ANAC Private Pilot Airplane (PPA) (ANAC) exam-day guide
ANAC Private Pilot Airplane (PPA) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired passport or driver's license. The exact ID and citizenship/residency documents the examiner requires for a private pilot practical test should be confirmed with the provider or examiner before test day, since requirements can vary.
Current medical certificate
Carry your valid aviation medical certificate. If you hold a BasicMed qualification instead, bring the completed checklist and required documents, and confirm with the examiner that BasicMed is acceptable for your test.
Pilot logbook
Bring your logbook with all training entries, endorsements, and your pre-solo and solo sign-offs. The examiner will review it to verify eligibility, so make sure entries are legible and complete.
Knowledge test report
Bring your passed FAA knowledge test report. If you did not pass on the first attempt or have an expired result, confirm with the provider what documentation is needed.
Completed IACRA application
Submit the application through IACRA in advance and know your FTN. The examiner will finalize it after a successful test; confirm with the provider whether any paper copies are expected.
Aircraft documents and airworthiness items
Have the airworthiness certificate, registration, operating limitations, weight and balance, and maintenance records available as required. The examiner will expect you to locate and explain them.
Current charts and flight planning materials
Bring current sectional charts, appropriate terminal publications, plotter, E6B or electronic flight computer, and a navigation log. Confirm with the provider which chart cycle and publications apply on your test date.
Aircraft checklist and pilot's operating handbook
Bring the POH/AFM and the aircraft checklist you will use. Know where the performance and limitations sections are so you can answer questions efficiently.
Weather and NOTAM briefing
Obtain a standard briefing and review NOTAMs, TFRs, and forecasts before the test. Be prepared to explain your go/no-go reasoning to the examiner.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Plan for a long day with both oral and flight portions. Avoid heavy meals and caffeine excess, and bring water and a snack in case of delays.
Confirm logistics with the examiner
Confirm the meeting time, location, aircraft availability, and expected duration with the examiner or provider a day or two ahead. Mark this as needs_review because scheduling practices vary by provider.
Backup plan for weather or maintenance
Have a plan if the flight portion is postponed for weather or aircraft issues. Ask the provider in advance how discontinuation or rescheduling is handled.
Plan the day
Review the areas of operation and your weak knowledge-test topics. Re-read the aircraft POH performance and limitations sections. Practice weight and balance and performance calculations with your own aircraft's numbers. Confirm the appointment, aircraft, and examiner expectations with the provider.
Do a thorough cross-country planning exercise end to end: weather, routing, fuel, alternates, and diversion planning. Check chart currency and that your plotter, flight computer, and headset are working.
Get a full night's sleep. Obtain a weather briefing and note the outlook. Verify the aircraft is airworthy and not in maintenance. Organize your documents in one folder so you can produce them on request. Confirm the meeting time and location once more.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive early. Get a fresh standard briefing and review NOTAMs and TFRs. Preflight the aircraft carefully before the oral begins, and note fuel, oil, and any discrepancies. Bring water and a snack.
Listen to each question fully, answer directly, and use the POH, charts, and regulations to support answers. If you do not know something, say so and explain how you would find the answer rather than guessing.
Fly deliberately and use checklists. Verbalize your planning and scan. Maintain tolerances and correct deviations promptly. If a maneuver goes poorly, stay calm, reset, and continue; the examiner is evaluating overall judgment and safety.
Debrief with the examiner, review any noted deficiencies, and confirm the paperwork is complete. Ask what to work on before carrying passengers. If a notice of disapproval is issued, confirm with the provider the process and requirements for retesting.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo identification; confirm with the provider which specific documents are required for your test.
Arrive on time and prepared; a late arrival may force rescheduling, so confirm the provider's policy in advance.
Answer questions honestly. If you do not know an answer, say so and describe how you would find it rather than guessing.
Use the aircraft checklist and the POH throughout; the examiner expects checklist discipline and adherence to limitations.
The examiner evaluates judgment and safety as well as skill. A safe decision such as a go-around or a diversion is not automatically a failure.
Ask about breaks if the test runs long; the oral and flight portions may be separated, and confirm with the provider how breaks are handled.
The test is scored on meeting standards in each area of operation; a failure in one area does not necessarily end the test, and the examiner will explain the outcome.
If the test is discontinued for weather or maintenance, confirm with the provider how the remaining tasks will be completed and documented.