Notes

There are many things that go into the average private pilot checkride oral examination. Some of those things are specific to the examiner. But in general, the following notes detail things that seem to be fairly universal.

In general, the examiner wants you to pass the checkride. They have the responsibility to ensure that everyone who does pass meets the standards set forth by the FAA. But so far I have found that examiners universally want you to pass.

When questions are being asked, they should be answered first in the context of the aircraft you are flying for the checkride. If the examiner wants are more expansive answer they can inquire. For instance, if you are asked about hypoxia and what to do if you suspect you are suffering from it, don't say that you can use oxygen if your aircraft isn't equipped for oxygen. First talk about the remedies you do have available, and then if you wish mention that other aircraft might give additional choices such as oxygen.

This brings me to another topic, how much you should say. Remember that the non-FAA examiners are being paid flat rate for the checkride. Therefore, it is to their benefit to complete the checkride as efficiently as possible while still covering all the topics and tasks they are required to cover. To that end, keep your answers short. Answer the question directly, and as briefly as possible. If the examiner wants more detail they can ask for it, and will.

It is OK to not know something. There are few items which might be total deal breakers if you don't know them (currency requirements, VFR visibility and cloud clearance minimums, rights and responsibilities, etc.) but particularly when you are being asked more esoteric questions, don't be afraid to say you don't know. In fact you can be almost guaranteed that the examiner will probe until they find something you don't know, because they want to identify the limits of your knowledge. So, don't freak if you have the examiner point out an obscure never seen by you before notation on a sectional chart and you draw a complete blank.

Study well, keep your cool, answer clearly and briefly, and you'll do fine.