El Pilot

Crop Dusting

dustrpilot

Not always


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2StgTurbine

Even if you found a job that didn't require regular checkrides, insurance companies sure do.

Checkrides in the professional world are very different than you initial checkrides. You will go through a structured training course with experienced instructors who will teach you everything you need for the checkride. There are no surprises on what the checkride will consist of. After a couple of them, you realize that there isn't much to them since they give you all the tools you need in training.

JohnBurke

I've had them when flying ag, by owners, insurance requirements, and by the government.

At one agricultural operation, IFR checkrides were part of the hiring process, and VFR and IFR no-notice checkrides were a fact of life.

bobtail

That sounds like a fun gig although I imagine you need connection to get in. In the mean time guess I'll keep plugging away on the hours.

JohnBurke

It's a profession, and it's not entry level.

TiredSoul

I think we may be taken for a ride here as the answers continue to be..well.....

DiveAndDrive

My first flying job was aerial photography of farms. I didn't have to do a check ride to get hired. All I needed was a commercial certificate. I've now moved on to a 135 operation, and I will be in 135, 121, or 91K for as long as my medical and age will allow me to. So that means a check ride every 6-12 months. As others have said, unless you want to make a career out of aerial photography, banner towing, or pipeline patrol, you're going to have frequent, even random check rides. In fact, you can even face random check rides now. The FAA can randomly have you get retested at any time, for any reason. Will they, without provocation? Likely not. They have too much to do with accident pilots and 91K/135/121 ops. But they can. As others said, keep studying and learning. I get test anxiety as well, but I am also confident in my abilities and knowledge. My private check ride was the most nerve wracking. I had no idea what to expect or if I was up to par. After that, I realized I am the PIC. I control the check ride. "I can do better on that steep turn. Let me show you!" And, as the old adage goes, you wouldn't be taking the ride if your instructors weren't satisfied with your skill and knowledge level.