CFI Checkride Delay

[ShyFlyGuy]

I have a CFI student. I called the Fed 1.5 months ago and was told to call WHEN THE STUDENT WAS READY, then we would schedule a checkride. So I called yesterday and was told that our date would be September 20th! We have been doing two flights a day so that we could get him done in just over a month, and now the FAA has blown us off for another month. Is this normal??? This guy is my POI for the 135 operation I work for, so I don't want to piss him off, but I need this CFI for my company, and students are waiting for him (expecting him online this weekend). What are my options? Can I have him fly to another FSDO in another region?

Shy

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

It's more expensive, but there are a few DPEs in this world who do initial CFI rides. In Denver, where I became a CFI, the local FSDO was inundated with requests for initial rides and had a back-log of several months. Most CFI-candidates bit the $500 bullet and took a checkride with a DPE.

Food for thought.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

It's more expensive, but there are a few DPEs in this world who do initial CFI rides. In Denver, where I became a CFI, the local FSDO was inundated with requests for initial rides and had a back-log of several months. Most CFI-candidates bit the $500 bullet and took a checkride with a DPE.

So there are DPEs who can give the CFI checkride? How would I find a list of those who are eligible? I'm extremely interested. Hell, I'd even pay the kid's fee for the checkride. I just don't want to put up with this krap from the FAA.

 

[wiggsfly]

The best bet is to ask you local DPE. Although if you're in IL I might be able to give you a few suggestions.

 

[wmuflyguy]

Ask for a DPE...They will tell you which DPE's can do it. I paid 250bucks. A friend went with another DPE who charged 450. Just depends how much they can stick you for.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Sweet... I just talked to my PI at the FSDO and he said it was okay to go elsewhere. Anyone have any suggestions on cool examiners (FAA or DPE) in the midwest. We're in Northern Indiana but I'll have him travel if necessary. Thanks all.


Shy

 

[Matterhorn]

I've got a couple of cool ones in Utah, but that's kind of far for you.

 

[wiggsfly]

You could try LeLand Widick at SIU in Carbondale, IL (PM me for SIU's number). In Northern Illinois I believe Al Englehardt can do it but you'll probably need to call a Chicago area flight school for the number.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Thanks a million guys. You're all the best.

Shy

 

[FracCapt]

Apparently the DPE thing is working for ShyFlyGuy...but for the rest of you....food for thought....not all FSDO's(Actually, I should say not MANY FSDO's) allow you to do INITIAL CFI rides with whomever you choose. In most cases, you submit an app for an initial CFI ride, and they assign somebody. That's the way it worked for me 10 years ago, and that's the way it's worked at most FSDO's that I've sent guys for initial CFI rides with.

 

[wmuflyguy]

Apparently the DPE thing is working for ShyFlyGuy...but for the rest of you....food for thought....not all FSDO's(Actually, I should say not MANY FSDO's) allow you to do INITIAL CFI rides with whomever you choose. In most cases, you submit an app for an initial CFI ride, and they assign somebody. That's the way it worked for me 10 years ago, and that's the way it's worked at most FSDO's that I've sent guys for initial CFI rides with.

True, They assigned me to someone initially, but then they got busy and delayed it. I just asked if i could go with a DPE. The GRR FSDO is usually swamped with rides, so most people end up with te DPE.

 

[cale42]

I have been going through the exact same thing with my ride.. can't schedule w/o a signed 8710-1 and then it takes 4-5 weeks. In my case in the 4 weeks btw my signoff and the ride I couldn't afford to do much more training and I was rusty when I went in there and it showed. So after bombing that one, they wouldn't let me re-schedule w/o another signed 8710-1 form, so two weeks more of waiting and I can try again.


ShyFlyGuy.. what FSDO are you working with.. DPA or SBN? Neither are great for scheduling rides, but SBN generally has a better repuation. I don't beleive DPA is letting DPE's do initial rides even though they are nearly a month backed up, but I could be wrong. Feel free to PM for some more info on the Chicago DPE's I can fill you in some of them at least.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

ShyFlyGuy.. what FSDO are you working with.. DPA or SBN? Neither are great for scheduling rides, but SBN generally has a better repuation.

SBN... Tentatively, I've got him scheduled for a checkride tomorrow with a former WMU Examiner DPE.

 

[BoilerUP]

If you are in Northern Indiana, you might consider Larry Gross or Bernie Wulle at Purdue University. Both do CFI initial checkrides with a LOA. I did mine with Dan Keen in May 03, but he's a fed now out of IND FSDO.

I know I came into this late, but best of luck in scheduling this guy's ride. If you need CFIs so bad for your school you are willing to pay for their checkride, where do I sign up for that gig??? And no, I'm not joking, I am looking for a decent CFI job in Indiana.

[/friendly thread creep ]

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

He's scheduled with Don Goble in Battle Creek tomorrow. Thanks everyone, especially you, WMU. It should go off without a hitch. Any gouges for the ride with Don? I already have one from WMU, but any others would be greatly appreciated.

BoilerUP, if you're from the ASW area and still interested for the spring/summer '05, PM me. I'll be desperate for an instructor at that point for sure.

Yours,

Shy