All checkrides are conducted out of either KTKI or KADS airports.All checkrides are conducted out of either KTKI or KADS airports.All checkrides are conducted out of either KTKI or KADS airports.
How to Schedule and Prepare for a Checkride With Me
To ensure we can start your practical test on time without delays or discontinuance, please follow these steps in order. Checkride slots fill quickly due to high demand, weather, and examiner availability—arriving fully prepared helps everyone.
Go To My Website First Check my website at www.txdpe.com – all of the scheduling links and details are there. If necessary, contact my cell 972-565-2831 (text preferred), or email drichards@txdpe.com to discuss: The certificate/rating sought, Your readiness and approximate timeline, My current availability. This quick conversation lets me confirm I can accommodate you before proceeding.
Complete the Checkride Request Form Download and fill out the fillable Checkride Request PDF form on a laptop or desktop computer (not mobile—handwritten or incomplete forms cannot be accepted). Take your time—provide all required information accurately. Save the completed form and email it to me along with a copy of your Airman Knowledge Test Results (AKTR). This information is required for me to submit your test request to the FAA's Designee Management System (DMS) for approval and scheduling.
Prepare Your IACRA Application (If Applicable) Start your Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) at iacra.faa.gov early. Ensure it's complete, signed by your recommending instructor, and matches your logbook/experience. Have your FTN and Application ID ready—I may need these for verification. (IACRA is the FAA's preferred method and reduces errors during the checkride.)
Schedule the Date Once I receive and review your request form and AKTR, I will contact you to confirm a date and time.
Scan and Send Required Documents for Pre-Review Download the TurboScan app (highly recommended—it's excellent for clean, auto-cropped, multi-page PDFs). Scan and email me clear photos/scans of the following as soon as possible (ideally several days to a week before the checkride): Government-issued photo ID, Pilot certificate (front and back), Medical certificate (front and back), Relevant logbook endorsements (practical test, knowledge test deficiencies if any, recent flight training, solo/cross-country, etc.), Sample pages showing flight times/aeronautical experience (to verify totals match your application), Aircraft documents/inspection sign-offs/AD compliance list (can be in a separate PDF if needed). Combine everything into 1–2 PDF files total. Ensure all pages are right-side up. Use good lighting and focus for legibility.
Why Pre-Review Matters I review these in advance to catch any issues (e.g., missing/invalid endorsements, experience shortfalls, or aircraft discrepancies) before the day of the test. Fixing problems days ahead with your instructor is far better than arriving to find the checkride cannot begin—postponements waste time and money for everyone. Eligibility is your responsibility per 14 CFR Part 61, but I'm here to help spot issues early.
How to Request a Checkride
Please use the calendar to request your preferred date and time. Submitting a request does not automatically confirm your appointment. Once your request is received, you will be contacted to confirm availability and review your eligibility.
Additional Reminders for Success
Double-check all FAA requirements (endorsements, aeronautical experience, aircraft airworthiness) against the relevant Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
Bring originals of everything to the checkride, plus your planned flight materials (charts, EFB with current data, nav log, etc.).
Arrive rested, on time, and professionally prepared—checkrides are challenging but rewarding when you're fully ready.
Following these steps exactly makes scheduling efficient and increases the chances of a smooth, successful evaluation. If anything is unclear, just reach out—I'm happy to clarify. Looking forward to working with you!
This version is polished, applicant-friendly, and emphasizes prevention of common pitfalls (backed by DPE experiences and FAA guidance). If you'd like to add specifics (e.g., fee details, exact ACS references, or a link to your form), or make it shorter/longer, let me know!
