CFI - Letter of Discontinuance (sp?)

[tdvalve]

As one who used to conduct a lot of CFI checkrides, maybe I can explain why some orals take so long. Number 1, the CFI is the most important certificate issued by the FAA. A marginal CFI can create a chain of circumstances that results in negative effects for decades. Most examiners and inspectors will go to great lengths to ensure the applicant knows what he or she is doing. Number 2, the examiner must ask questions from each area of the PTS. You're not allowed to ask a few questions in a couple of areas and assume knowledge there will transfer to all other areas. You'd be amazed to hear the myths and misconceptions that some otherwise knowledgable applicants have accumulated. Number 3, and possibly the most pertinent, most examiners don't want to fail applicants. Therefore, when a weak applicant shows up, the oral exam becomes a teaching session that lasts until the examiner is comfortable with the applicant's knowledge level. Sure, this isn't the way it's supposed to work and the FAA seriously frowns on this. But, some examiners will routinely revert to being a teacher in order to avoid issuing a pink slip. I doubt that a prepared applicant will ever receive an 8 hour oral.

 

[surplus1]

Number 3, and possibly the most pertinent, most examiners don't want to fail applicants. Therefore, when a weak applicant shows up, the oral exam becomes a teaching session that lasts until the examiner is comfortable with the applicant's knowledge level. Sure, this isn't the way it's supposed to work and the FAA seriously frowns on this. But, some examiners will routinely revert to being a teacher in order to avoid issuing a pink slip. I doubt that a prepared applicant will ever receive an 8 hour oral.

That I can understand fully. I would not call what you describe an
"eight-hour oral". To me, that sounds like a two hour oral plus a six hour period of instruction. Generous on the part of the examiner and worthy of praise.

I have to wonder however, how does it reflect on the recommending instructor when the applicant needs six hours of instruction to get past a two hour oral? Why would instructors recommend applicants that are not prepared?

IMHO the whole system is upside down. We in fact have the most inexperienced people in the field "teaching" that which they barely know themselves. I know this is controlled by economics in that instructors aren't paid enough, in most cases, to attract experienced pilots to the field. Apparently it works, but it sure is different from other fields.

There's an old canard in this area that goes something like this: "Those who can do. Those who can't, teach and those who can't teach, teach teachers." I think than came from Dr. Milton Horowitz, but not sure. The sad part is that it's true in very many cases.

 

[UPS Capt]

Bluto

You're right on with the renewal process except for one thing. You cannot renew a CFI by adding a new instructor rating. You may only renew by passing a practical test for a rating already on your certificate.

Sure you can.

My CFI had expired years ago. I went to a local DPE and he gave me a MEI ride as an add-on which renewed all my previous instructor ratings.

 

[Bluto]

Read part 61. You cannot renew that way. Either the DPE was wrong, or the reg is printed incorrectly. Part 61 is very clear on this. It may have been this way in the past, however, you cannot renew this way anymore. How else can you interpret 61.199?

 

[gump88]

Read part 61. You cannot renew that way. Either the DPE was wrong, or the reg is printed incorrectly. Part 61 is very clear on this. It may have been this way in the past, however, you cannot renew this way anymore. How else can you interpret 61.199?

I renewed last year by getting the MEI added!! My DPE said it is done all the time.

To the original poster of this thread: You should have gotten a pink slip. The few DPEs that I know would have stopped the ride the second you started taxiing with thunderstorms approaching the field. It's much better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on the ground!

gump

 

[PHXAviator]

Reason it wasn't a pink slip

I need to clarify something...

When I say T-storms were approaching the area, I mean they had a little while to go before hitting the airport. About 1 hour. We were never in a position of danger.

In the not-so-exact words of the examiner, we would've been about halfway through the flying portion and would've had to wait it out until we could return.

I believe the examiner was just trying to save me money by not having me fly unnecessarily.

But I'm sure there are examiners who would find some little excuse to dole out a pink slip. It would've been questionable if my examiner had chosen to give me a pink slip.

I guess I'll provide the old addage: "You had to be there."

PHXAviator

 

[gump88]

Makes more sense now. Thanks for the clarification. Good luck on your flight test.

gump