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Checkride
The 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.
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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).
- Convective SIGMETA SIGMET issued for thunderstorm-related hazards, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy precipitation, hail, and strong winds. Convective SIGMETs are reviewed during preflight hazard checks because they identify areas where VFR and IFR flight may be unsafe.
- CRM (Crew Resource Management)A set of training procedures used in aviation to optimize human performance by reducing the effect of human error. CRM focuses on communication, situational awareness, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork among flight crew members.