Pack Flight Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do multi-engine checkrides?
Not at this time. Tests are available for gliders, light sport, and single engine airplanes.
Where is your office?
Effective 8/31/2023, our office at Atlantic Aviation at ORL is closed. Following that date, tests will either be conducted at the customer location, or we'll coordinate an office or conference room somewhere mutually convenient.
Do you do checkrides in tailwheel airplanes?
Yes, tests are available in tailwheel airplanes. However, I want to address a very common statement I hear in regards to tailwheel airplanes: "If you bring a tailwheel airplane to the checkride, the examiner already knows you can fly."
Wrong.
If you bring me a tailwheel airplane, then I'm going to make sure you can fly. Do not expect any leniency simply because you're flying a more difficult airplane. You are expected to be proficient in wheel landings, three point landings, crosswind landings, and all other tasks required by the ACS.
Do you do checkrides in experimental airplanes?
Maybe. I personally fly an RV6 and an HP18, both of which are experimental, so I don't have a problem with experimental airplanes. However, I reserve the right to decline any aircraft if in my opinion it is not suitable for the test.
Do you take credit cards? What about Zelle/Venmo?
Credit cards are our preferred form of payment. Cash, check and credit/debit cards are all acceptable forms of payment. We also utilize invoices through Square to handle remote payments. At this time, we are NOT able to accept Zelle, Venmo, Cashapp, or similar payment methods.
Do you provide flight instruction?
Yes. We are pleased to offer training to motivated students in multi-engine airplanes. However, Pack Flight Services is dedicated to full-time DPE activity, and flight training is a secondary business for us. Accordingly, we do not offer training to every student. Please visit our Flight Instruction page for more details.
Do you do checkrides on weekends?
Generally no. Test appointments are available Monday through Friday. If there are extenuating circumstances that require your test to be conducted on a weekend, it may be possible but please expect longer than standard lead times, and I recommend asking several examiners to see if anyone is able to assist you earlier.
My airplane does not have a shoulder harness. Can I still use it for the test?
Sorry, but my answer is no. I'm not willing to conduct tests in aircraft that do not have shoulder harnesses. There is a huge difference in survival and injury rates between aircraft with and without shoulder harnesses. I strongly suggest you have them installed.
My airplane has a single throw-over yoke. Can I use it for the test?
Sorry, but my answer is no. I'm not willing to conduct tests in aircraft that do not have dual flight controls. The FAA does allow the use of throw-over yokes as long as the test doesn't require any instrument tasks, however, I don't know anything about your skill level. It's an unnecessary risk that I'm not willing to take. Nothing personal.