What typically happens after completing the type rating training before acting as PIC?

• A. A written examination
• B. A flight test
• C. A medical re-certification
• D. A practical test (checkride)

Answer: (D)

After type rating training, you typically must complete a practical test (checkride) to earn the rating and be authorized to act as pilot in command. The training programs build your knowledge of systems, procedures, and performance, but the certification to fly as PIC comes only after successfully demonstrating your proficiency to an examiner in a formal flight/ground evaluation. The checkride includes an oral portion to assess your understanding of procedures and systems and a flight portion where you demonstrate required skills, maneuvers, and decision-making to the standard.

A written examination may be part of other licensing steps, but it is not the final credentialing step for a type rating. A medical re-certification is a separate requirement that applies regardless of completing the type rating training. A flight test is effectively what the checkride is; the official term regulators use is practical test (checkride).