CFI Pass rates around the Country. And are DPE's used?

[UndauntedFlyer]

I am curious what board members have heard about the CFI pass rates at various individual FSDOs. Could members please comment on this from what you have heard?

Also could board members comment if a particular FSDO uses only FAA inspectors with the test being done only at the FSDO or with DPE's and then done at their local airport.

Is the pass rate better or worse from the DPE's or the FSDO?

And finally, which FSDO do you think has the worst pass rate for initial CFI's.

Your comments are welcome and would be appreciated.

 

[LewisU_Pilot]

I heard the pass rate is pretty low on the initial pretty much everywhere. I heard if you are lucky enough to live in an area where you can use DPE's or you are placed with a DPE due to the FAA being to busy that the pass rate goes up. I did my initial with the scary DPA FSDO. I had heard horror stories and knew about 3-4 people who did not pass on their first attempt. The ones that did had 6-8 hour orals. 2-3 hour flights. I heard something around 95% fail rate there. I was thinking about going else where or what they call "FSDO SHOPPING", but heard about other FSDO's getting mad when people do this. I said screw it, lets just face the DPA FSDO. Well I passed on my first attempt and became part of the 5%. I talked with the FAA about the bad rep they have about failing. She explained to me that it is not the FSDO, but the students. Simply saying the students who come in are just not ready and they do not know the material. My oral lasted about 3.5 hours and flight about 1.5. Just know the PTS, make lesson plans and be prepared for anything. If you know your stuff you wont have any problems. They are not there to fail you.

 

[aviator1978]

Pass rates in SAT are probably around 40% first time. I passed my first time. My examiner told me the most common reason for failure were applicants who showed up thinking the CFI was going to be a re-hash of the commercial from the right seat. The way he put it, "I already know you can fly, you've passed your commercial ride. I want to know that you can teach. Now, what do I have to know to be a private pilot?"

That's how my oral went, very few direct questions. Lasted about 6 hours with a couple of breaks.

Flight was a little over 2 hours, with the examiner flying about 75% of the time, doing common student errors that I had to comment on. We did basically all the private and commercial manuevers.

Having lesson plans ready is an understatement. Some folks I know have done powerpoint presentations.

Best of luck

 

[RichardRambone]

I had a DPE for my CFI b/c the feds were too busy.

 

[cfdoubleeye]

Honolulu has a supposed 90% failure/discontinuance rate on initial CFI's.

However I have known several who passed and none who failed on 1st attempt to include myself. DPE's are doing the rides in HI and the one I used was very fair and through - I highly recommend using Mr Morikawa in the unlikely event you train in Hawaii.

Be ready to teach, and ready to look up everything needed for your own rating, and any rating for which you might EVER instruct in the FARS!

He has given me a record of 100% pass rate on all of my students (10 for 10), and isn't just giving away or pencil whipping ratings.

 

[SBD]

At my flight school the pass rate is relatively low. A lot of people forget it's not about what you know, it's can you teach it. Many folks have been busting on principles of flight lately. Like someone mentioned b4, they already know you can fly, now teach me. I passed first time but struggled on Endorsements, and certification of airmen.

 

[papanovember]

Spokane FSDO is about 66% fail on first the shot. I know one guy who failed twice with them and gave up. I know about 5 people who have passed first time with them. Our school has about a 90% pass rate for initial CFI applicants. I got to do mine with a DPE, and with the preperation I did, it was one of the easiest checkrides I've done.

There is a former DPE out of PSC that is no longer a DPE because he would fail people and then make them pay the whole fee over again the second time around.

 

[FlyinDude]

As far as I know, the only difference between FSDO and a DPE is that a DPE is allowed to give dual. If FSDO catches you busting a manuver before you do, they have to fail you. Of course if you catch it, you have the option of asking to redo it. A DPE has a lot more flexability when it comes to things like that. As long as you know your stuff it shouldn't be a problem. I took my ride with FSDO, the guy had on cowboy boots and jeans. A buddy of mine had his guy show up in a tie. Kinda the luck of the draw unless you can get the name of someone you know is good.

Also, FSDO is FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[LewisU_Pilot]

Also, FSDO is FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is the best part. I think DPE's charge 400-450 here. I knew a guy who went 4 times and failed. He had to pay every time. I don't think the full amount, but still it adds up.

 

[MauleSkinner]

... I talked with the FAA about the bad rep they have about failing. She explained to me that it is not the FSDO, but the students. Simply saying the students who come in are just not ready and they do not know the material. My oral lasted about 3.5 hours and flight about 1.5. Just know the PTS, make lesson plans and be prepared for anything. If you know your stuff you wont have any problems. They are not there to fail you.

There ya go...if applicants spent more time preparing for the checkride, and less time worrying about how to get the "easy" checkride, I bet the pass rate would be a LOT higher.

BTW...I was a "first time pass", with a DPE at a time when DPE's weren't allowed to do initials, period. There just weren't any FAA inspectors qualified within the region at the time.

Fly safe!

David