Upcoming CFI check ride

[need2AV8]

Since day one, I have viewed CFI's as these 'nearly perfect' pilots. Mentally, I guess I placed them on some sort of pedastal. Now that my CFI check ride is only a couple weeks away, I'm still not sure what to think of this check ride. Although I am very confident of my own abilities, I still don't compare with the impression I have of what a CFI is. Sorry if this sounds strange. Anyone out there remember feeling like that?

Also, I'm still not sure what to think of the initial CFI ride. I realize this is probably oversimplifying, but it seems like not much more than a commercial check ride with some teaching and a bit of FOI. Can anyone deny, confirm, or add comments to clarify?

Thanks for your comments

 

[bobbysamd]

CFI practical

It seems like not much more than a commercial check ride with some teaching and a bit of FOI . . . .

Yes, you are oversimplifying. Take your comments and multiply them times 100.

The CFI practical may well be the lengthiest and most intense practical test you will take. The flying may well be the easy part. The oral is a killer. Expect your examiner to spend at least three hours going over every aspect of the CFI PTS with a fine-tooth comb. One examiner I know of in Scottsdale customarily gives eight-hour orals. It isn't that she is hard; she goes over everything.

It is not just "a bit" of the FOI. The examiner will expect you to know the FOI forwards and backwards. You will be responsible for everything in the Aviation Instructor's Handbook. Then, when the examiner begins to hit on the knowledge aspects, you will have the opportunity to do well or dig your own grave. You would do the latter by smarting off to the examiner about your knowledge. Just answer only what it asked and give concise but thorough answers.

Maybe most importantly, review your PTS and make sure you have all the FAA pubs listed therein. Although you may like Kershner or others better, the FAA's way is the final word on what you must and/or how to teach it. Remember, teach the entire time you're with the examiner until he/she hands you your Temporary.

My advice is to focus on the CFI practical with as much seriousness as you can muster. Best of luck.

 

[Northern Lights]

Know your endorsements!!!
Know situations that require and endoresement, and also be able to find in Part 61 where it says that you need a particular endoresement.

 

[350DRIVER]

A good pilot who is PREPARED is never surprised during a checkride. The CFI initial is just another ride as long as you are prepared to the utmost and you know your stuff. I would know your regulations inside and out, know all endorsements, and most of all be able to "teach" anything out of the CFI PTS to the inspector since he/she will probably "play" student for a portion of the ride. Weather, adverse situations, abnormal operations, limitations, and aircraft performance was also a big portion of the oral as I remember it. I would also know your equipment very well that you will be using for the ride since the inspector is probably going to ask questions more indepth than any other ride that you have taken in the past. The inspector wants to make sure that you are able to "teach" safely and not let situations get out of hand so expect many scenario questions relating to probable situations that a newly minted CFI could expect in the instructing environment. I would also suggest that you don't offer "extra" information that is not asked of you during your oral. I had the not so brilliant idea of trying to impress the inspector by doing this and it almost cost me the ride- Fortunately I learned a valuable lesson and recovered before it was too late and passed on first attempt. ! !

Also, I'm still not sure what to think of the initial CFI ride. I realize this is probably oversimplifying, but it seems like not much more than a commercial check ride with some teaching and a bit of FOI. Can anyone deny, confirm, or add comments to clarify?

I think "some" teaching would be a understatement "alot" would sound better. Just remember during a commercial ride you are not tested at all on your ability to teach. The main objective of a CFI ride to to test the applicant's ability to s a f e l y teach so the difference of the two would be in the objective. The manuevers are pretty much the same and that would be about it between the two. Remember as a CFI you are now not only responsible for your own actions but also for those of your students.

Just relax, get a good night sleep and go in there with a positive attitude and you will be a CFI before you know it. !

C H E E R S

3 5 0

 

[flyhard]

An eight hour oral??????????? Right, I think I would ask for discontinuance after about four. Obviously there was something going on. The thing to remember is to be prepared that will ease your nerves. Also do not forget that it is YOUR checkride. And the most important thing is have fun. It is not impossibe, look at all the CFI's out there.

Good luck and flyhard.

 

[tinman]

My checkride in SoCal lasted 9 hours from start to finish, with very little time in between oral and flight. Talk about a LONG day! I was able to answer the questions right off the top, so as the oral went on more of his personal stories were injected in.

 

[Rvrrat]

An eight hour oral???????????

No b.s.; June covers Everything and if you so much as hickup during discussing the mechanics of a spin you'll demonstrate one.

 

[rumpletumbler]

My CFI practical was 13 hours long but did include about 45 minutes for lunch. It took me about two days to get to feeling human again.

RT