Checkride Insights - Annotated ACS (Private Pilot)
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What Instructors, Check Airmen, and Examiners wish applicants knew to ace the FAA Practical Exam
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117 pages—fully illustrated with color photos and graphics
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Simple “annotated ACS” format
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Plain-language explanations, real-world stories, and helpful tips
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Includes downloadable PDF and digital access in Sporty's Pilot Training apps
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Spiral-bound printed manual for easy use in the cockpit
Reduce your checkride anxiety by knowing what to expect
You scheduled your Private Pilot checkride and can already feel the stress building. You’re dreading a question from the examiner you aren’t prepared for, or worried that the checkride flight might not go so well.
To prepare, your instructor told you to study the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS). It spells out the knowledge and flying skills you’re expected to demonstrate on checkride day, but it’s a dry and intimidating document that feels overwhelming to read. As a result, most applicants overprepare by trying to memorize the details of every task in the ACS.
We developed a simple solution to this problem … We’ve taken the ACS and marked it up with comments and guidance from chief instructors, check airmen, and designated pilot examiners (DPEs). They tell you in plain language how each task is tested and what your examiner will really be looking for. You’ll learn the questions you’re likely to be asked, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make a great impression. You’ll see where and how checkrides typically fall apart, and what the best applicants do to pass.
You’ll engage with the ACS in a way you probably didn’t think was possible. The annotations and images bring the tasks, elements, and sub-elements to life in a way that makes checkride prep more interesting, and much more effective.
This manual will help you prepare for the checkride with less stress, and allow you to actually enjoy this milestone experience.
Check Out Sample Pages From the Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I access the digital manual?A: Your purchase includes a downloadable PDF, and access to the digital manual in Sporty’s Pilot Training iPhone, iPad and Android apps.
Q: Can I load the digital manual onto my iPad or tablet?A: Yes, download the Sporty’s Pilot Training from app the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in with your Sporty’s account. The Checkride Insights manual is available from the Pilot Workshops category.
Q: What is the format of the printed manual?
A: The printed manual is 8.5 x 11 inches and 117 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.
Q: How long does it take to receive a printed manual?
A: 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.
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
Features
Simple “annotated ACS” format
Includes downloadable PDF and digital access in Sporty's Pilot Training apps
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
Reduce your checkride anxiety by knowing what to expect
You scheduled your Private Pilot checkride and can already feel the stress building. You’re dreading a question from the examiner you aren’t prepared for, or worried that the checkride flight might not go so well.
To prepare, your instructor told you to study the FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS). It spells out the knowledge and flying skills you’re expected to demonstrate on checkride day, but it’s a dry and intimidating document that feels overwhelming to read. As a result, most applicants overprepare by trying to memorize the details of every task in the ACS.
We developed a simple solution to this problem … We’ve taken the ACS and marked it up with comments and guidance from chief instructors, check airmen, and designated pilot examiners (DPEs). They tell you in plain language how each task is tested and what your examiner will really be looking for. You’ll learn the questions you’re likely to be asked, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make a great impression. You’ll see where and how checkrides typically fall apart, and what the best applicants do to pass.
You’ll engage with the ACS in a way you probably didn’t think was possible. The annotations and images bring the tasks, elements, and sub-elements to life in a way that makes checkride prep more interesting, and much more effective.
This manual will help you prepare for the checkride with less stress, and allow you to actually enjoy this milestone experience.
Sample Pages
Frequently asked questions
The digital manual is delivered in PDF format and works on any computer or mobile device.
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, so it will fit in most flight bags or in the seat pocket of your airplane. It’s printed on high quality, durable paper. We take the extra step of adding a spiral binder so it’s easier to open and use in the cockpit, 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.
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
Features
Simple “annotated ACS” format
Includes downloadable PDF and digital access in Sporty's Pilot Training app
71 - 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.
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.
