List of Common Check Ride Preparation Errors

Not being familiar with the PTS

• Inadequate or non-existent preparation for all of the required TASKs outlined in the PTS
• Misunderstanding of what is expected
• Not having an understanding of knowledge areas consistent with the references outlined in the PTS

Endorsements -- For the majority of ratings you need at LEAST

• 3 hours of preparation in the preceding 60 days
• Review of the areas found deficient in your knowledge test (if applicable)
• Logged flight AND GROUND instruction (ground instruction must be detailed out)
• Endorsement stating you are prepared for the practical test
• Student Pilots MUST have current solo endorsements

8710 Errors

• Filling out a poor photocopy of the blank 8710
• Instructor's endorsement on the back pre-dates the applicants signature on the front
• If you have more than one middle name, you must pick only one, the same one as on your medical or other FAA docs
• If you do not have a social security number you MUST fill in "NONE" in its place
• Unless you have notified the FAA in writing, your address must match your other FAA doc addresses
• Do not abbreviate Hair/Eye color, they must match your medical
• CFI must Sign and print name on the back and must print the letters CFI after their number
• Do NOT round UP times in the bottom flight experience matrix, be sure your times listed show you as qualified
• It is best to TYPE your 8710, below is a link for a PDF fill-in version.

8710 Form     To get Adobe Acrobat Reader, follow this link