Checkrides Explained: Passes, Failures, and Discontinuances for Student Pilots

How Illinois Aviation Academy Helps Students Succeed with FAA Checkrides 

For every aspiring pilot, the FAA Checkride is one of the most important milestones in flight training. Whether you are pursuing your Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, or Certified Flight Instructor certification, successfully passing a Checkride is required to advance your aviation career. 

At Illinois Aviation Academy, students train in a structured FAA Part 141 environment designed to prepare future pilots for long-term success. Illinois Aviation Academy has also been granted FAA Examining Authority for the Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot and the Certified Flight Instructor certifications.  This allows eligible students to complete select “End of Course” Checkrides directly through the academy’s approved FAA training program. 

This designation reflects the academy’s high training standards, operational consistency, and strong student outcomes. 

What Is an FAA Checkride? 

An FAA Checkride is the final practical examination required to earn a pilot certificate or rating. The evaluation includes both: 

• An oral examination  

• A flight test  

During the Checkride, students must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, decision-making, and safety standards outlined in the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS). 

Traditionally, Checkrides are conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). However, 141 flight schools that demonstrate historically high pass rates are FAA Granted Examining Authority. Illinois Aviation Academy is approved and can conduct examinations for approved certifications for eligible students. 

Illinois Aviation Academy’s FAA Examining Authority Advantage 

Illinois Aviation Academy earned FAA Examining Authority after demonstrating sustained student success, operational excellence, and compliance with rigorous FAA standards. 

Today, IAA holds FAA Examining Authority for: 

• Private Pilot Certification  

• Instrument Rating Certification  

• Commercial Pilot Certification 

• Certified Flight Instructor 

This approval provides several important benefits for students: 

• Reduced scheduling delays  

• Improved training continuity  

• Faster progression through certifications  

• Greater consistency throughout the training process  

Because examiner availability has become a nationwide challenge, the ability to complete certifications within the academy’s FAA-approved training system helps students stay on track toward airline and commercial aviation careers. 

The Three Possible Checkride Outcomes Every Student Pilot Should Understand 

Every FAA Checkride ends with one of three outcomes: 

1. Pass  
2. Failure  
3. Discontinuance  

Understanding each outcome can help student pilots prepare mentally and strategically for success. 

1. Passing the Checkride

The Goal of Every Pilot in Training 

Successfully passing a Checkride means the student demonstrated the required FAA knowledge and flight proficiency standards. 

After passing: 

• The examiner issues a temporary airman certificate  

• The FAA processes the permanent certificate  

• Students move forward to the next phase of training  

Why Passing on the First Attempt Matters 

Passing on the first attempt can: 

• Keep training on schedule  

• Reduce additional training costs  

• Strengthen future airline applications  

• Build confidence and professionalism  

Airlines and aviation employers often review Checkride history during hiring processes, especially for competitive pilot positions. 

Best Ways to Prepare for a Successful Checkride 

Students improve their success rates by: 

• Studying the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS)  

• Completing mock Checkrides with instructors  

• Flying in varied weather and operational conditions  

• Staying organized with endorsements and documentation  

• Arriving rested, prepared, and focused  

At Illinois Aviation Academy, structured FAA Part 141 training helps students build consistency, discipline, and confidence before their Checkride day. 

2. What Happens If You Fail a Checkride?

Understanding FAA Checkride Failures 

If a student does not meet FAA standards during the Checkride, the examiner issues a Notice of Disapproval. 

This does not mean the student must restart the entire examination. 

Typically: 

• Only failed portions must be retested  

• Additional remedial training is required  

• The failure becomes part of the FAA record  

Do Checkride Failures Hurt Airline Careers? 

One isolated Checkride failure is usually not career-ending. Many successful airline pilots have experienced setbacks during training. 

However: 

• Multiple failures may raise concerns for employers  

• Airlines often ask applicants about Checkride history  

• Repeated failures can suggest inconsistent preparation  

The most important factor is how students respond, improve, and move forward. 

How Pilots Recover from Checkride Failures 

Successful pilots often: 

• Analyze weaknesses honestly  

• Focus retraining on problem areas  

• Improve procedural discipline  

• Build confidence through repetition and preparation  

Resilience is an essential trait in aviation. 

3. What Is a Checkride Discontinuance? 

When a Checkride Must Be Paused 

Discontinuance occurs when a Checkride cannot be completed due to circumstances outside the student’s control. 

Common reasons include: 

• Poor weather  

• Aircraft maintenance issues  

• Scheduling conflicts  

• Examiner availability  

• Illness or emergencies  

When this happens, the examiner issues a Letter of Discontinuance documenting completed portions of the exam. 

Why Discontinuance Is Different from a Failure 

Discontinuance is not considered a failed Checkride. 

Students simply return later to complete unfinished portions of the evaluation. 

This distinction is important because: 

• It does not negatively affect training records  

• It allows students to continue from where they stopped  

• It protects fairness and safety during testing  

Why Checkride Success Matters in Professional Aviation 

Every Checkride is a building block toward becoming: 

• An airline pilot  

• A corporate pilot  

• A flight instructor  

• A commercial aviation professional  

Strong Checkride performance demonstrates: 

• Professionalism  

• Discipline  

• Preparedness  

• Aeronautical decision-making  

These are qualities airlines and aviation employers value highly. 

How Illinois Aviation Academy Supports Student Success 

Illinois Aviation Academy’s FAA Part 141 training environment is designed to help students progress efficiently while maintaining high standards of safety and operational excellence. 

Through: 

• Structured curriculum pathways  

• Experienced instructors  

• Modern training aircraft  

• FAA Examining Authority  

• Consistent operational oversight  

IAA helps students prepare for successful aviation careers from their very first certificate through advanced ratings. 

Start Your Pilot Training Journey 

If you are ready to pursue a career in aviation, Illinois Aviation Academy offers professional pilot training designed to prepare students for success in today’s aviation industry. 

Learn more about: 

• Private Pilot training  

• Instrument Rating programs  

• Commercial Pilot pathways  

• Flight Instructor Academy 

• Airline career opportunities  

• FAA Part 141 flight training  

Contact Illinois Aviation Academy today to begin your journey toward becoming a professional pilot.