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Checkride
The FAA practical test administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) to evaluate a pilot applicant's knowledge and flying skills. It consists of an oral examination and a flight test, both evaluated against the Airman Certification Standards. Passing it is the final step before a temporary airman certificate is issued.
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Learn more in Private Pilot License →Related Terms
- Civil TwilightThe period after sunset or before sunrise when the sun is no more than 6 degrees below the horizon. The FAA defines night for logging purposes as the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight.
- Class B AirspaceControlled airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports (e.g., LAX, JFK, ORD). Operations within Class B require an ATC clearance, a functioning transponder with Mode C, and at least a Private Pilot certificate (student pilots need specific endorsements).
- Class C AirspaceControlled airspace around airports with an operational control tower, radar approach control, and a certain volume of IFR operations. Under 14 CFR 91.130, pilots must establish two-way radio communication before entry, and Class C requires a Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out (91.215 and 91.225).
- Commercial Pilot CertificateAn FAA pilot certificate that authorizes compensated flying privileges beyond private pilot limitations, subject to the ratings and limitations on the certificate. Many pilots pursue the commercial certificate after the instrument rating as the next career or advanced training milestone.