A Checklist for Everything!

This week, we take a break from our automated nav log series to share a new resource! As pilots, we rely on checklists for just about everything. From pre-flight inspections to in-flight procedures, checklists help us stay organized, focused, and safe. So, why not use a checklist for one of the most important flights we’ll ever do—our checkride?

I’m excited to launch a new set of resources designed specifically to help pilots prepare for their checkrides. These checklists are straightforward, easy to use, and tailored to ensure you’ve covered all your bases before stepping into the examiner’s office.

When I was preparing for my own practical tests, I found the process of organizing everything—aircraft documents, aeronautical experience, and all the equipment—surprisingly stressful. It felt like there were a million little details to remember, and I always worried I’d forget something. That’s why I created these templates: to help you approach your checkride with confidence and focus on what really matters—flying.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Airworthiness Checklist: Make sure your aircraft is 100% ready for the checkride, with everything from logbook entries to AD compliance checked off.

• Aeronautical Experience Checklist: Verify you’ve logged the required flight hours, completed the necessary training, and received the right endorsements.

• Checkride Equipment & Document Checklist: Ensure you arrive with all the paperwork and tools you need, from your pilot logbook to the right charts and calculators.

These checklists are designed to help you think like a pilot—organized, methodical, and ready for anything. They’re a resource I wish I’d had when I was getting ready for my own checkrides, and I’m thrilled to make them available to you.

You can find the checklists on the Resources page of my website. They’re free to download, and I hope they’ll become a valuable tool in your preparation.

Remember, preparation is key. With these checklists, you can head into your checkride confident and ready to show the examiner your best. Fly safe, and good luck on your checkride!