2751 NE Douglas St - Lee's Summit, MO 64064

Emergency Approach and Landing: Checkride Tips Every Student Pilot Needs

Jami Heckman

6 min read ·

checkride prep emergency training pilots flight school safety Kansas City flight school Lee's Summit aviation training Summit Flight Academy student pilot tips private pilot checkride safe pilot training Missouri
Back view of plane with the sunset in the background

Emergency procedures aren’t just a test item, they’re a lifesaving skill. At Summit Flight Academy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we train our Kansas City student pilots to stay calm and precise when handling simulated emergencies on checkride day.


1. The Examiner’s Focus

The FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) requires you to demonstrate:

  • Establishing best glide speed within ±10 knots.
  • Selecting a suitable landing area considering wind, terrain, and obstructions.
  • Using checklists and cockpit resources effectively.

2. Common Student Mistakes

From our experience and DPE feedback, the most common errors include:

  • Forgetting to trim for best glide.
  • Letting airspeed fluctuate due to distraction.
  • Setting up for a tailwind landing.

3. Summit’s Proven Training Approach

Our instructors emphasize:

  • Wind awareness: Always use cockpit tools or preflight wind briefings.
  • Trim discipline: Trim early so you can focus on the landing site.
  • Decision-making: Prioritize a safe field, not just the closest one.

4. Tips for Checkride Success

  • Practice simulated emergencies on every solo.
  • Talk through your thought process out loud, examiners value clear decision-making.
  • Keep flying the airplane until the maneuver is complete.

Why It Matters

Emergencies don’t follow a script. Building muscle memory through repetition ensures you’ll react calmly, whether during a checkride or a real in-flight event.


Start Your Aviation Journey

At Summit Flight Academy, we don’t just prepare you to pass, we prepare you to fly with confidence.

📞 Call us at +1 816-282-1500
🌐 Visit us at summitflightacademy.com

Start your training in Lee’s Summit today.

Meet Katia

Meet Katia Van Horn, a passionate Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at Summit Flight Academy. With nearly two years of instructing experience and a flying journey that started at the age of 16, Katia brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to help students achieve their aviation goals.

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