PPL Oral Exam Questions
by ACS Area
The questions real Designated Pilot Examiners ask during the private pilot checkride, organized by ACS area of operation with study hints.
Practice These Questions with AI ExaminerTap an area to see common questions. Each hint gives you the key points a DPE expects to hear. For interactive practice, use the AI Examiner — it asks these questions in conversation and evaluates your answers.
What documents must you have in your personal possession to act as PIC?
Key points: Think CMGP — Certificate, Medical, Government-issued photo ID, (Pilot logbook for endorsements if student)
What documents must be in the aircraft for it to be legal to fly?
Key points: ARROW — Airworthiness certificate, Registration, Radio station license (international), Operating limitations (POH), Weight & balance data
What are the required inspections for your aircraft, and how do you verify they're current?
Key points: AV1ATES — Annual, VOR (IFR), 100-hour (if for hire), Altimeter/pitot-static (IFR), Transponder, ELT, Static system
When are you required to have a flight review, and what does it involve?
Key points: 14 CFR §61.56 — 24 calendar months, minimum 1 hour ground + 1 hour flight
What is the standard weather briefing, and what information does it include?
Key points: Adverse conditions, synopsis, current conditions, en route forecast, destination forecast, winds aloft, NOTAMs, ATC delays
How do you read a METAR? Walk me through this one.
Key points: Station, date/time, wind, visibility, weather phenomena, sky condition, temp/dewpoint, altimeter setting, remarks
Don't Just Read — Practice Out Loud
Real DPEs evaluate how you explain concepts, not just whether you know the answer. FlightKit's AI Examiner asks these questions conversationally and scores your performance by ACS area.