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How to Study for Your ATP Checkride: A Guide for Low-Time Commercial Pilots

Updated: Mar 17

Earning your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate is the pinnacle of your flight training and a major step toward a professional flying career. For low-time commercial pilots, the ATP checkride can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can approach it with confidence. This guide will walk you through how to study effectively and what to expect on the big day.

Understanding the ATP Checkride


The ATP checkride is the final step in proving you have the knowledge, judgment, and flying skills to operate at the highest level of aviation professionalism. It consists of two main parts:


1. The Oral Exam

Before stepping into the simulator or aircraft, you’ll undergo an extensive oral exam with your Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or company check airman. Topics typically include:

✔ Airspace, Regulations, and Limitations – Part 91 vs. Part 121/135 rules, duty/rest requirements, alternate requirements.

✔ Aerodynamics & Performance – High-altitude aerodynamics, climb performance, weight and balance.

✔ Systems & Automation – FMS operation, pressurization, electrical and hydraulic systems.

✔ Emergency Procedures – Engine failures, electrical failures, decompression scenarios.

✔ Weather Analysis & Decision Making – Interpretation of METARs, TAFs, and in-flight weather decision-making.

✔ CRM & Professionalism – How you interact with crew, dispatch, and ATC.


2. The Flight (Simulator or Aircraft)

If you’re doing your ATP as part of a type rating, your flight portion will be done in a full-motion simulator. If you’re taking the ATP-SEL, you’ll conduct the checkride in a single-engine aircraft. The flight test typically includes:

✔ Normal and Abnormal Procedures – Engine start, taxi, takeoff, and cruise operations.

✔ Instrument Approaches – ILS, RNAV, and VOR approaches to ATP standards. ✔ Emergency Procedures – Engine failures, rejected takeoffs, loss of communication.

✔ Precision Flying – Holding patterns, steep turns, and rejected landings.

✔ Crew Resource Management (CRM) – How well you coordinate with the check airman or simulated crew.


How to Study for the ATP Checkride


1. Know the ATP ACS Inside and Out

The FAA’s Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for the ATP certificate is your blueprint for success. Every task and knowledge area is outlined in detail. Use it to guide your study plan.


2. Use FAA Resources and Study Guides

  • The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) – Great for reviewing fundamental concepts.

  • Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH) – If doing the ATP-SEL, this will reinforce maneuvers.

  • Instrument Procedures Handbook (IPH) – Essential for ATP-level instrument proficiency.

  • ATP/CTP Course Material – If you’ve completed your ATP-CTP course, review your notes and materials.


3. Chair-Fly Procedures and Callouts

For those preparing for an ATP checkride in a transport category aircraft, chair-flying is an invaluable technique. Memorize and visualize the following:

✔ Flows and Checklists – Know your normal, abnormal, and emergency flows.

✔ Callouts – Standard callouts for takeoff, approach, and landing.

✔ Profiles and Procedures – Understand company or manufacturer-specific procedures.


4. Practice Systems Knowledge with Flashcards


Create flashcards or use an app to drill aircraft systems knowledge. If you’re taking a type-rating ATP checkride, know your systems cold—this will be a major focus of the oral exam.


5. Stay Proficient with IFR Flying

Since the ATP test is conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR), make sure your IFR skills are sharp. Simulated approaches, holds, and unusual attitudes should be second nature. Use an advanced simulator or fly actual approaches under an instructor’s guidance.


6. Review the ATP Written Exam Questions

While the ATP written test is taken before the checkride, revisiting the questions and explanations is helpful, especially for regulatory and procedural topics.


7. Simulate the Oral Exam with a Mentor or Instructor

Have an experienced instructor, check airman, or mentor conduct a mock oral exam with you. Being quizzed under pressure will reveal knowledge gaps and build confidence.


What to Expect on Checkride Day


1. The Briefing

Your examiner will start with an overview of the checkride, expectations, and a review of your logbook and eligibility documents.


2. The Oral Exam

Expect a structured but in-depth discussion where you need to demonstrate ATP-level decision-making and a deep understanding of systems, regulations, and procedures.


3. The Flight (or Simulator Session)

  • Be precise in aircraft control and instrument procedures.

  • If doing a simulator checkride, expect system failures, engine-out procedures, and handling degraded flight situations.

  • Stay ahead of the aircraft and maintain a CRM mindset.


4. The Debriefing

After the flight, you’ll receive feedback from the examiner. If successful, you’ll be issued your temporary ATP certificate on the spot!


Final Thoughts: Be Professional and Stay Confident

The ATP checkride isn’t just about flying—it’s about demonstrating airmanship, professionalism, and decision-making at the highest level. Approach it with confidence, prepare methodically, and remember: the examiner isn’t looking for perfection, but solid judgment and adherence to procedures.

If you’re a low-time commercial pilot working toward your ATP, consistent study and real-world IFR experience will go a long way. Train like a professional, and you’ll checkride like one!

 
 
 

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