On Reddit I frequently heard stories from either newly-passed or newly-failed private pilots outlining the entire process and seeking advice. So I started wondering - how difficult is it to pass the PPL check in the US? I heard that there is a long oral questions part where the examiner quizzes you on the theoretical parts before you even start to brief the flight, much less get in the cockpit. Are there no written exams there, just these questions? Or is it both? If both, why is this part so long (heard it can go on for over an hour)? Do you need to know what every FAR regulates? I frequently see Americans referencing FARs alongside their numbers as if they had an index in their head lol
Here in EASA land one of my friends told me that the check is "hard to fail if you paid attention" and, while stressful, yeah, the examiner did not try to trip me up with questions nor did he ask me to perform maneuvers I haven't practiced well. It felt like just another solo XC flight, a couple touch-and-gos at the destination airport including without flaps and without engine power, then on the way back a few stalls, deep turns, some rudimentary instrument flying and that was it. Haven't heard of anyone who failed the thing so far.
So, how's the situation where you guys are? What's the pass rate? Do you know someone who failed (or maybe even you yourself had failed)? Would love to hear from you all!