Any advise? FAA to sit in on my ride..

[stlpilot]

Finally taking my ATP ride next month and wouldn't you know it the DE called me and asked if the local FAA inspector could sit in on the ride for an "observation". I sort of know the inspector from the past before I left town for a couple years. He had the reputation of being an A$$ when he was the new kid on the block 5 years ago, but supposedly he has cooled off a bit. Back in the day when I was instructing I personally witnessed him fail a pal of mine on his MEI ride. Well okay the inspector did not fail him but the DE failed him if you get my drift. Turns out this inspector asked as many questions as the DE. Anyway if anyone has opinions on this subject feel free to chime in. I really cant go to another DE and of course if I tell her "no way" then I go on the $H!T list. The general opinion from the instructors (who are all brand new) is that it makes little difference. Overall I'm not to worried, I just figure I need to know the info that much more with confidence. But again if anyone has good/bad experiences from these type of checkrides please let me know.

 

[BoDEAN]

Nah, I'd pass on it. Just go up with the DE

 

[stlpilot]

Love to just say no but I got a speech from the Chief Instructor of "Well you will look bad if you don't". I was also informed this DE needs the observation by the end of next month so I would not be on her good side if I tell her no. Appreciate the opinion though.

 

[English]

I had an FAA inspector sit in on my B737 type, and it was no big deal. She flew all the way from her FSDO in PHX to observe me in SLC.

It was actually kinda cool, because she wrote a complimentary statement on my training records. I think that statement will lend at least some credibility to my type rating if I ever need to show my training records to anyone, since I got the type during a quickie three week course.

If it really concerns you, reschedule the checkride. The FAA inspector may not be available on the day you reschedule the checkride.

 

[Airpiraterob]

i did my ATP with my type ride. the observer was an faa inspector so that our DE could renew his certification. The FAA guy observing read the paper most of the time. i was still nervous as hell but when he took that paper out to read i felt a little better. it could have been a front tho. i forgot to check for holes cut in the front page to look through. I wouldnt sweat it. Everyone these days thinks that the FAA is out to bust everybody they can.

if youre within PTS standards, you shouldn't have anything to worry about right? so just fly the plane you know how to and dont worry about it. hard to believe but it is that simple......of course unless you have one of those days where nothing goes right

 

[jergar999]

I've done two checkrides with Inspectors (No DE). It's FREE!

 

[trainerjet]

In the hours leading up to the checkride, I'd eat a lot of broccoli and hard-boiled eggs and simply fart a lot during the ride. Make him wish he was anyplace but there. I know it wouldn't help you any, but maybe you'd do the next guy a favor by making him think twice before deciding to "sit in" on too many more checkrides.

 

[T-Gates]

The reason the Inspector is riding along is to observe the DE. The inspector will not give you the checkride. Riding with a fed is no big deal, just try to preform normally.

Good luck man.

--T

 

[Timebuilder]

Perhaps you remember my story about the fed that gave me my CFI ride, had such great things to say, and then (oops!) asked me about the material the PTS said was "optional" during the II oral?

The same guy showed up a couple months later at the DPE's office when I arrived to do my MEI ride. He asked no questions, and left before the practical, and told me it was obvious to him that I knew the material.

I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[stlpilot]

Appreciate the opinions. After much consultation from friends I stayed with my decision to let him observe. I know for a fact he will do more then observe but I figure I will know the info well enough that it wont matter.

I'm really only doing the ATP because through a free program, its not like I have an airline breathing down my neck to do it or loose a job. The military is where my wings are. Both the DE and inspector know this too. And that's not to make it sound like the ATP is a throw away rating or that is should not be taken seriously but it helps me take the pressure off myself.

I should have clarified that I am not nervous about an inspector observing the DE in general, but this specific inspector knows me from the past and we butted horns on a few issues back when I was doing civilian instruction. I said some dumb things I should not have and got an a$$ chewing from the boss. Times are different now and IM not the same person I was then but ironically he shows up on one of my rides. As to the story of my buddy failing, Id refrain from saying he deserved to fail if you were not the one there. Of all the instructors Iv worked with ,military or civilian, this guy knew his shtuff very very well. But if a inspector is deadest on a pink slip from a specific DE then your fried no matter how good you are. Well Ill grin and bear it and let the chips fall where they may.. Thanks again fellas.

 

[bobbysamd]

FAA kibitzing

I second the others. The fed is really giving the designee a check. Moreover, if I understand correctly, there will be no charge for your practical. Just be prepared and do your thing. It'll be good for your politics, too.

 

[Flechas]

If you know your material, whats the big deal? If your friend failed, it's because he deserved it. Not to blow my own skirt up, but when I took my CFI ride with the Orlando FSDO (which is notorious for 6+ hour or even 2 day orals, which I've known guys to get)... my oral was seriously like 1.5 and same for the flight. If you know your stuff, then you've got nothing to worry about no matter who gives the ride.

who was your inspector? i did it at the orlando FSDO too and my ride was the same as yours, but for CFII initial.

 

[Vavso]

my experience ..

had a 709 ride with one ( after flight school was investigated ) and it was anti climatic. Take a deep breath and do your best They are humans like you and I Good luck Vavso

 

[PA-44Typed]

A new DP asked me the same question. I was not too thrilled at the idea, but the check ride was going to be free. After asking a very experienced CFI (30+ years), I decided not to do it. I knew that I would be nervous anyway, and if the FED was there, it would be worse. The check ride probably would have been the same, but I know that I would be more nervous. I don’t think there would be any negative out come if you decide not to allow the fed to ride along.

 

[OnTheDole]

Don't be afraid of the FED, they're not there to watch you. Oh and you may need to confront the dredded FED for you initial CFI (if thats your plan) anyhow.

 

[cdog]

Our rides are normally about 2hrs. CAA observed during last one, it took 3.8hrs. Wasn't harder, just did alot of stuff that really wasn't applicable to our operation (these Brit guys can be real anal).