As a Designated Pilot Examiner, I've conducted hundreds of checkrides. Here's what I and other DPEs are really listening for in your radio communications.
This isn't about sounding like an airline pilot. It's about demonstrating safe, clear, and effective communication skills.
What we're evaluating
1. Clarity Can we understand what you're saying? - Clear pronunciation - Appropriate volume - Proper pacing (not too fast, not too slow)
2. Accuracy Do you say the right things? - Correct phraseology - Complete information - Accurate readbacks
3. Timing Do you call at the right moments? - Appropriate position reports - Not too early or too late - Not excessive calls
4. Professional demeanor Do you sound confident and composed? - No panic in voice - Recovery from mistakes - "Student pilot" when appropriate
The automatic fails
These will result in an unsatisfactory grade:
Runway incursion Crossing a hold short line without clearance. **Automatic fail.**
Incorrect readback of runway Reading back wrong runway number when cleared to land or takeoff. **Safety critical error.**
No readback of critical items Not reading back: - Runway assignments - Hold short instructions - Altitude assignments - Heading assignments
Complete radio silence Not making required position reports at non-towered airport. **Unsafe.**
What impresses examiners
Using "student pilot" strategically If you're genuinely unsure or need extra time, saying "student pilot" is SMART, not weak.
Example: "Oakland Tower, Cessna 34 Bravo, student pilot, request say again slowly."
Catching your own mistakes If you make an error and immediately correct it, that's a PLUS.
Example: "Taxiing to runway 9... correction, runway 27, Cessna 34 Bravo."
Asking for clarification "Say again" shows you prioritize accuracy over ego. We like that.
Smooth integration Communications that don't interfere with flying. You can talk and fly simultaneously.
Common checkride mistakes
❌ Mistake #1: Over-explaining **Wrong:** "Oakland Ground, this is Cessna 1234 Bravo, we're on the west ramp and we've got Information Charlie and we'd like to taxi out for a VFR departure heading over to Hayward if that's possible..."
Right: "Oakland Ground, Cessna 1234 Bravo, west ramp, Information Charlie, VFR to Hayward, taxi."
❌ Mistake #2: Forgetting position in stress Under examination stress, pilots forget where they are.
Solution: Before every call, look at your position. Then speak.
❌ Mistake #3: Talking during critical phases Don't make non-essential radio calls: - During takeoff roll - On short final - During landing flare
❌ Mistake #4: Not writing down clearances If you don't write it, you'll probably forget it or read it back wrong.
Always write: - Taxi routes - Runway assignments - Altitude clearances - Frequency changes
The secret checkride strategy
Here's what separates good checkride performance from excellent:
Practice the EXACT airports you'll use
- Know the frequencies by heart
- Know the taxiway layout
- Know the typical clearances
- Practice the full sequence 10+ times
If your checkride is at KPAO (Palo Alto), don't practice at random airports. Practice at KPAO.
Apps like ATC One let you set up custom scenarios for your specific checkride airports, so you can practice the exact communications you'll need on test day.
Day-of-checkride tips
Morning of: 1. Listen to LiveATC of your checkride airport 2. Review your airport diagram 3. Practice your first call out loud 5 times 4. Breathe deeply
During checkride: 1. Slow down - you have time 2. Write everything down 3. If confused, say "standby" and think 4. Don't apologize excessively for small mistakes
If you make a mistake: 1. Correct it immediately 2. Move on 3. Don't dwell on it 4. One mistake doesn't fail you
What about non-towered airports?
If your checkride is at non-towered:
Examiners specifically listen for: - All required position reports - Proper CTAF phraseology - Listening for other traffic - Appropriate sequencing
Common non-towered checkride errors: - Forgetting to say airport name at end - Not saying "Traffic" - Missing position reports - Wrong pattern leg calls
Post-checkride debrief
After your checkride, whether you pass or not, the DPE will discuss your communications performance.
If you failed on communications: - We'll tell you exactly what went wrong - You'll know precisely what to practice - It's fixable with focused practice
If you passed: - We might still offer improvement suggestions - Take notes - we want you to be safe - Continue practicing
Conclusion: It's about safety, not perfection
As a DPE, I'm not looking for perfect radio work. I'm looking for SAFE radio work.
Can you: - Communicate clearly when it matters? - Read back critical instructions accurately? - Ask for help when you need it? - Maintain safety in communications?
If yes, you'll pass the communications portion.
Action item: Schedule a practice flight at your checkride airport this week. Practice every single communication from startup to shutdown. Record it. Review it. Perfect it.
Your checkride communications will be excellent because you prepared excellently.