Instrument Checkride - Practical Test - Full Video

This was my Instrument Rating Checkride in April of 2013. After working on the editing for a while and getting the approval of the Examiner here it is.
This is the full video but I clipped about 45 minutes of silence and boredom.
I put comments that will be useful for both VFR pilots and also non-pilots.
Remember to subscribe and Like. Thanks for watching.

[@selimeylul8292]

This is an incredible resource for those of us continuing training beyond the primary level. Thank you Niko for making this checkride public - especially great to see real-life feedback from the DPE.

[@davejones542]

It takes a lot of courage and also confidence to video your own IR checkride. Good job man.

[@andrewcernicky330]

Also a cool DPE to allow it!

[@videoman876]

I agree. He was well prepared.

[@BuzntFrog]

"Great Job, congratulations" The feeling when that ticket gets signed :DDD

[@bostonalext]

best feeling ever

[@XCougar85X]

Wow, watching this 5 years late. I cannot understand how you look this calm, and record it just as casual as you do today. I would likely be stressing my ass off.

[@khurramvirani3643]

Incredibly useful and well editted video. Thanks for putting in the time Niko!

[@sS-do1cr]

Passed mine yesterday. I really wanna say thank you for sharing this video. I watched this video more than 5 times a day before checkride, and it was really helpful than other videos or reading materials.Thank you so much!

[@NikosWings]

Congrats

[@craigjohnstone1461]

​@@NikosWingshi. What do you think about (dane wigington channel)??? Worrying or not?in your opinion.thanks

[@craigjohnstone1461]

​@@NikosWingswatch-(the dimming).. dont do this on us

[@NikosWings]

I watched part of it. Sounds like a typical conspiracy theorist but the theory that sprayed particles will dim the sun sound like putting out a forest fire with a garden hose, it would take decades with non stop flying fleets across the world to have a tiny impact. Also what US conspiracy theorists always miss is the rest of the world. It’s all very US centric which misses the rest of what other countries do and consider that in other countries most US-born conspiracy theories are not even a thing, but here for some reason we LOVE that stuff

[@DIYPETE]

Congrats Niko! You did a great job when you took your checkride. I have mine coming up in the next couple weeks and hope I have a similar outcome. Excellent job with the video as well. It is very helpful. Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to new videos from your channel. Cheers man. - Pete

[@donponnamperuma4289]

That is a fantastic video on IFR test flight. Well done mate! thank you for the sharing your experience. Thumbs up!

[@gsp-greenstripepilot9508]

I’ve only seen your most current videos. It’s super cool to go back 6 years and see you getting hammered by an inspector. You’re a boss dude. Much respect 🤘🏼

[@dhighbrdge9696]

Im extremely appreciative of your videos ! Thank you for sharing and I will stay tuned !

[@giuliom8520]

You make it look easy! Great video! I think if I knew I was going to film my check ride and put it on KZbin, knowing that would help me be EXTRA prepared.

[@willieb6993]

My memory of this momentous day was bouncing around over the Arizona desert sans autopilot chasing ndb radials dancing on the rudders to dampen the midday thermals hoping for leniency and appreciation for my meager yet earnest abilities. Circa 1996. Thanks for the memories and as always a great and informative video.

[@pslny]

Just found this Niko, great video, I'll be watching it again, thanks to you and the DPE for sharing.

[@yogevbarshavit6]

Thanks for filming this. I’m working on my instruments now over at Chicago executive. Very informative.

[@capceo2744]

Great video! You're lucky the examiner let you off easy when you found yourself on the wrong side of the hold. Failing to stay on the protected side of the hold is usually a "critical failure" in the eyes of most examiners.

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

never heard a radial to hold on, only the fix of BUU and "Hold Southwest". Does this imply a 225 radial (southwest) and right turns?

[@NikosWings]

He let me go because I realized it quick admitted and corrected it. He liked that

[@DownTheRabbit-Hole]

Niko's Wings ...Thanks for the video. Question: When ATC gives you a Holding clearance, they will always give a fix (BUU in this case) but sometimes they don't give a radial (like your DFE did not give radial). Does saying "hold Southwest" of BUU imply 225 radial (inbound to fix) and standard right turns?

[@NikosWings]

If they tell you hold Southwest it will either be Southwest side of the way it is depicted, in other words a published hold point or a fix to hold on a Victor way and Southwest would be the side of the fix on the victor way itself. You will never assume the radial. If they are to give you a radial (probably very rare) they will also tell you the side to hold on.

[@NikosWings]

The DPE will be much more forgiving if you are perfectly prepared with your documents and do good in the oral. That was me. Super prepped and fantastic oral. He didn’t want to fail me unless I had seriously screwed up. Good luck with your check ride

[@abbieamavi]

*thank you SO MUCH for this!! It helps a lot with feeling personally prepared for the checkride, it makes it less suspicious and mysterious to see it in video. :) I'll be starting my IFR flight portion training hopefully this spring 2020, and I'm going through all the IFR videos and yours is one of the best and most helpful! Congrats on your pass!!*

[@NikosWings]

Thanks and good luck!!!

[@UTarcher72]

Great video Niko! Very helpful and lots of tips. Will be taking my checkride soon. Love your videos, keep them coming.

[@jackchung4725]

Thanks for sharing this, i'm going to have my IR checkride in two weeks. This is greatly helpful. especially the explanation.

[@mattwallace777]

Thanks for sharing! This is the first video I was able to find that had the actual instrument checkride in the airplane. I really enjoyed all the notes you put on the video as the checkride went along to explain certain tasks and terms. It's a very good idea of what to expect from my dpe and will help put my mind at ease when taking the instrument checkride. Thanks again!

[@nikospyridonos2100]

I'm glad you found it interesting and hope that it removed some of the mystery of the instrument checkride. Good luck with yours!

[@Jaden48108]

Definitely going to bookmark this one. Now I know what to expect. Good job!

[@danrf7911]

Hi Niko, as a subscriber it's be a treat to see your progression, I enjoy all your videos. I appreciate that you can have so much fun while being so professional in your approach to flying, I am sure it is a consistent theme for you in the rest of your life. I'm currently working on my instrument ticket, and appreciate your work to publish this video, it's a big help.

[@NikosWings]

Hi Dan, I truly enjoy the gift and privilege of flight. Thank you for watching and sharing your comments. Let me know when you get your instrument rating and how the Checkride went. Take care and Happy Skies!

[@PilotDaveAviation]

As always Niko awesome video for those looking on improving their flight skills to the IMC world. I have not made that leap at this time, but just watching your check ride I was nervous for you. Excellent job and a late congratulations, but look at you now! several years ahead flying your SR22, your still calm speaking and doing your IFR .....thanks for sharing

[@SkycatcherPilot]

Doing some final prep and just taking notes from others online; enjoyed the video and took a few notes. I'll be flying a G1000 172 as well. Congrats on your successful check ride!

[@gatorflight74]

That is what I call a very thorough instrument checkride there. Good job!!

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Erick! Happy Skies!

[@patcicerchi]

Hey Niko, must have watched this video 5 or 6 times to motivate me through my IFR training. Well, today I took my IFR check ride and passed! Thanks for helping me through it. Keep those videos coming!

[@NikosWings]

Pat Cicerchi congrats on the most important ticket ever! Now file and fly! Glad I was able to help a bit!

[@hillearybrown7083]

Niko this was a great video! I really enjoyed watching it and I learned a lot, Now two years on I look forward to seeing your newer videos, You have a new subscriber

[@NikosWings]

Well thank you and stay tuned! Many more great videos in the works! Thanks for watching!

[@observer1242]

I was sweating watching this thing. Great !! You were well prepared.

[@bolickmj]

Great video. It has popped up in my feed many times, but I never thought of watching it because of how rare it is to record a checkride. Thank you for putting it out there. I'm a few months from my checkride. Crushed the instrument knowledge test (97%), doing well in the SIM with my CFI as she makes sure we lock in the basics on the ground. Will get in the air next week. My biggest concern is being able to quickly interpret the math when directed to hold, intercept a VOR, etc. Seems pretty simple, but the OBS/CDI/HSI seems to rule my brain at times and task saturation can be a problem in my early 50s, but I'm determined to get it done. This was a big help.

[@pfcpilot6276]

Thanks for sharing this, it helped to provide some context into what the checkride would look like and helped to bring the PTS to life a little - and helped me to pass my ride. So thanks.

[@NikosWings]

That is great to hear my friend. Congrats!!!!

[@craigsamborski3794]

Amazing Niko! Congrats, Baller IFR Checkride!

[@johngleason8619]

Thanks! Nice landings- I hope to do this in a few months. Was very helpful to watch the checkride.

[@jasonbrasher5525]

Ugh...the "feeling" when you have an examiner on the right seat. :)

[@Hamradio54730]

Hi Niko... Was looking through your earlier videos and came across this important milestone in your aviation career. You are a skilled pilot. I too at one time had nerves of steel but age has filed that tight edge away. Have had a sudden health setback. So my time here with your flights takes me to another dimension. Love focusing on the mental exercise of your flights. Thanks for all your videos. That continue to make my days as a 🐦. Blessings ☺

[@NikosWings]

If I can do that for you and a few more then that’s what this is all about... thanks for watching!

[@aviatrix007]

I'm getting ready for my instrument checkride and found your video. Thank you for sharing. It made me nervous watching you. Great landings! :)

[@NikosWings]

Valerie, thanks for the feedback and I'm glad you found it useful. Now go get that amazing rating! Let me know how it went!

[@edthompson2043]

Thanks so much for posting this!

[@Valkyrie612]

Excellent job, man! Congratulations!

[@Shaneepe1]

Oldie but goodie!!! Thanks for sharing this experience!

[@youpattube1]

Very very interesting. Thanks for taking us along.

[@flyingwithrobertjohnston7029]

Whew!!! Time for a Foster’s (or two) and a big medium rare steak at Outback Steakhouse. That was way more involved than my instrument checkride. But back in 99 we had no GPS approaches and my plane had no autopilot or GPS or LORAN. Just needles and steam gauges. The best ILS of my life was the one I flew into KFTW that day. You really did a great job sir and kept your cool and all with camera rolling. Amazing! Excellent job!

[@irongill20]

All these types of videos are sooo helpful, especially from someone that’s learning out of 3CK

[@irongill20]

Yup very helpful, getting ready for my IFR check ride in a couple weeks, down in Dallas now KRBD

[@tylerp6375]

Thanks for posting this. Watched it before my IR checkride yesterday (passed!). Very professional pre-takeoff briefing - wishing I did something like that on the ride. Will start incorporating this.

[@NikosWings]

Congratulations 🎊🍾🎈🎉

[@ramyhakim612]

Terrific video, and great flying! Thanks for sharing...

[@jetblackpilot94]

This is very helpful. I'm taking my instrument check ride this week and this is helping a ton. Thanks for putting this out there!

[@NikosWings]

Good luck with it!

[@jetblackpilot94]

Thanks man^

[@MrFernandobf50]

GREAT VIDEO NIKO I STILL REMEMBER MY CHECK RIDE ONE YEAR AGO,SUPER STRESSFUL CONGRATS.

[@NikosWings]

Checkrides are always stressful. I'm doing my multi-engine checkride on Tuesday and I'm stressed.

[@bmxmz]

just started instrument training, i bet you were exhausted after that checkride! lots of fun though. blue skies and tailwinds!

[@harrythomas8868]

I see that was 4 years ago but interesting to watch even now. I was exhausted by the end of the video. Can't imagine how you felt.

[@TomCook1993]

I felt butterflies just watching this

[@NikosWings]

I get the same feeling every time I watch it too.

[@TomCook1993]

I have my ifr checkride on wednesday. any tips?

[@NikosWings]

Hey Tom, practice the profile on the simulator or on the airplane with a pilot friend and if you make a mistake fix it and put it behind you right away and DO NOT let it affect the remainder of the flight. Also take time off and prepare the next couple of days. If the oral goes well the practical will be easy and you will be much more confident. If the examiner asks you about your decision making during oral make sure that your planning does not expose you to the adverse conditions too long. Most DPEs want to see that you are thinking about safety and limiting your exposure to the elements. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@TomCook1993]

In terms of referencing materials, notes, or FAA publications to answer questions that the DPE might ask during the oral, how likely is he to allow such materials to be referenced to better answer a question?

[@NikosWings]

You can reference anything you want. Make sure that you tab items so you can easily find them. You don't want to waste too much time searching as not to waste his/her time.

[@jamesunger8433]

Good check ride. I remember mine too many years ago and my check ride was in a twin Let's just say that it was a very busy check ride and very challenging and very rewarding too..... Ironically too it was actually in IMC probably the bottoms were at about 800 ft so it was entirely in IMC.... I imagine it was rewarding for you as it was me because at the end I breathed a huge sigh relief and saw the instructor next to me and he smiled and I knew I passed... awesome! It's a fantastic achievement.

[@ahmadsamadzai8255]

Passed mine last week. I watched this video several times and it was a lot of help.

[@NikosWings]

Congratulations!!!

[@tobysmith4662]

Hey Niko, I think think this is actually your best video. Such a great resource - lots of mock orals out there but very very few actual practicals. You're helping make a lot of pilots (I'm Toby)

[@jayptrade]

you did great..by the way thanks for sharing this great video.. I have my instrument checkride within 4 days.. Now by watching this video give me a view of checkride...again thanks for sharing...

[@terencecottington4273]

I know this is somewhat late, but well done anyway on getting through your IMC rating. :) Always a pleasure following your channel.

[@zhoujunyu2107]

hey, i watched couple of ur videos, and i like the confident u showed on the video. good pilot skill ! i should learn from u about that confident !

[@andrewbello983]

Great job on that check ride! Congrats!

[@happysawfish]

Watched the whole thing! Very good. I bet you have some good instrument stories now!

[@jasonbergeron6347]

I know this is an old video Niko, I'm starting instruments and hope to get the written done this summer. You're one helluva instrument pilot. Love the series and following your adventures.

[@NikosWings]

Good luck with it!!!

[@pilotvega3686]

great video Niko thank you for sharing! I'm currently working on my IFR getting ready for my check ride.

[@ockteby]

Just discovered you videos, and I am enjoying them very much.

[@NikosWings]

Thank you and enjoy!

[@sailhavasu]

great insight into what hopefully lay ahead for me. I have watched a number of your videos Nick. I play around with video myself, although I havent yet done so with my flying. You do a great job and for someone like myself it is a great thing to be able to get an idea if how it all plays out. Thanks for taking the time to make them. Great flying.... Sean

[@nikospyridonos2100]

Thanks Sean. Best of luck on your Checkride.

[@aviatorchris0175]

Great video congratulations. Getting ready for my IFR checkride, I’ll sure watch this video a couple more times.

[@NikosWings]

Good luck

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Niko. How sweet was that ride! Wow! You did an amazing job - your check ride was outstanding. I'm in awe and also a bit envious. I passed the written instrument, a hundred years ago, :) but never got the confidence to take the check ride. My 24 months passed, then I was back to block l. You did yours like a "Boss," Thanks for taking us along. I loved it.

[@NikosWings]

I have to say I enjoyed my instrument rating from beginning to an end. It took me 22 months to complete from day 1 to check ride, which was long, but I took my time with and stuck with it to the end.

[@cholubaz]

Congrats Niko! Well done. It was fun to ride along with you during that process.

[@NikosWings]

Thanks Chris!

[@KyleD237]

Taking my check ride next week. This was extremely helpful to have a better idea and what was going to happen. Thanks for the great video. Edited well.

[@NikosWings]

Good luck

[@abbieamavi]

you got this!! :)

[@KyleD237]

@@NikosWings passed. Thanks

[@tTenKay]

that was an excellent checkride example

[@jorgerubio8335]

Super great video. Worth every minute. Congrat...

[@BrianEdlin]

That was quite the checkride. You handled like a champ. Congrats

[@NikosWings]

Thanks for watching Brian!

[@Awegener69]

That handshake at the end is a great feeling. I passed my com multi ride the other day. Takes a lot of courage to film your ride. I heard you on palm beach approach or Miami center once or twice in my training. Whenever I see you flying into the airport I train out of I think dang I just missed seeing your plane.

[@NikosWings]

Congrats Andrew! Say hi if you see me

[@lukensmith2333]

Great video Niko! THANK YOU, This helps give great insight towards the flight portion! Taking my instrument checkride Thursday at KPMP!

[@NikosWings]

Good luck Luke

[@thepilotmaster777]

Ill also be taking mine at pmp american flyers

[@flypilot992]

This is a great video. Im flying out of Skill now. Skip was my flight Instructor back in 1989. He is a pro and I love Skill., You were trained from the best Flight Training facility in the Midwest hands down . Finishing my Instrument then going onto Commercial , and CFI. I would not trust any other Training Facility.

[@NikosWings]

I couldn't agree with you more. They are truly the best!!!

[@AeroworksProductions]

Great video and checkride Niko! Man that examiner looked mean ;)

[@NikosWings]

Thanks buddy! Every examiner is mean right?

[@ZzYougz]

Nice flight management ! Well done

[@tytusabrahamson6575]

Would have loved to see you work your way into the hold but other than that, loved the vid. Keep 'em coming!

[@dotevan]

Well done! Thanks for posting.

[@NikosWings]

Thanks for watching!

[@billr8667]

Thanks for posting. You looked pretty procienct to me. Hopefully, I'll be getting the thumbs up from a friendly examiner before the end of the year. Also in a G1000-equipped 172.

[@ViperDriver22]

Nice work with the editing and music choice! Keep the music electronic plz, ha ha. Your vids helped inspire me to continue on the road to the regionals. Keep up the good work!

[@AlexLodes]

Those calls are on point! Very nice man!

[@NikosWings]

Thanks man!

[@ericsullivan8406]

Hey Niko, great Vid. thanks for sharing, and taking to time publish is vid. I haven't finished my PPL yet but, already studying for the IR... should be done in June on the PPL.

[@Jamo1187]

Great video, Niko!

[@NikosWings]

Thank you. It was a great experience.

[@BarrieMacLeod]

Hey Niko ! Loved your video ... Some great hints in there. Must admit I was sweating myself watching this ;) LPV question was good , not so sure if there was reference to RNP just after though ? Anyhow congrats ! I've been watching your Cirrus videos for a while now and it's great to come across this video to demo your beginnings.. Will be doing my checkride in a month or two and this is a fantastic preview !

[@parth1567]

man this video is awesome thanks

[@elunico13]

Felicidades! Buen hecho

[@terupynho10ify]

Awesome video sir!

[@busyend]

Belated congrads Niko...

[@DasNewman]

Great job, I hope I can be as calm as you! just started my IFR training, this will help take some of the unknown out of the checkride.

[@DasNewman]

I just passes my IFR on 30 November, 2020!

[@NikosWings]

Congrats!

[@jimthepilotguy]

Great job man!

[@redbaron1954100]

congrats on check out did my first induction flight out of waukegan in 1970

[@stanspiper]

Right on! I am ready to take my check ride. Your video helped me.

[@NikosWings]

I love that...

[@stanspiper]

Check out my channel. Come to Guatemala I will shoot a mini episode on you! flyingwildguatemala

[@striker9909]

Great job!

[@videoman876]

Great job! You are a good pilot.

[@benc1103]

Nice work. Single pilot, no auto-pilot IFR is the most difficult instrument flying you will do. Be prepared and organized in the cockpit. Ask ATC to clarify any doubts. In sharp contrast, airline flying (it's always flown IFR) is the easiest instrument flying (well equipped jet, crew , dispatch and training make it easy). Gain experience by flying on IFR flight plans in VFR weather until you're really comfortable dealing with ATC and flight plan changes. Only then put your mins at 1000ft. Leave the CAT1 200-1/2 stuff to the jets and you're getting paid to deal with lousy weather. Remember, it's hard to pick a good field to dead stick into when it's a 200 ft ceiling. Same for at night. Single-engine failure scenarios and bad weather and/or night and mountains don't go well together. Always consider: how will this workout if the motor quits? Ben 25,000 hrs USAF/Airlines/GA Tailwheel, Formation, Aerobatics ATP, FE, CFI, CFII, CFI-MEL, USAF Instructor

[@linkedinfred]

IR (I’m told) is one of the hardest ratings. Well done!

[@NikosWings]

I think CFI and ATP May be harder but IR is definitely hard from a knowledge and technical stand point.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

An excellent check ride - and an excellent video. Even though this was 2 years ago, congratulations. You are a really great inspiration for our flying community. Thanks for the video. N-6395T

[@NikosWings]

Well thank you for the kind words! Happy skies!

[@craigbrownell1667]

*Congrats!*

[@wntu4]

That was cool to hear an old reed style stall warning.

[@pilotsalmanalkhaldi5649]

AMAZING VIDEO THANKS

[@777DEHME]

NICELY DONE CONGRATS!

[@NikosWings]

Thanks!

[@stpetebro]

Nice video!

[@hardy2k11]

Great job sir. I'm working on my instrument currently. that really helped me out. You were definitely ready for that checkride great job once again.

[@Eagle-hg2vy]

This vid made me very nervous about starting my instrument training. But hey, I'll be fine I guess. Good job man

[@bikerboy3k]

$ years have passed. How did it go.

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

Daniel Marco Aguilar Hernandez x3

[@1niceguyme]

x4

[@Eagle-hg2vy]

Travis Schpeltinger I took a break in between my training, but i got my CFII check this week, so i an nervous about that now haha.

[@taylorwaters7804]

@@Eagle-hg2vy i have my cfii coming up. how did yours go?

[@brianbrickley8229]

Nice video. Thanks