Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about our checkride study guides. No fluff.
Is this for the written exam or the oral checkride?
This guide is designed for the oral portion of your Private Pilot checkride, rather than multiple-choice written-test practice. Ground school helps you learn the material; this guide helps you practice explaining and applying it through mock oral questions and scenarios. Use it alongside your instruction and official references, not as a replacement for them.
Will my examiner actually ask these questions?
Not all of them; no examiner asks everything. It's built from an examiner's point of view and simulates a full mock oral across every Private Pilot ACS topic, so it covers every topic they can draw from.
What’s included with my purchase?
You’ll receive two PDFs: a questions-only version and a separate answer key, plus a 3-week guided study plan. The guide includes real-world and aircraft-system scenarios, common checkride weak spots, and mistakes to watch for as you prepare. Updated versions are also included when revisions are released.
Who created this study guide?
Ava (@pilot.avabelle), a current airline pilot and E175 simulator instructor, created this guide. Previously, she served as a lead flight instructor and check airman at the University of North Dakota, where she administered 100+ certificate-granting checkrides and personally trained 40+ students with a 100% oral checkride pass rate. Her experience teaching and evaluating pilots shapes the guide’s practical, checkride-focused approach.
Will I receive updates after purchasing?
Yes! When the guide is revised, updated versions are emailed to you. Use an email address you regularly check when purchasing, and download the newest version when an update arrives.
Is this a digital download or a physical book?
This is a digital PDF download, not a physical book shipped to you. After your payment is processed, you’ll receive access to your files so you can start studying. Open them on your computer, tablet, or phone with a compatible PDF reader, and save your copies for easy access.
I already have books, videos or ground school. Do I need this too?
Keep them and use this alongside: it's a no-fluff reference with the ACS code on every topic, a blank question PDF to drill yourself, and emailed updates. After months of books, videos and apps, Alex L. said it "put everything together in a way that actually made sense."
Still have questions?
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