The Private Oral Exam Guide is designed to help prepare student pilots for the oral exam portion of their checkride with FAA examiners. Using a question-and-answer format, this indispensable tool lists the questions most likely to be asked by examiners and provides succinct, ready responses. Instructors rate the oral exam guide series as excellent resources for students in both planning for what to expect during the airplane checkride, and mastering the subject matter. This guide is also great preparation for flight reviews, aircraft transitions, and as general refresher material.

This eleventh edition has been updated to comply with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and recent FAA publications, rules and procedures. All the subjects a Private Pilot candidate will be tested on during checkrides and review flights are covered. Chapters are dedicated to certificates and documents, weather, determining performance and limitations, airplane systems, cross-country flight planning, night operations, aeromedical factors, and SBT (Scenario-Based Training.) Scenario-based questions have become an integral part of the Practical Test and an important tool in an examiner’s toolbox. Student responses to these “open-ended” questions demonstrate an understanding of the big picture and convey the practical application of what’s important and why. Noted SBT expert, Arlynn McMahon (2009 National Flight Instructor of the Year, and recipient of the 2010 NATA Award for Excellence in Pilot Training Award), provides insight into these scenario-based questions and will be invaluable to students preparing for their checkride.

Questions, answers, and explanations in this guide were researched using FAA documents (identified so readers know where to go for further study) as well as through interviews with FAA examiners. References for further study are provided throughout the book, and additional study questions conclude each chapter.

Also by Michael Hayes: Instrument Oral Exam Guide, Commercial Oral Exam Guide, Multi-Engine Oral Exam Guide, Certified Flight Instructor Oral Exam Guide, Airline Transport Pilot Oral Exam Guide, and the Private Pilot Audio Checkride.