC...

1) Schedule your exam.  Travel fees may apply.

2) Once you have booked your exam, you will recieve the applicable scenario for your exam via email.  Have your CFI review this scenario with you and ensure they check your work before the exam.  A good thorough study of your scenario will help your oral exam go smoothly.

3) Ensure you have the required flight training and endorsements as well as a signed IACRA application before you arrive for your exam.  Failure to have the proper training, endorsements, or application will result in the cancellation your exam.  A consultant fee of $75/hr plus any applicable travel fees may be charged for this records review.

4) Three days before your checkride, be sure to inventory your required items from the list provided below and review the FAQs.  Most Go/No-Go questions can be answered by reading the FAQs.  If you need to change your plans, this is the time to do so.  If you cancel the day of the exam, you may incur the applicable travel fee for an exam scheduled at your location.

5) Get a good night's sleep and show up refreshed and ready to fly!

Remember, DPEs want you to pass!  You show up with all the recommendations from your CFI saying your proficient for the next rating or certificate, so just show the DPE what you have learned.

"What do I need to bring with me?"

PILOT LOGBOOK

Proof that you meet all requirements of 14 CFR Part 61 or 141 for the Practical Test you are taking. Your logbook should clearly show that these requirements are met.

Please tab or mark the pages in your logbook showing you are eligible.

Appropriate Endorsements as per AC 61-65H

(Don't forget: Conventional Gear, High Performance or Complex endorsements)

You are the Pilot in Command!

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PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

Current FAA Pilot Certificates / Student Pilot Certificate

Completed 8710-1 in IACRA with CFI’s Signature (Bring printed copy also)

IACRA User Name and Password

Original Knowledge Test Results (if required and not in IACRA)

Government issued photo ID.

Approved School /ATP CTP Graduation Certificate (if applicable)

Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval (if applicable)

Letter Of Discontinuance (if applicable)

&

FAA Medical Certificate (at least a 3rd class)

or

Documents showing you meet Basic Med Requirements

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AIRWORTHY AIRCRAFT

(If any equipment is inoperative I must be notified before the practical test)

The aircraft must have the the required equipment and capability to perform all required maneuvers per the ACS / PTS.

Aircraft Documents: Airworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate

Pilot’s Operating Handbook or FAA-Approved Flight Manual

Current Weight and Balance for planned flight

(Examiner weighs 175 lbs.)

Aircraft Maintenance Records: Logbook and Record of Airworthiness Inspections

Annual / 100 hour Inspection, Transponder Check

Pitot Static Test and VOR Check (if applicable)

Current GPS Navigation Database (if GPS is being used)

Proof of AD Compliance

PILOT SUPPLIES

Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards Applicable to the rating you are seeking

(I recommend you read the ACS or PTS cover to cover!)

Current Airman's Information Manual and applicable portions of the Federal Aviation Regulations

View Limiting Device

Current Aeronautical Charts

Airport Facility Directory

Flight Plan Form or Log

E6B Computer and Plotter

or

Electronic Flight Bag

Drink and Snack

EXAMINER'S FEES

Cash, Credit/Debit Card, Venmo

Checks only accepted with prior payment arrangement

(Fee will be collected prior to beginning the Practical Test)

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A GOOD ATTITUDE!

Frequently Asked Questions

My flux capacitor is not working on my aircraft. Can we still conduct the practical test?

"Maybe"

Has the inoperative flux capacitor be handled I.A.W. 14 CFR 91.213?

If yes, then your aircraft is still airworthy and we can conduct the test.

If no, then your aircraft is not airworthy and we cannot conduct the test.

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Is the flux capacitor required to conduct any maneuver for the practical test I.A.W. the ACS / PTS?

If no, then we can conduct the test. 

If yes, then no we cannot.

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Adam, The weather is not looking to good on the day of my practical test, what do you think?

"No comment"

It's not that I don't want to help; but the weather decision is up to the Pilot in Command and their personal minimums, comfort level for performing the required maneuvers and ensuring that the flight is conducted I.A.W. the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations. Plus, it is a great way to evaluate Aeronautical Decision Making. If a Letter of Discontinuance is issued due to the applicant's poor weather decision on the day of the practical test additional fees will apply to complete the test.

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I have an Instrument practical test scheduled and the weather is not looking very good that day. Can we conduct the practical test in IMC conditions?

"No"

You are the Pilot in Command, if you do not have instrument privileges then you cannot legally file an IFR flight plan and fly IMC.

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My aircraft does not have an attitude indicator or a radio can we conduct my Private Pilot practical test in it?

"No"

Your aircraft must have the capability for you to perform all the maneuvers required by the ACS / PTS.

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Will you travel to my location to conduct my practical test?

"Probably"

The answer depends on the location, number of applicants, and my work schedule with the Air National Guard.  I typically will not travel for one exam.  If your location has two or more exams, we can discuss travel to your location.  However, be advised that I charge a travel fee per exam for this convenience.  The fee varies from $100 to $300 by distance from my home or office to your location.  You are also responsible for securing an acceptable location for the oral portion of the exam such as a conference room or classroom.  You are always welcome to travel to ORK for your exam at the normal price and without the travel fee.  ORK is a great airport for examinations as it has two runway options for winds, and is in close proximity to alternate fields with multiple types of approaches to complete any exam in a timely manner.

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Can my flight instructor sit in on the practical test?

"No"

No one may sit in on the practical test except an FAA representative that has a reason to do so. They have the right to show up to any practical test without notifying either us. This would normally be to evaluate me conducting my duties. I can assure it will make no difference on how I conduct the test. 

Can I look up any answers during the ground portion of the practical test?

"Yes"

There is a limit though and you should not have to look up many answers. Also, you should have a general idea as to where to look. There is a time limit in finding an answer. 

The answers you look up should only be things that are not required to be known during aircraft operation.

Can I use my I-Pad with ForeFlight during the practical test?

"Yes"

I want you to perform during the practical test the way you would actually perform during any flight. If you would normally use an electronic flight bag, then by all means do so. Just be sure your data is current and have a plan if your electronic flight bag fails or looses GPS signal.

Can I use ForeFlight for my weight and balance?

"Yes"

Just be sure that the data used to make the weight and balance is for the aircraft you are actually flying that day. Also, know were the information comes from and how to make changes if necessary.

If I am issued a Notice of Disapproval do I still have to pay for the practical exam and a re-examination?

"Yes"

As an examiner I blocked out my day and did a large amount of work to prepare and there is still more paperwork after a Notice of Disapproval is issued. Be sure you discuss this with your flight instructor. They recommended you for the practical exam and they endorsed your logbook certifying that you are prepared for the practical exam. It might be a good idea for your flight instructor to agree to pay for any retest.

If I elect to discontinue the exam after it has started, do I still have to pay for the practical exam and a re-examination?

"Yes"

Again, as an examiner I blocked out my day and did a large amount of work to prepare and there is still more paperwork after a Letter of Discontinueance is issued.  A Letter of Discontinuance is not a negative action in a pilot's record, but it will require more time and work on my part to complete such an exam.  I will do my best to ensure we can meet once again to finish your exam during the letter of discontinuance period, but the time and effort to make that happen must be accounted for.  In cases where weather is unforecast, this fee may be waived.

What is your cancellation policy?

Everyone has events and issues arise in life.  I understand plans change and maybe you're just not confident about your exam just yet.  I ask for you to cancel as far ahead as you can in order that I may utilize your slot for another person who needs an exam.  72 hours prior or earlier is great, and allows others to schedule the exam slot.  If you cancel the day of the exam, you may incur the applicable travel fee for an exam scheduled at your location.  

I am scheduling two practical test in one day can we accomplish them both with one ground portion and one flight?

"Maybe"

IACRA is the limiting factor here. If IACRA requires two applications then we must conduct two separate practical test.

If I do two practical test in one day to I have to pay one fee or two?

"Two"

Double the work is being done on my part and it is no different then if I had two applicants in one day.

How do you accept payment for exams?

Payment for pratical exams and administrative actions can be made by Cash, Credit/Debit Card, or Venmo.  Checks may be accepted by pre-arranged payment agreements with institutions of higher learning.