Checkride worksheet
DPE Scenario Drill Log
A practical DPE scenario drill log for weather, airworthiness, alternates, passenger pressure, system failures, and checkride-day decision making.
Best for
Pilots who know the facts but freeze when a DPE turns them into a real-world scenario.
Why it matters
Scenario reps train judgment. You should decide before explaining; hesitation usually means the risk model is not built yet.
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How to use this before the checkride
Write the scenario in one sentence. Do not add extra details that make the decision easier.
State your decision first: go, delay, cancel, divert, land, troubleshoot, or ask for help.
Name the source that supports the decision: regulation, POH/AFM, weather product, checklist, chart, or personal minimum.
State the risk in plain English. The DPE wants to hear that you see the hazard, not just the rule.
Re-test missed scenarios 24 hours later. If you miss the same scenario twice, it becomes a training item.
Scenario Repetition Log
Copy this into your notebook, or use the printable version inside the Complete Checkride Bundle.
| Scenario | Decision | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Weather below personal minimums | Delay / cancel | TAF / briefing |
| Alternator failure in VMC | Land soon / shed load | POH checklist |
| Passenger pressure after delay | Hold boundary | PIC authority |
| Inoperative equipment before dispatch | Verify legality | 91.213 / MEL / KOEL |
| Unexpected airspace clearance issue | Ask / comply / avoid | Chart / ATC |
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Common mistakes this prevents
- Answering scenarios with trivia instead of a PIC decision.
- Trying to make every flight work. Conservative delay decisions are often the safest answer.
- Using personal minimums only as a poster instead of a real go/no-go rule.
- Forgetting that the DPE can change one variable and expect you to update the plan.
FAQ
What kinds of scenarios do DPEs ask?
Common scenarios involve weather trends, aircraft airworthiness, equipment failures, passenger pressure, diversions, alternates, fuel, and marginal performance. The topic changes, but the DPE is testing the same thing: safe PIC judgment.
Should I answer a scenario with the regulation first?
Usually answer with your decision first, then support it with the regulation or source. That sounds like a pilot in command, not someone searching for a loophole.
How many scenarios should I practice?
Practice enough that the pattern becomes automatic. Ten scored scenarios across weather, airworthiness, performance, and emergencies are more useful than fifty random unscored questions.
Next prep step
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