What Documents Are Managed

The document system handles all files uploaded by applicants for a checkride. Document types include:

  • FAA Form 8710-1 — The applicant uploads a PDF copy of the form. The platform extracts the applicant and instructor information, redacts the SSN and the instructor's wet signature, and lets the applicant, instructor, and you sign it digitally. See Reviewing and Signing the 8710-1.
  • Endorsements — Scanned or photographed instructor endorsement pages, digitally signed endorsements, and training records.
  • Medical certificates — Copies of the applicant's current FAA medical certificate.
  • Photo identification — Government-issued photo IDs (driver's license, passport, military ID).
  • Logbook pages — Pages showing flight time, training hours, and required experience.
  • Planning documents — Cross-country flight plans, weight and balance calculations, weather briefings, and other checkride preparation materials.
  • Other — Insurance documentation, aircraft maintenance logs, or any other file that does not fit a standard category.

How Documents Are Organized

Every document is associated with a specific checkride, not just the applicant's account. Each checkride has its own document set, so files stay organized even across discontinuances and reschedules. When an applicant accepts a checkride offer, any documents they previously uploaded to the matching Checkride Prep are promoted to the new checkride automatically — they will already be present when you open the checkride. Up to ten documents may be attached to any one checkride, and only one FAA Form 8710-1 is permitted per checkride.

Applicant Upload Flow

Document flow is one-way: applicants upload, and DPEs review. The process works as follows:

  1. The applicant views their checkride detail page and sees checklist items that require document uploads.
  2. They select a file from their device and upload it. The file is securely associated with the checkride and checklist item.
  3. You are notified that a new document is ready for review.

Reviewing Documents

Access uploaded documents from the checkride detail page (documents section) or inline within the checklist view. You can preview images (JPG, PNG) and PDFs directly in the browser, or download for closer inspection.

Review documents as soon as they are uploaded — not the day before the checkride. Early review gives applicants time to fix issues. Late review means problems discovered at the last minute may force a reschedule.

Supported File Types

The system accepts JPG, PNG, and PDF files. Extremely large files or unsupported formats are rejected with a clear error message during upload.

Storage and Security

Documents are stored in encrypted cloud storage (Amazon S3). Only the DPE and applicant associated with a checkride can access its documents — no other users can view them. All access requires authentication and documents are not publicly indexable.

The document verification you perform in the platform is a preliminary review to catch issues early. It does not replace the in-person document check required on checkride day per 14 CFR 61.47. Always verify original documents in person before beginning the practical test.