Is this a bust or not?

[328dude]

Here's a question. You know how all apps ask you if you have ever failed a checkride? Well, luckily, I never did for my Pvt, Ins, Multi, Comm and ATP. But, I did bust my intital FO ride when I started with this company. Is that still considered a busted checkride even though I wasen't seeking a certificate or type and and no 8710 was required as was all the others?

Just curious.

 

[flx757]

I would say yes. Even though no certificate was issued or no 8710 was required, I believe they are asking about any checkride...including those required under Part 121 or 135.

The results of these checkrides would be avaible to any airline that requested your records from your previous employers under the PRIA. I would be honest about anything that happened and attempt to show how and what you learned from this incident, and that you have a solid pass record in all checkrides since.

 

[Dieterly]

Even if you did bust one, what's the big deal???

 

[*42*]

If the question specifically asks if you busted an FAA check ride, it looks like you can say NO. If this is an application for an airline job, you need to disclose failing any job-related training, and they will do a background check to verify what you say.

The purpose of the check ride background check is to protect passengers from a bad pilot. Years ago, pilots at the controls of several regional airline accidents had come to the regional airlines after getting FIRED for busting LOTS of check rides at other airlines. Now airlines do extensive background checks on your flight training history so they can prevent this from happening again.

The chief pilot where you used to work will get a 10 page form to fill out that specifically asks if you ever failed any training at that place. Looks like you already know the answer. Perhaps you could call him to find out what he will say so you can understand how negative it will be. Who knows, maybe he liked to bust everyone when they came in for initial training, sort of a technique to get them off their high horses.

Last year, I remember reading an article in AOPA Flight Training magazine about what NOT to do in a regional airline interview. It specifically addressed this issue and gave some tips on how to handle busted check rides so you might want to read it.

 

[chperplt]

The purpose of the check ride background check is to protect passengers from a bad pilot. Years ago, pilots at the controls of several regional airline accidents had come to the regional airlines after getting FIRED for busting LOTS of check rides at other airlines.

Actually, the DC9 crash in Detroit many years ago (1987) was the root cause of PRIA. The FO on that trip was the FP. Not to mention that the flaps weren't set correctly, the FO over rotated a wee bit which didn't help the problem. The airplane struggled to fly, hit a light pole in a parking lot, crashed, and I think one little 3 or 4 month old girl survived. Anyway, it was later determined that this FO had been let go by two or three other airlines for poor performance. He had a long history of over rotation problems and a general poor performance history. No one ever knew because there were no laws (PRIA) requiring airlines to divulge info. Now there are....

NTSB Identification: DCA87MA046

 

[Dieterly]

What about AE J-31 crash in Raleigh-Durham, it was after that accident, background checks was started. But that's right, you are a ERU grad so you must know.

 

[chperplt]

But that's right, you are a ERU grad so you must know.

If that was a jab at me for being a graduate of Riddle, it was a very bad one.