Checkride Insights - Annotated ACS (Instrument Pilot)
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What Instructors, Check Airmen, and Examiners wish applicants knew to ace the FAA Practical Exam
This manual is available on Sporty’s Pilot Training platform, so you can read the digital version online or on your tablet—alongside all your Sporty’s courses. Powerful reading tools are included, like highlighting, search, and bookmarks. Or download the PDF for easy reading on all your devices, with or without an internet connection. You might even leave the 8.5” x 11” spiral-bound book in your flight bag!
Both formats for one price
What Instructors, Check Airmen, and Examiners wish applicants know to ace the FAA Practical Exam
Both formats for one price
Features
Simple “annotated ACS” format
Includes downloadable PDF and digital access in Sporty's Pilot Training app
71 pages - Fully illustrated with color photos and graphics
Spiral-bound printed manual for easy use in the cockpit
Plain-language explanations, real-world stories, and helpful tips
Walk into your checkride with confidence
You’ve scheduled your IFR checkride, and now the stress is starting to creep in. You might be worried about getting hit with a question you’re not ready for—or about not having your best flight on the big day.
Your instructor probably told you to study the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS). It lays out exactly what knowledge and flying skills you’ll need to demonstrate, but let’s be honest—it’s dense, dry, and a little overwhelming. Most applicants end up trying to memorize every detail, and that usually just adds more pressure.
We built a simpler way to get through it.
We’ve taken the ACS and added clear, practical notes from chief instructors, check airmen, and designated pilot examiners (DPEs). Instead of wading through technical language, you’ll see what each task really means, how it’s evaluated, and what examiners are actually looking for. You’ll also get a sense of the questions you’re likely to hear, the mistakes that trip people up, and the habits that help strong applicants stand out.
You’ll start to see where checkrides tend to go off track—and, more importantly, how to keep yours on course.
With helpful annotations and visuals, the ACS becomes something you can actually work with, not just study. It turns checkride prep into something clearer, more engaging, and a lot more effective.
The goal is simple: help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to actually enjoy a major milestone in your flying journey.
Make your next IPC count
Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs) are one of the best ways to stay current—and more importantly, truly proficient—when flying IFR. The more effort and preparation you put into your IPC, the more valuable it becomes, and this manual will help you get the most out of the experience.
A successful IPC starts with good planning. Sit down with your instructor and take an honest look at your current skills, identify any areas that may need a little extra work, and tailor the training to focus on real-world IFR flying. That way, your IPC becomes more than just a requirement—it becomes a valuable opportunity to build confidence and sharpen your skills.
To help with that process, this manual includes an “IPC Cheat Sheet” designed to help you plan ahead, set clear goals for your training, and make the most of your time with your instructor so you walk away feeling more prepared and proficient in the IFR environment.
Frequently asked questions
Your purchase includes a downloadable PDF, and access to the digital manual in Sporty’s Pilot Training iPhone, iPad and Android apps.
Yes, the digital PDF is formatted for use on your iPad and can be downloaded in a few easy steps.
The printed manual is 8.5 x 11 inches and 71 pages, so it will fit in most flight bags or in the seat pocket of your airplane. It’s printed in full color on high quality, durable paper. We take the extra step of adding a spiral binder, and we top it with a clear plastic cover to protect it from weather and spills.
We use the US Postal Service to mail all USA orders, and they typically arrive within 5 business days. International orders usually arrive within 10 business days (can be longer in some countries). If you order the printed manual, you’ll also get the digital version, which you can download and start using right away.
Reduce your checkride anxiety by knowing what to expect
You’ve scheduled your Instrument Rating checkride, and the pressure is starting to build. You’re worried about getting asked something you’re not ready for—or that the flight won’t go as planned.
To prepare, your instructor pointed you to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). It outlines everything you’re expected to know and demonstrate, but it can feel overwhelming and difficult to digest. Most applicants end up over-preparing by trying to memorize every detail.
We created a better way.
This guide takes the ACS and breaks it down with real-world insights from chief instructors, check airmen, and designated pilot examiners (DPEs). You’ll learn how each task is actually evaluated, what examiners are really looking for, and the types of questions you’re most likely to face. It highlights common mistakes, shows where checkrides often go wrong, and explains what successful applicants do differently.
The annotations and visuals bring the ACS to life—making your study time more engaging, practical, and effective.
Bottom line: you’ll walk into your Instrument checkride more prepared, less stressed, and ready to perform with confidence
