Failing a Checkride: What Happens Next and How to Bounce Back

The Moment No Pilot Wants to Face

You’re in the middle of your private pilot or commercial checkride. You’ve been studying for months, your bank account is lighter, and your nerves are high. Then, the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) utters the words no student wants to hear: "I am sorry, but that was an unsatisfactory maneuver."

In that moment, your heart drops. It feels like the end of your aviation dreams. But here is the reality: busting a checkride is a common hurdle in the industry. It is a speed bump, not a brick wall.

This guide will walk you through exactly what happens when you fail a checkride, the difference between a disapproval and a discontinuation, and how you can bounce back to earn your certificate with confidence.

Discontinuation vs. Disapproval: Know the Difference

Before we dive into the "failure" aspect, it is vital to understand that not all unfinished checkrides are failures. There are two distinct ways a checkride can end without a certificate in your hand.

What is a Discontinuation?

A discontinuation occurs when the practical test cannot be completed for reasons other than your performance. This is not a failure. It does not go on your permanent FAA record as a bust.

Common reasons for a discontinuation include:

• Weather: The winds exceed your personal minimums or the aircraft’s limits, or visibility drops.
• Maintenance: A mechanical issue arises during the preflight or mid-flight.
• Illness: You or the DPE becomes physically unable to continue the test safely.
• Time: The oral portion took longer than expected, and you ran out of daylight for the flight.

If you discontinue, the DPE will issue a Letter of Discontinuance. This document gives you credit for the portions of the test you already completed. You usually have 60 days to finish the remaining tasks.

What is a Disapproval (The "Pink Slip")?

A disapproval occurs when you fail to meet the standards outlined in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS). This is what pilots commonly refer to as "busting" the checkride.

When this happens, the DPE will issue FAA Form 8060-5, officially known as a Notice of Disapproval. This is the infamous "pink slip" (though in the digital age, it’s usually just a white piece of paper or a digital file).

Pro Tip: A disapproval only applies to the specific task you failed. You often have the option to continue the rest of the checkride to get credit for other maneuvers, provided the DPE agrees.

What Happens Immediately After the Failure?

The moment the DPE tells you the maneuver was unsatisfactory, the "checkride" portion of the flight technically ends. However, the process is far from over. Here is the immediate sequence of events:

1. The Decision to Continue: The DPE will ask if you want to continue the rest of the test. If you can keep your head in the game, it is often wise to continue. This allows you to knock out the remaining maneuvers so that your re-check only focuses on the one thing you missed.
2. The Debrief: Once you are back on the ground, the DPE will conduct a formal debrief. They will explain exactly which ACS standard was missed and why the performance was unsatisfactory.
3. The Paperwork: The DPE will process the Notice of Disapproval in IACRA. This document will list every area of operation and specific task that was successfully completed and the ones that were not.

Understanding the "Pink Slip" (Notice of Disapproval)

Receiving a Notice of Disapproval can feel like a stain on your record, but it is a transparent part of the FAA’s safety culture. The document serves as your "credit report" for the checkride.

It ensures that you don't have to repeat the entire exam. If you passed the oral exam but failed the short-field landing, your Notice of Disapproval will show that the oral and all other flight maneuvers are credited.

How Long Is the Notice of Disapproval Valid?

You have 60 days from the date of the failure to complete your re-check. If you wait longer than 60 days, the credit for the tasks you passed expires, and you will have to take the entire checkride over again from scratch.

The Path to a Re-Check: FAR 61.49

You cannot simply walk back to the airplane and try again an hour later. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 61.49 governs the process for retraining after a failure.

Step 1: Additional Training

You must return to your Flight Instructor (CFI). You are required to receive additional training on the specific areas you failed. There is no federally mandated minimum number of hours for this training; it is at the discretion of your instructor until they believe you are proficient.

Step 2: The Endorsement

Once your instructor is satisfied with your performance, they must sign your logbook again. This is a specific endorsement stating that you have received the necessary training and are now prepared for the re-test.

Step 3: Scheduling the DPE

You will need to schedule a time with the DPE for the re-check. Keep in mind that you may have to pay a re-check fee. Some DPEs charge a flat fee for a re-check, while others charge their full daily rate. Always clarify the cost upfront.

Common Reasons for Checkride Failures

Understanding why others fail can help you avoid the same pitfalls. While every checkride is unique, most "busts" fall into a few categories:

• Cleared Area/Safety: Failing to clear the area before maneuvers or losing situational awareness regarding other traffic.
• Stabilized Approaches: Coming in too high, too fast, or failing to go around when the landing isn't looking right.
• Altitude Management: Deviating beyond the ACS limits (usually +/- 100 feet) during steep turns or maneuvers.
• Systems Knowledge: Inability to explain how the electrical or fuel system works during the oral portion.
• Checklist Usage: Forgetting to use the checklist or skipping items during critical phases of flight.

Important Note: A "Go-Around" is almost never a reason for failure. In fact, many DPEs view a well-timed go-around as a sign of superior aeronautical decision-making (ADM).

Will a Failed Checkride Ruin Your Career?

This is the biggest fear for aspiring airline pilots. The short answer is: No.

A single checkride failure is rarely a dealbreaker for major airlines or corporate flight departments. Aviation is a difficult discipline, and recruiters understand that people have bad days.

The "Rule of Three"

In the airline industry, there is an informal "rule of three." One failure is a learning experience. Two failures are a pattern that requires a good explanation. Three or more failures might start to raise red flags regarding your "trainability."

When you get to an airline interview, they will ask about your failure. The key is to take 100% ownership. Never blame the DPE, the weather, or the airplane. Explain what you learned and how it made you a safer pilot.

PRIA and the Pilot Records Database (PRD)

Failures are recorded in the FAA’s Pilot Records Database. Under the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA), airlines will review your certification history. Honesty is the only policy here. If you hide a failure that shows up in the PRD, you will likely be disqualified immediately for lack of integrity.

Tips for Passing Your Re-Check

Once you’ve processed the emotions of the initial failure, it’s time to get back to work. Use these strategies to ensure your second attempt is a success.

1. Don't Rush the Return

It is tempting to try to schedule the re-check for the very next day. However, if you failed due to nerves or a lack of proficiency, one day might not be enough to reset. Take the time to practice the failed maneuver until you can do it in your sleep.

2. Review the ACS One More Time

Go back to the Airman Certification Standards. Read the specific "Evaluation Criteria" for the task you failed. Ensure you understand exactly what the DPE is looking for.

3. Fly with a Different Instructor

Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can spot a habit that your primary instructor has grown accustomed to. Ask another CFI at your school to fly with you for one hour to critique the maneuver you struggled with.

4. Mental Rehearsal

Visualization is a powerful tool. Close your eyes and walk through the entire maneuver, including the radio calls, the power settings, and the cleanup. If you can see it perfectly in your mind, you are more likely to execute it perfectly in the cockpit.

FAQs About Busting a Checkride

Can I switch DPEs for my re-check?

Yes, you can. However, if you switch DPEs, the new examiner may want to re-examine more than just the tasks you failed. It is usually easier and cheaper to stay with the original DPE who already knows what you’ve successfully completed.

How much does a re-check cost?

This varies by region and examiner. Some DPEs charge a reduced fee (e.g., $200-$400) for a re-check if it is completed within a certain timeframe. Others may charge their full fee again. Always ask your DPE about their re-check policy during the initial debrief.

Does a failed checkride stay on my record forever?

Yes, the Notice of Disapproval remains part of your permanent FAA airman file. However, as you gain more experience and pass subsequent checkrides (Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine), that early failure becomes much less significant to employers.

Conclusion: The Comeback is Always Stronger

Busting a checkride is a bruising experience for the ego, but it is also a masterclass in resilience. Some of the most highly decorated airline captains and military pilots have a "pink slip" in their history.

What defines you as a pilot is not the fact that you failed, but how you responded to it. Did you get defensive and quit? Or did you hit the books, get back in the cockpit, and sharpen your skills?

At checkrides.io, we believe that every student has the capacity to be a safe, professional pilot. Use this setback as fuel to become the best aviator you can be. Your certificate is waiting for you—now go out there and earn it.