In 2021, FAA data showed that 78% of all PPL pilots passed on their first attempt. In that same year, 79.5% of pilots passed their commercial pilot checkride, and the pass rate for CFI checkrides was 77.9%. Although these numbers are high, it is evident that many pilots failed on the first try.

While failure rates fluctuate by year and certificate level, FAA statistics and 2026 industry data suggest that roughly 20% to 25% of pilots fail their first-time checkride (the final practical exam for a pilot license). For a Private Pilot (PPL) license, the first-time pass rate is approximately 75%, meaning one in four candidates will receive a "Notice of Disapproval." The success rate is significantly higher for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate—the "black belt" of aviation—where about 91% of pilots pass on their first attempt, reflecting the intense training and experience of those candidates. Common reasons for failing include "skipped checklist items," poor altitude or heading maintenance, and "poor decision-making" during simulated emergencies. In 2026, a failed checkride is not a career-ender, but it is recorded on a pilot's permanent record (PRD). Most pilots who fail simply receive additional training on the specific area of weakness and "re-test" within a few weeks. Airlines generally look for a "pattern" of failures rather than a single setback, provided the pilot can demonstrate clear improvement and honesty about what they learned from the experience.