E190 - Recovering After an FAA Checkride Disapproval

E190 - Recovering After an FAA Checkride Disapproval

March 23, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 196

About this episode

This episode discusses how pilots can recover from an FAA checkride disapproval and emphasizes that such disapprovals do not define a pilot's future.

This episode of Behind the Prop breaks down how pilots can recover from an FAA checkride disapproval. The hosts emphasize that disapprovals are common and don’t define a pilot’s future. They outline a clear path forward: understand the debrief, take ownership, and focus retraining on specific weaknesses. Confidence, proper preparation, and even taking time to reset before a retest are key. The core message is simple—one bad day doesn’t end your aviation journey. In many cases, it can make you a better, more disciplined pilot.

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