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2 Answers

FAA Practical Exam Re-Take after Discontinuance and then Disapproval

Asked by: 7744 views Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations

I'm attempting to gain some clarification on Part 61 regulations concerning time periods for a re-take of an FAA practical exam. I'm aware that after a discontinuance that you have 60 days from the date of the discontinuance to complete the exam, otherwise, the exam will have to be taken in full.

I had to discontinue the practical portion of my exam for commercial single engine in the middle of December due to a maintenance issue with the aircraft. I was then given my letter of discontinuance and it noted the date I had to complete the exam by otherwise I must retake the entire test. I was able to retake the exam prior to that date, however, this exam resulted in a disapproval.

My question is, when does the 60 day clock stop/start? I know it started when I recieved my discontinuance, but does this clock continue to run even after I've recieved a disapproval? or does it now reset to 60 days from the date I receieved my disapproval before I have to retake the entire exam again?

I've read §61.39 f & g, but i've also read §61.43 f,1. 61.39 would seem to imply you have 60 days from the date the test began to complete the exam as a pass, anything beyond the 60 days results in a complete re-take of both the oral and practical. The 61.43 seems to leave it open that you have 60 days from the date of discontinuance or disapproval to retake the exam.

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2 Answers



  1. KDS on Feb 14, 2019

    Your time starts from the date on the Notice of Disapproval (the pink slip).

    Note that the disapproval SHOULD list the part of the test that you will be retested on. It SHOULD list an area or areas of operation for retesting. However, examiners will often list a specific task. Whatever is on that slip is what you want to focus on for the retest.

    The examiner CAN at his or her discretion retest you on more than what is on the slip, but I have yet to encounter an examiner who did that. However, there or other tasks that come in the natural flow of every flight, so do your best on the whole thing and don’t think something can’t cause a bust just because it’s not listed in the item(s) to be retested.

    My experience is that unless you really conflicted with the examiner, it’s best to use the same examiner for the retest. However, you’ll want to discuss that with your instructor who knows more about the local environment.

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  2. Kris Kortokrax on Feb 14, 2019

    One other thing to consider.

    The previous test was completed with a disapproval.
    This will be a new test, with a new application and a new instructor recommendation.

    You need to meet the requirements of 61.129(a)(3)(v), three hours of preparation for the practical test in the preceding 2 calendar months. This should also count for the instruction needed for 61.39(a)(6) and should be endorsed, along with the 61.49 endorsement.

    Forget 61.39(f) & (g). These deal with incremental tests. Incremental tests are used for ATP & type rides, where the oral might be done on one day and the flight (sim) portion done on another day.

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