My Philosophy on Checkrides

Checkrides should be a learning experience (but not necessarily in the case of formal teaching). Everything should be done in accordance with the ACS/PTS. Perfection is not the standard. If you know what is in the standard and you perform to that standard, you will pass your checkride. That said, there are some things that are subjective. For example, on page A-9 of the Private Pilot ACS (June 2018), the words “consistently exceeds tolerances” and “Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded” are written. To me, that means that exceeding one tolerance in the ACS does not indicate a need to disapprove the applicant so long as the aircraft is brought back into tolerances “promptly”. Consistently is something that happens again, and again. Promptly means little or no delay…immediately. (Google Dictionary) Disapprovals are tough to write and not fun for either person involved. What they truly mean is that you need more training and/or that there were gaps in your knowledge/training. Examiners are checking your training program as well as the work of the CFI against the standard set forth by the FAA. The ACS/PTS is the prescribed MINIMUM standard. Issuance of your temporary airman certificate is a license to learn. As a DPE, I want every candidate to be successful and learn something.