Definition
In FAA testing and certification, the person who is taking a knowledge test, practical test, or checkride to earn or add a pilot certificate, rating, or endorsement.
Plain English
The student or pilot being tested. When an examiner or instructor says 'the applicant,' they mean the person trying to earn the certificate or rating.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbooks, testing standards, and instructor discussions about who is being trained, endorsed, or evaluated.
Derivation
From Latin 'applicare,' meaning to attach or apply oneself to something. An applicant is literally someone who has applied — in this case, applied to be tested for a certificate or rating.
Why Pilots Care
The applicant's performance determines whether they receive the certificate or rating they are seeking.
Intuition Check
Do not read applicant as just anyone who filled out a form. In this context, it means the person seeking an FAA aviation qualification and being measured against FAA requirements.
Example Sentence 1
The examiner explained the plan for the flight portion of the checkride and asked the applicant if they had any questions.
Example Sentence 2
Before the practical test, the instructor reviewed the standards with the applicant to ensure readiness.