CFI checkride checklist (initial airplane)

The initial flight instructor airplane practical test is conducted under FAA-S-ACS-25 (effective May 31, 2024; the PDF cover is dated November 2023). This checklist organizes regulatory prerequisites in 14 CFR part 61, knowledge tests, logbook endorsements in AC 61-65K, application paperwork, and what to bring — so you can focus the last week on teaching out loud instead of chasing forgotten paperwork.

Once eligibility and documents are squared away, use our CFI checkride what to expect guide for how FAA-S-ACS-25 organizes the ground and flight portions, discontinuance versus disapproval, and examiner-style scenarios.

Eligibility and experience (14 CFR 61.183)

Before scheduling, walk 14 CFR 61.183 line by line: age 18 (61.183(a)); English proficiency (61.183(b)); commercial or ATP certificate with appropriate category/class and instrument rating for airplane CFI (61.183(c)); fundamentals-of-instructing training endorsement (61.183(d)); FOI knowledge test unless exempt (61.183(e)); FIA-equivalent aeronautical knowledge test (61.183(f)); logbook endorsement on 61.187(b) areas of operation (61.183(g)); practical test in a representative aircraft or qualifying simulator (61.183(h)); spin training and instructional proficiency for airplane (61.183(i)); and at least 15 hours PIC in the category and class (61.183(j)).

Spin requirement detail: 61.183(i)(1) requires a logbook endorsement after spin training in an aircraft certificated for spins; 61.183(i)(2) requires demonstrating instructional proficiency in stall awareness and spin entry, spins, and recovery — with limited acceptance of the endorsement alone on retests after spin-related failures. AC 61-65K sample A.49 matches this language. See the dedicated CFI spin training and endorsement guide for aircraft limits, 91.307, ACS Task X.I, and teach-back drills.

Aeronautical knowledge training (61.185)

14 CFR 61.185(a) requires logged ground training on: (1) fundamentals of instructing — learning process, teaching elements, evaluation, course development, lesson planning, classroom techniques; (2) aeronautical knowledge areas for recreational, private, and commercial pilot applicable to your category; and (3) instrument knowledge areas if seeking instrument instructor privileges. Subsection (b) lists exemptions from the FOI portion (existing instructor/ground instructor certificate, qualifying teacher certificate, or accredited college teacher). Your CFI training program should map each block to logbook entries before you sign a student’s endorsements later.

Knowledge tests: FOI, FIA, and AKTR

The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix lists FOI (Fundamentals of Instructing: 50 questions, 1.5 hours, 70% passing) and FIA (Flight Instructor Airplane: 100 questions, 2.5 hours, 70% passing). Regulatory hooks: 61.183(d)–(f) and 61.185(a). For FOI, 61.183(d) requires a logbook endorsement on fundamentals of instructing before the test; the Testing Matrix lists separate acceptable authorization for FOI (effective September 1, 2024) — carry the AC 61-65K A.45 endorsement to the testing center. For FIA, the Matrix states authorization options for flight instructor knowledge tests other than FOI; many applicants test without a separate admission endorsement, but your school may still use A.46 to document preparation.

Bring both passing AKTRs to the practical test (61.39(a)(2)). If either report shows deficient areas, 61.39(a)(6)(iii) requires an instructor endorsement that you have satisfactory knowledge in those subjects — AC 61-65K A.2. FIA and FIA-related reports may list ACS codes on the AKTR per FAA testing advisories; use them to target weak areas in mock orals.

Logbook endorsements before the ride (AC 61-65K)

• A.45 — FOI knowledge test preparation (61.183(d); required for FOI authorization).
• A.46 — optional/sample wording for FIA preparation (61.183(f)) if your instructor provides it.
• A.47 — flight instructor ground and flight proficiency / practical test (61.183(g); 61.187(b) training complete).
• A.49 — spin training (61.183(i)(1); airplane and glider applicants).
• A.1 — prerequisites for practical test: training within 2 calendar months before the application month (61.39(a)(6)(i)–(ii)).
• A.2 — review of knowledge-test deficiencies when applicable (61.39(a)(6)(iii)).

AC 61-65K notes A.47 is required in addition to the 61.39 A.1/A.2 endorsements. Endorsement details and sample text live in AC 61-65K Appendix A — see our CFI endorsements guide for student-facing endorsements you will teach after you pass.

IACRA and FAA Form 8710-1

Complete an airman application before or at the practical test. AC 61-65K encourages IACRA (iacra.faa.gov) for efficiency; the paper FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, remains acceptable. 61.39(a)(7) requires a completed and signed application. Your examiner or school will specify timing — many applicants finalize IACRA before the appointment so deficiencies in experience or endorsements surface early.

Flight training and 61.187(b) sign-off

14 CFR 61.187(a) requires flight and ground training on each area of operation in 61.187(b) for the airplane single-engine instructor rating — the same 14 areas reflected in FAA-S-ACS-25. Your logbook must contain an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying proficiency to pass the practical test on those areas. That is the regulatory basis for AC 61-65K A.47, distinct from the generic practical-test readiness wording in A.1. If training occurred in a flight simulator or FTD, 61.183(h)(2) allows a practical test when representative of the category/class and used under an approved part 142 course — verify your specific setup with your examiner before assuming simulator credit.

Documents, logbook, and aircraft

• Pilot certificate, photo ID, and medical certificate or proof of eligibility if required (61.39(a)(4), 61.23).
• Logbook(s) or training records showing 61.187(b) training, 61.183(j) PIC time, spin endorsement, and all AC 61-65K endorsements listed above.
• Both AKTRs (FOI and FIA) within 61.39 validity.
• Lesson plans or outlines as required by your examiner — be ready to present a ground lesson (ACS Area IV) and teach maneuvers to ACS standards.
• Aircraft: airworthiness certificate, registration, operating limitations, POH/AFM, weight and balance, maintenance records access; fuel, documents, and avionics appropriate to the tasks flown.
• Personal equipment: view-limiting device if IFR tasks are evaluated, current charts or approved electronic equivalents per examiner policy.

Lesson plans and Area IV (preflight lesson)

ACS Area IV — Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight requires you to teach a maneuver as you would to a real student: objective, motivation, overview, development, conclusion, completion standards, common errors, and risk management — consistent with FAA-H-8083-9B lesson planning guidance in Chapter 7. Bring printed or electronic outlines your CFI program approved; avoid winging a brand-new plan the morning of the ride. Examiners often choose the maneuver; your checklist item is to have a polished plan structure you can adapt aloud. Use our CFI lesson plan example as a formatting reference.

What FAA-S-ACS-25 tests (14 areas of operation)

The CFI Airplane ACS samples knowledge, risk management, and instructional skill across 14 areas of operation, matching 61.187(b): Area I Fundamentals of Instructing (Tasks I.A–I.F); Area II Technical Subject Areas (II.A–II.P, including Task II.K Endorsements and Logbook Entries); Areas III–XIV from preflight preparation through postflight. Examiners may start in any area; oral and flight portions integrate teaching, demonstrating, and analyzing common errors. Use the ACS as your syllabus — not a surprise outline.

FOI depth for Area I includes Task I.B (Learning Process — laws and levels of learning, domains, memory) and communication tasks in I.A. Cross-study: learning process, levels of learning, laws of learning, sample oral questions, and CFI DPE scenario questions.

Last-week prep: teach out loud

1. Days 7–5: Audit this checklist against your logbook and IACRA; resolve missing endorsements or AKTR deficiencies first.
2. Days 4–3: One ACS area per session — teach Task knowledge elements aloud with a handbook or CFR citation; use mock orals for follow-ups.
3. Days 2–1: Rehearse one full ground lesson (Area IV style) and one flight maneuver briefing plus common errors; include spin/stall awareness talking points per 61.183(i) even if the examiner accepts your A.49 endorsement.
4. Day before: Rest, paper folder (certificates, AKTRs, endorsements), aircraft reservation confirmation, weather and alternate plan.
5. Checkride day: Arrive early, treat the examiner as a discerning student, verify understanding before answering, and narrate risk management while demonstrating.

Primary references: 14 CFR 61.23, 61.39, 61.183, 61.185, 61.187; AC 61-65K (Appendix A endorsements, IACRA guidance); FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (FOI/FIA codes and authorization); FAA-S-ACS-25 (CFI Airplane ACS, effective May 31, 2024). Confirm current PDF revision letters on FAA.gov before your appointment.

Mock Oral Mastery is not affiliated with or approved by the FAA. Not a substitute for your certificated flight instructor or required endorsements. Always use the current ACS, 14 CFR, AC 61-65, and FAA handbooks as the source of truth.