FSDO Checkrides

[minitour]

I've heard that checkrides through the FSDO are free? Do they do rides for other than initial CFI certificates? I'm specifically looking at CSE, CME (add-on), CFI, CFII(add-on). Any reports?

Thanks!

-mini

 

[C425Driver]

Yes, checkrides at the FSDO are free. I believe that they can do almost any rating. I did my ATP ride and a few Part 135 rides at the FSDO. No problems, great people to work with at the BDL FSDO. If you call your local FSDO they can give you more details.

C425Driver

 

[bigD]

FSDO checkrides are indeed free, but your experience will depend entirely on the particular FSDO that you're dealing with. Around here, you're looking at 3 weeks minimum to get a checkride, and they won't schedule it until you fax them a signed 8710, your logbook endorsements, and the flights that show that you've done the training. If you get weathered out, it'll be another couple of weeks.

I hear good stories about some FSDO's, but if yours is anything like mine, I'd call a DE.

 

[yzf6]

Around here, you're looking at 3 weeks minimum to get a checkride

About the same here, and that's for the CFI.. I don't think they do too many pvt, inst, or comms.

 

[Mach1]

I don't think our local FSDO is willing to do any other checkflights besides the CFI, you'd have to check.

 

[qmaster3]

I don't think our local FSDO is willing to do any other checkflights besides the CFI, you'd have to check.

They work for the people. Do you pay taxes?

Mini,

When I asked my CFI he said it takes forever to get the appointment.

 

[bigD]

The other thing to remember is that it's possible (again, depending on the FSDO) the FAA is going to have an airworthiness person look over the airplane before you take your checkride. Of course, since we *always* fly perfect airplanes, this shouldn't be an issue, but it's something to think about.

As an example, a buddy of mine took a plane down to our local FSDO for a CFI ride, only to have it grounded because the nose strut was only showing 2" - when in the mind of the examiner it needed something like 4". Not only did the examiner ground the plane (forcing him to find a ride home), he told my friend that he should be lucky that they didn't violate him for flying an unairworthy plane to begin with.

I guess my point is that the ride itself brings a certain amount of anxiety with it already - no need to add what's essentially a ramp check to it as well.

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

I found the experience pretty pleasant and free
I luv free

the fed was a good sport, unlike the nazi DEs I've gone with

 

[Metro752]

I remember a buddy who was flying out of GYY, and had to go to FWA to take his CFI checkride.

He got there, and the examiner sent him home claiming that one of the main gear had lacked the desirable amount of tread.

 

[bigD]

I found the experience pretty pleasant and free
I luv free

the fed was a good sport, unlike the nazi DEs I've gone with

Yeah, that's the thing. Your mileage is gonna vary - even between examiners at the same FSDO.

mini - talk to some locals that have taken rides at your FSDO and see what they say. You might have a good one.