Checkride Prep Springfield MA | CFI Andrew Serrazina
Checkride Prep · Springfield, MA · KBAF

Walk Into Your Checkride
Knowing You're Ready.

Mock oral exams and ACS-based practical test coaching for private pilot, instrument, and commercial applicants. Targeted prep that focuses on exactly where you need work — not a general review of everything.

✓ CFI & CFII Certified
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 · 7 Google Reviews
✓ PPL · IFR · CPL Prep
Book Checkride Prep — $120 What's Included

Online booking via Calendly · Secure payment at checkout

Andrew Serrazina CFI/CFII in the cockpit of a Piper PA-28 conducting checkride preparation
Checkride Prep Session
$120

Mock oral + practical test debrief. Tailored to your certificate and DPE area.

CFI & CFIICertified Instructor
PPL · IFR · CPLAll certificates
5.0 ⭐7 Google Reviews
KBAFSpringfield, MA
What's Included

More than just a mock oral.

Checkride prep sessions are structured around the ACS and your specific areas of weakness — not a one-size-fits-all review that covers what you already know.

🎤 Mock Oral Exam

A full simulated oral conducted in the same format your DPE will use. Questions are drawn from the ACS task list for your certificate. You'll know exactly what to expect — and what to say — before you walk in.

📋 ACS Task Review

We go through every task area on your ACS and identify where you're solid and where you need work. No time wasted on areas you've already mastered.

✈ Practical Test Debrief

Beyond the oral, we discuss the maneuvers your DPE will expect to see, the common failure points, and how to demonstrate ACS proficiency under pressure.

📝 Deficiency Coaching

If you've taken a written exam and have knowledge areas flagged, we address those directly. Your DPE will focus there — so we do too.

🧠 Decision-Making Scenarios

DPEs evaluate your aeronautical decision making throughout the oral. We work through real-world scenarios so you're comfortable thinking out loud under examiner pressure.

📄 Required Documents Review

IACRA, endorsements, logbook, medical, aircraft airworthiness documents — we make sure everything is in order before your test date so nothing gets you turned away.

Is This Right for You?

This is for pilots who want
to pass on the first attempt.

Checkride prep isn't just for nervous applicants — it's for anyone who wants to walk in prepared, not hoping for the best.

Your checkride is coming up

You have a date set and want a structured final prep before the real thing. One or two sessions in the weeks before your test makes a measurable difference.

Your oral makes you nervous

The oral is where most checkride failures happen. Familiarity with the format and the type of questions reduces anxiety and improves performance dramatically.

You have weak areas on your written

Your knowledge test results flag specific areas. DPEs know this too — they'll push on exactly those topics in the oral. We address them before test day.

You want an honest assessment

Your training CFI has a vested interest in saying you're ready. An independent prep session gives you a second opinion and surfaces things that might otherwise get missed.

What DPEs Actually Care About

The ACS areas that matter most.

Designated Pilot Examiners evaluate every task in the ACS — but certain areas cause the most checkride failures. Here's where we focus.

☁

Weather

METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, go/no-go decision making. DPEs probe depth of understanding, not just definitions.

📏

Performance

Density altitude, weight and balance, takeoff and landing charts. Errors here signal poor preflight preparation.

🗺

Airspace

Class B through G, special use airspace, chart reading. Examiners expect instant, accurate responses.

⚙

Systems

Your specific aircraft's systems — not textbook generalities. Know your airplane, not just the concept.

📋

Regulations

Currency, equipment requirements, airspace rules. These are often the fastest way to fail if you're not sharp.

🎯

ADM

Aeronautical decision making runs through the entire oral. Examiners evaluate how you think, not just what you know.

Simple Process

How checkride prep works.

Three steps from booking to walking into your practical test prepared.

1

Book your session

Book online via Calendly. When you book, let us know your certificate level, your written exam score, and any areas you're less confident in.

2

Mock oral — full simulation

We run a complete oral in DPE format. Every question is drawn from your ACS. You answer as if it's the real test. We debrief at the end with specific feedback.

3

Targeted follow-up

Based on the mock oral, we identify the 2–3 areas to review before your test. Most applicants need 1–2 sessions to feel genuinely ready.

What Pilots Say

Real feedback from real students.

★★★★★

From day one, Andrew made everything feel approachable and stress-free, even when learning some of the more challenging concepts. Training with him was one of the best decisions I've made.

AK
Alyssa K.
Student Pilot
★★★★★

He was always able to explain concepts so I could understand everything. Andrew was also very comforting whenever I needed him to be — which is so important in any instructor.

SC
Sabine C.
CFI Candidate
★★★★★

Andrew is extremely knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a CFI for any reason!

JF
Jake F.
Private Pilot
Common Questions

Checkride prep — answered.

What certificate levels do you prep for? +
Private pilot, instrument rating, and commercial pilot. Each session is structured around the specific ACS for your certificate. Bring your written exam results so we can target the flagged areas your DPE will focus on.
How many sessions do I need? +
Most applicants benefit from 1–2 sessions. The first session is a full mock oral that identifies weak areas. A second session addresses those areas specifically. If you're already well-prepared, one session is often enough.
How far in advance should I book? +
Ideally 2–3 weeks before your checkride. That gives time for a mock oral, a follow-up session if needed, and time to review the flagged areas independently before your test date.
Is this a pass/fail evaluation? +
No. Checkride prep sessions are coaching, not evaluation. The goal is to identify gaps and address them — not to judge readiness. You'll leave with honest, specific feedback and a clear picture of what to review before your test.
Do you conduct the actual checkride? +
No — checkrides are conducted by FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). Checkride prep sessions are coaching to help you pass when you sit with your DPE. If you need a DPE referral in Western Massachusetts, Andrew can point you in the right direction.
Can I do this remotely for the oral portion? +
Yes. The mock oral portion can be conducted via Google Meet for applicants outside Western Massachusetts. The practical test debrief and maneuver discussion can also be done remotely. Contact Andrew to arrange a virtual session.
Book Your Session

Ready to get prepared?

Book your checkride prep session online. When you book, note your certificate level and your written exam score in the comments — it helps Andrew tailor the session before you arrive.

Need a Flight Review?

Due for your 24-month flight review? Book with Andrew at KBAF.

Flight Review — $150 →

Need an IPC?

Let your IFR currency lapse? Get back current with a structured IPC.

IPC — $125 →

Need ground school?

Weak on the knowledge side? Live group and 1-on-1 sessions available.

Ground School — $25/session →

Don't walk into your checkride unprepared.

One session can be the difference between passing and spending another $500 on a retest. Book your checkride prep today.

Book Checkride Prep — $120
Book Checkride Prep — $120 →