This checkride FAQ answers common questions about booking, documents, preparation, fees, and practical-test day with Jason E. Jacobs. It combines current FAA references with DPE Florida’s published appointment policies so you can find the next step for your request.
Booking and fees · Preparing for your test · Test day and follow-up
A checkride is the practical test for a pilot certificate or rating. It evaluates the applicable tasks and standards, aircraft proficiency, and judgment. The requirements are described in 14 CFR 61.43 and the applicable FAA standards. It is different from the airman knowledge test, which is scheduled separately.
Use the Schedule Exam form after completing your instructor endorsement and IACRA application. Provide the required applicant, aircraft, test, and instructor information. Jason typically maintains a waitlist, so a complete request helps him review your application and understand the appointment you need.
No. Jason reviews your information and verifies your IACRA application before confirming your place on the waitlist by email. A confirmed test date is a separate step. Wait for Jason’s appointment confirmation before treating a date or location as booked.
Contact Jason for the current total fee for your certificate or rating. DPE Florida requires a $500 booking/admin deposit, with the remaining balance due when you arrive. The balance is payable in cash in U.S. dollars or by cashier’s check; credit cards and personal checks are not accepted. Review the full checkride fees and cancellation policies.
Follow the deposit instructions and use the exact Venmo handle or Zelle Tag/QR code shown there. Do not substitute a phone number or email address for account lookup. Include your name and type of test in the payment information or comments. Contact Jason first if the recipient or amount is unclear.
Give at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid forfeiting your deposit under Jason’s published policy. Paperwork problems or inability to qualify for the test can also result in a forfeited deposit. Review the detailed cancellation, retest, and continuance terms and contact Jason promptly when your plans change.
Provide your full name, FTN, email, phone number, certificate or rating, Part 61 or Part 141 status, initial/retest/continuance status, aircraft type, flight school, and instructor contact details. The online request form organizes these fields and provides optional space for availability and relevant notes.
IACRA is the FAA’s online airman certification and rating application system. Your FAA Tracking Number identifies you in the application process. Have it available for your scheduling request, and work with your instructor to review the application and required endorsements. Never send your IACRA password through the contact form.
Confirm the checklist for your certificate or rating with your instructor and examiner. Preparation commonly involves the application and endorsements, pilot records, applicable knowledge test report and medical/certificate documents, plus aircraft registration, airworthiness, operating limitations, and maintenance records. See the FAA’s private-pilot practical-test document guidance; requirements depend on the test involved.
The FAA’s practical-test guidance states that the applicant provides an airworthy aircraft with equipment relevant to the required operations. Discuss the aircraft you intend to use with Jason before the appointment, and coordinate its documents and availability with your instructor or flight school.
Use the current FAA Airman Certification Standards or applicable Practical Test Standards with your instructor. The pilot resource library provides related references and scenario links. This checkride FAQ is an orientation to the process, not a substitute for the applicable standards or flight training.
Use the scenario assigned by your examiner. Read its complete route, passenger, baggage, timing, weather, and departure-airport instructions. Do not transfer details from a different exercise. Browse the private pilot, commercial pilot, or instrument rating library to locate the assigned brief.
Airglades Airport in Clewiston is Jason’s primary location. Other Southeast Florida airports may be available when his schedule permits, and travel rates apply. Check the testing locations and contact page and confirm the airport and meeting details directly before arranging travel.
A practical test may be discontinued for weather, airworthiness, or another safety-of-flight concern under 14 CFR 61.43. Coordinate the next steps and documentation with the examiner. Credit for completed areas has conditions under the regulation; review those with your instructor. Jason’s separate continuance policy explains the applicable fees and exceptions.
Review the Notice of Disapproval with your instructor and coordinate the required preparation and application documents with the examiner. Jason’s published retest fee is 50% of the initial fee when retesting within 60 days of a Notice of Disapproval he issued. A notice from another examiner generally carries the full fee unless otherwise specified. Read the complete retest terms.
Yes. The FAA’s Airman Testing FAQ explains that you should retain the original Airman Knowledge Test Report so the evaluator can review any noted deficiency areas during the oral portion. Review the codes with your instructor and resolve discrepancies before your appointment.
Yes. Explain the certificate, issuing authority, ratings, and service you need when contacting Jason. Start with the foreign pilot information, Canadian conversion guide, EASA TIP-L guide, or ATP restriction removal instructions. These requests may require a different process from a practical test.
Contact Jason at 863-677-0385 or [email protected]. Include the certificate or rating, scenario code if relevant, and the specific question. For a new practical-test request, the Schedule Exam form is the clearest place to provide the full scheduling information.
Use the checkride FAQ to organize your questions, then complete the exam request when your endorsement and IACRA application are ready. For a situation that needs clarification, contact Jason before making assumptions about a date, fee, or certification route.
References reviewed September 28, 2026. FAA requirements and DPE Florida appointment policies address different parts of the process; follow the current applicable requirements and confirmed appointment instructions.
