New Pilot Checkride Standards: What Changed Recently

Every year, I hear the same question from pilots and instructors:

“Did the checkride change again?”

Sometimes the answer is no, but the interpretation changed. Sometimes the ACS actually updated. And sometimes the FAA updates supporting guidance that influences how DPEs and instructors approach training.

The good news: recent FAA changes have not turned checkrides into something totally different. The changes are more about structure, consistency, and standardization.

This article breaks down what changed recently, what pilots are actually seeing on practical tests, and how the IFPA community can prepare without panic.

What “New Checkride Standards” Means in FAA Terms

When the FAA updates checkride standards, it typically happens in three ways:

1) A revised ACS is published

The ACS is the testing standard for practical tests. When the FAA updates it, it affects what is evaluated and how it is structured. faa.gov+1

2) The FAA incorporates ACS into regulation

In 2024, the FAA issued a final rule incorporating ACS and related standards by reference, effective May 31, 2024. Federal Register+1

This matters because it tightens the status of ACS as the standard referenced by regulation.

3) FAA Advisory Circulars get updated

Guidance that supports certification gets updated, such as AC 61 65.

The FAA issued AC 61 65K on November 14, 2025, which provides updated guidance for pilots and instructors on Part 61 certification standards and procedures. faa.gov

The Big ACS Updates Pilots Should Know About

The FAA ACS page shows multiple airplane ACS documents that became effective May 31, 2024, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial, CFI, and ATP airplane ACS updates. faa.gov

For pilots, this creates two practical realities:

Reality 1: You must train and prepare using the current ACS version

Some pilots study older versions found online.

Do not do that.

Always pull the active version from FAA sources or confirm with your instructor and examiner.

Reality 2: The updates were more structural than “brand new tasks”

Industry summaries noted that the May 31, 2024 ACS revisions were influenced by public comment and did not create major substantive changes to the testing standards already in use. Flight Training Central

That is reassuring, but it does not mean you can ignore the revision.

Structural changes can still affect how you brief, how you prepare lesson plans, and how you present knowledge.

What Actually Changed in the ACS (Practical Examples)

Let’s keep this simple and useful.

Cleaner layout and fewer appendices

FAA ACS documents shifted some non regulatory content and reduced the number of appendices, moving supporting material to the ACS Companion Guide. faa.gov

Translation for pilots: You now have the ACS and a companion guide that explains ACS procedures more clearly.

Codes and items may be archived or reorganized

The Private Pilot ACS document itself notes that certain ACS codes have been removed and archived. faa.gov

Translation: If you memorize codes from an old ACS, you might be referencing items that no longer exist in the current version.

More emphasis on consistency and standards

The FAA’s overall direction has been to standardize certification outcomes across examiners and regions.

From the pilot seat, it means:

• Your examiner may be stricter about following ACS wording

• Your instructor should train you to ACS, not “what I did years ago”

DPE Expectations Have Evolved, Even When Tasks Have Not

Even when checkride maneuvers remain the same, examiner expectations do evolve, especially with guidance updates.

Here are a few trends I see repeatedly in real world checkrides:

Stronger emphasis on risk management

DPEs want to hear a clear process, not just “I would be careful.”

They want you to identify:

• Hazards

• Risks

• Mitigation steps

Better ADM and scenario based thinking

Scenario based training is no longer “nice.” It is expected.

Better use of real world tools

Applicants are expected to use:

• EFB tools appropriately

• Weather products correctly

• NOTAMs and TFR awareness

• Practical flight planning logic

Common Checkride Failures That Still Happen

Even with new standards and new guidance, the classic bust items remain the same.

1) Poor aeronautical decision making

Not recognizing deteriorating weather or poor planning logic.

2) Weak systems understanding

Pilots memorize but cannot explain.

3) Rushed checklists and unstable approaches

Even in VFR aircraft, stability matters.

4) Not using the ACS as your study guide

The ACS literally tells you what you will be tested on. Use it like a checklist.

Pilot Insight (Instructor Perspective)

Here is what I tell every applicant:

If you want to pass your checkride, do not focus on “tricks.” Focus on:

• ACS alignment

• Consistent process

• Good judgment

• Safe habits

• Clear communication

Also, stop training for the “perfect day.”

Train for:

• moderate turbulence

• workload

• distractions

• a small surprise from the examiner

Because the examiner is not trying to fail you. They are trying to see if you can think like a safe pilot when the flight becomes real.

Action Checklist (How to Prepare Under Today’s Standards)

Checkride Standards Preparation Checklist

Use this like a pre checkride briefing.

ACS alignment

• Download the current ACS version from the FAA site

• Highlight every task you will be tested on

• Identify knowledge, risk management, and skills in each task faa.gov+1

Oral exam prep

• Practice explaining, not reciting

• Use scenario questions

• Be able to teach basic concepts clearly

Flight portion prep

• Practice stable maneuvers, not rushed maneuvers

• Speak your plan out loud

• Use checklists consistently

Risk management

• Build a standard decision making flow

• Practice diversion logic

• Practice “no go” decision explanations

Admin readiness

• Verify endorsements and documents

• Confirm IACRA details

• Bring printed backups

FAQ (SEO Style Questions)

1) What changed in pilot checkride standards recently?

The FAA updated multiple ACS documents effective May 31, 2024, and incorporated ACS by reference into regulation. faa.gov+1

2) Where do I find the current FAA ACS?

The FAA hosts current ACS documents on its Airman Certification Standards page. faa.gov

3) Did the FAA make major changes to the ACS in 2024?

Industry summaries stated the revisions were influenced by public comment and did not create major substantive changes to testing standards already in use, but structural revisions still matter. Flight Training Central

4) What is AC 61-65K and why does it matter?

AC 61-65K is FAA guidance issued November 14, 2025 that provides updated guidance for pilot and instructor certification standards and procedures under Part 61. faa.gov

5) How do DPE expectations change even if maneuvers stay the same?

Expectations shift toward risk management, scenario based thinking, and consistent ACS based evaluation.

6) What is the best way to avoid a checkride failure?

Train directly to the ACS, practice scenario based oral questions, and fly with consistent checklists and stable procedures.

7) Are checkrides getting harder?

Checkrides are not necessarily harder, but standards are more consistently enforced across examiners, and your ability to explain ADM and risk management matters more.

Conclusion and Community CTA

The best way to respond to “new checkride standards” is not panic.

It is to align with the current ACS, understand how it is organized, and train like a safe pilot who can explain decisions clearly.

If you recently took a checkride, help the IFPA community by commenting:

• Which certificate or rating

• What surprised you in the oral

• What ACS task you wish you practiced more

Your experience is valuable, especially for international pilots preparing for FAA standards worldwide.