Examiner Reveals the 5 Most Common Checkride Mistakes!

What are the most common mistakes that students make on the check ride? Watch this video to find out the 5 biggest Mistakes this Designated Pilot Examiner Sees.
Chapters:
14:39 - Airworthiness
19:50 - Short Field Landings
28.22 - Failure to do Clearing Turns
33:40 - Emergency Procedures
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[@chltmdwp]

14:39 - Airworthiness 19:50 - Short Field Landings 28:22 - Failure to do Clearing Turns 33:40 - Emergency Prodcedures

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you so much for doing this! I’ll pin your comment and copy these into the description!

[@toddalligood5891]

As a student pilot I appreciate the time and effort you put in to sharing your experience and helping people like me Josh. This was a great insight to what my DPE will be looking for. Keep it up please!

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome Todd! Thanks for watching!

[@mikeryan6277]

I hope my DPE is like this guy he seems to have a relaxing presence. DPE’s are like a box of Chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get.

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂 fact

[@SirSiegrist]

No kidding. I have some colorful language to describe mine for sure.

[@rinzler9775]

Especially if they are in a bad mood with a hangover.

[@grayrabbit2211]

@@SirSiegrist The local CFIs have similar language to describe the local ones here. It bothers me that there aren't more DPEs.

[@SirSiegrist]

@@grayrabbit2211 no kidding, mine was well known to be a little too much, but I believe he's the only one or one of two who operate around whete I am.

[@JohnR767400]

Definitely enjoyed this content as a CFI CFII MEI AGI IGI; 13 year USAF Pilot and currently a 27 year B767ER Pilot. I am binging all pilot certificates from Private to CFII. My goal is to be a DPE by the end of 2025.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks! So cool! What you fly for the AF?

[@keenanmackey3694]

Thank you so much for these videos! They have been a big help to me during all my training. I just passed my checkride a few hours ago.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Congrats! You’re welcome! So glad they helped you!

[@GravitiesNemesis]

Your free courses have been such a support to my Private Pilot training. Thank you for all you do to help us, not only pass, but to be safer pilots. Kudos to you, my fellow Oklahoman! ;)

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank Clint! That means a lot! I’ve been surprised at how many viewers I’ve had from Oklahoma

[@misfittoytower]

Every time KZbin puts this video in my suggestions, the thumbnail makes me laugh. I love it.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Lol, I thought it’d be funny to do that. No one else wanted to be in my thumbnail 😆

[@misfittoytower]

@@FreePilotTraining I'm glad because it is perfect!

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂

[@curryblackwell1769]

I feel like I know you, Josh… Just passed my PPL Checkride….meet months of pretty intense training, and literally hundreds of hours of watching your videos. And I’m a midlife guy at that. 🤓Your videos are off the charts helpful!. Keep up the good work you’re doing a great service to current and future pilots.🛩️🛩️😎

[@FreePilotTraining]

Congratulations and thank you so much! I will definitely continue to make these vids! I really appreciate that!

[@LifeWithMatteo]

Thanks for this! Checkride in 3 days. This helped me feel so much more relaxed and confident

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@stephenyoungblood3683]

Appreciate the picture of prayer in the background!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks! It’s a good one!

[@braer240]

I spent my first 22 hours with an instructor that had me always do power off approaches, it was such a hard habit to break when I moved to a new CFI

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yeah, I can imagine. They’re fun to do, but that’s not always the best solution

[@dylanhenry2181]

to answer the dpe question at 31:32 student pilots often ask if you want them to do clearing turns because of the amount of stage checks they have been on instructors will more than likely say no to that because they want to rush through the flight to get home instead of doing clearing turns and given that most student pilots don't think in terms of them being pic but they think of pleasing whoever is in the right seat if that makes since. given that i wish it was taught a different way but it will always be that way unless you have instructors that take you outside your comfort zone instead of telling you what they want or rushing due to external factors but instead put you in positions to use critical thinking. also sorry for my grammar not the sharpest tool in the shed. appreciate your vids keep it up

[@FreePilotTraining]

That is a great point. Seems like there’s quite a bit of rushing that goes on during training

[@klasmova2771]

I watched this with perfect timing!! My checkride is next week and I feel way better after watching this video and some of the DPE interpretations. I think it’s vitally important to follow the ACS by the book because ultimately every DPE is different with their standard and subconscious choices, so having this foundation will greatly increase pass rate!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@jaredstrandBazooka]

Great video guys, thanks for providing content that helps bring the key element of aviation to the forefront of the conversation, safety.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks Jared! I appreciate that

[@KH-wf7bq]

So appreciative for this video.. extremely informative 💯

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks!

[@nathanwhitechurch3769]

Love the content man, thank you guys so much!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you! That means a lot!

[@dwighttaylor5107]

Amazing video thanks you both.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks Dwight!

[@AR-wd8wy]

Super informative session and good detailed explanation. Thanks Josh & Seth. Appriciate your contribution to the aviation community.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! So glad you found this useful!

[@colebarnes9192]

Great video, appreciate the time and effort !

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you!

[@VincentVazquezRealEstate]

absolutely LOVED this one. not redundant and entertaining throughout.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you!

[@harold7142]

Thanks for another great video.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching

[@tingzhong8243]

Excellent guys. Especially emergency procedures.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you!

[@strikeanywhere2981]

Awesome interview! Thank you for the links, too.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you! You’re welcome! Glad you found this useful

[@strikeanywhere2981]

This was so good -- I took a lot of notes.

[@user-dm2rq3le5p]

Thank you for a great reminder to have your emergency procedures memorized!

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@jaym2084]

This is really a great video and much appreciated. I watched a couple of your other videos, with your father-in-law, and now I have subscribed looking forward to future info!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks for the sub! Glad to have you around!

[@TheMyrakkel]

This is amazing!….and just in time for check ride prep! I Keep feeding the hungry, love this channel! Thanks Josh, and thanks for leading me to Seth’s channel.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks Jack! I’m so glad you found this helpful!

[@John-lj7ti]

Did you pass?

[@TheMyrakkel]

@@John-lj7ti Still prepping, revisiting emergency procedures and stalls

[@kasm10]

Wow thanks for this. I can’t wait to dive in to your and Seth’s channels and get proficient

[@FreePilotTraining]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@lonhaenel3030]

Awesome. Great tips. Great areas to focus as I get ready for my PAR checkride!

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@Kiks-Wisdom-sotto]

very good information.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you!

[@Flyinghorus381]

Wonderful episode

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks!

[@ernomma1518]

Thx from a student pilot! PPL very soon! 🙌🙌🙌

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@matthewrammig]

I’m already subscribed to this channel but I’m immediately going over to subscribe to Seth’s channel. You guys gave some fantastic insight here. Thanks so much!

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Yeah, Seth’s really been producing some good content lately! Maybe I can make some more videos with him soon

[@agoogler1887]

Good program 🤓

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks!

[@sameeralazawee7524]

Thank you

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@paulhilliard3774]

Awesome and informing video. I am a Pilot in training and the DPE's comments regarding the check ride was spot on......thank you

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks Paul!

[@fredericklyon2006]

Thanks for the tips. It sounds to me like the two key factors for doing a good checkride is to: 1) know your aircraft and 2) remember that you are pilot-in-command with the person flying with you as basically a passenger. Plus the core reflexes of aviate-navigate-communicate when performing manuvers.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! That’s exactly right!

[@sirkreitz4484]

Thank you for sharing! This is also very helpful. 6 more hours ~ and I’ll be working on that solo check as well. Still need to build my confidence in slips.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching

[@mikecoffee100]

Enjoyed and Learned alot the Examiner doesn't realy want to fail you

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome!

[@pejmanjavaheri9758]

Thank you very much for this content! I was looking for the link you mentioned, but I don’t see one. I appreciate your help

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Oops. Sorry. Which link are you referring to? Ill get that to you and get that in there. It’s thought to keep up with all of those

[@kennettbivens6921]

As a new student I appreciate videos like these

[@FreePilotTraining]

Awesome! Thanks for the comment!

[@Fiftyx60]

Another great video! You mentioned flying C130s. Ever train at the AATTC at KSTJ in St. Joe, MO? That's where I fly, so I'm spoiled, landing my little 172 on an 8,500 foot runway.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thank you! Yes, I’ve flown into St. Joe a few times and landed on their LZ out there. It’s a nice area

[@Fiftyx60]

@@FreePilotTraining thanks for the videos, and thank you for your service!

[@patrickglosson1147]

I keep watching these videos hoping one day I will actually make it to a checkride. Everything is on hold right now but I should be well informed when I finally make it.. have a great day

[@FreePilotTraining]

It will be here before you know it! Just keep working!

[@joshuahunter2825]

32:26 I was told for each maneuver we needed a clearing turn. So to go to slow flight, clearing turn. In slow flight, now doing stall in slow flight. Need to do a clearing turn in slow flight before stall in slow flight. Slow flight is one maneuver and stall in slow flight is another. I only need the minimum 3 hours prep for checkride and then I take my oral and practical checkride.

[@josiahnaraidu1859]

Thank You for all the important Info and I am a student Pilot about to take and PASS my check-ride and go to ATP to finish up my instrument, Commercial, and multi licenses and then my goal is to fly for American Airlines Thank You And God Bless You Guys!!🙏🏽😇❤️🔜👨🏽‍✈️

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Good luck on that checkride!

[@JeffMorrisonAdventures]

Are the cliff notes available?

[@tonyjohnson8036]

Thank you very informative, I appreciated the emergency checklist items this was very helpful. I plan on using ForeFlight for my check ride in 6 days do you have this ready yet? It would be greatly appreciated.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! The link should be in the description of the video.

[@SirSiegrist]

My examiner didn't let me use any navigational tools like foreflight, and it sucked because I was using it in training. Hopefully yours lets you

[@TheBrennan90]

@@SirSiegrist that's weird. They should let you use any avaliable info including electronic flight bags. I have always had forflight in my checkrides but have had a dpe ask for a couple of points done with the e6b so he could see I knew how.

[@SirSiegrist]

@@TheBrennan90 yeah, he was a bit of a prick to say the least.

[@DIYMAN]

@@SirSiegrist that is not right. It is legal to use in flight, they should have allowed you to use it. I understand if they want you to show how you got your information on the Nav log, but that’s about it

[@ShawnHamm]

DPE is 100% wrong saying people being nervous with him = nervous outside checkrides. People get nervous under the watchful eye of examination.

[@LordBLocKeN]

Sometimes thats right sometimes thats wrong not 100%

[@sammalone4988]

That’s for this vid. I am still a number of hours from the checkride but will save this video for the future. Question if you are still responding to the video: If the DPE does indicate an emergency can the PIC ask the DPE to act as a copilot and read out the checklist while the PIC flies the plane and conducts the tasks in the checklist? To demonstrate good CRM? Or is DPE considered “ hands off” during the checkride?

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! You are welcome to try it, but every DPE is different so I would t recommend relying on that for your check ride. I would always plan for the worst case scenario

[@marcfrancechi336]

Thanks!

[@FreePilotTraining]

No problem!

[@georgehardie2016]

It would have nice to hear this dpes bio like how many hours he has when he got his ppl and what made him be a dpe etc

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s a great idea. I hope to work with Seth in a few episodes in the future. Maybe we can ask him about that when we do

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

I am a student pilot getting close to checkride and I do make mistakes on every flight. Nothing unsafe but little mistakes like a botched radio call or exceed a tolerance. Maybe a little high on approach but I fix it or maybe a little fast but I fix it. Maybe I put the last flaps in to early. Short Field landing looks to be a bit challenging. My CFI says I have to nail it on the first time. No go around aloud.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Not true. I went around on my short field as a CFI and passed with flying colors. It mainly depends on the DPE

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

@@FreePilotTraining The ACS allows for a Go around if you know you are going to be out of tolerance. Ref. Task F. Short Field. Hope I get a DPE that is fair with me.

[@Bigfoot46555]

As a current ground school student, we have just barely been introduced to the E6B "whiz wheel" in class. I brought my electronic E6B to class with me only to hear the instructor tell me something like, "yeah, those are nice, but you'll HAVE TO know how to use the wheel for your tests". The FAA seems to indicate that on the knowledge test an electronic E6B is allowed, but it seems unclear when it comes to the practical test if they're "disallowed". As a CFI, or maybe your guest could chime in on this seeing he's an examiner, are only the manual E6B allowed for the practical test, or is this a subjective thing that some examiners will and some won't allow the use of an electronic E6B during the exam? It seems the topic is more opinion filled that fact based.

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’m pretty sure Seth allows them. As far as I know, there’s nothing that says you can’t use them. They may tell you “your battery is dead…now what?” There’s also nothing that says you need to know how to use a whiz wheel, but you definitely need to be able to calculate time/fuel/distance. I like the 60 to 1 rule. That is what the whiz wheel is based on. You can do all the same math on a calculator or in your head if you are smarter than me. Lol. Eventually, I’m going to make a video on the whiz wheel. I’m currently working on a weather video, and it’s taking a lot of my attention

[@MikeEmersontv]

I just took the faa written test last Saturday and used an electric E6B, sounds like your instructor needs to get with the times

[@andrewq1876]

Is the DPE a passenger or badically not there? Like he sees flames can I have him read the checklist while I aviate/navigate or just do it all myself?

[@FreePilotTraining]

He’s basically a passenger. In a real emergency, the checkride will most likely end and he should help you get the plane safely on the ground

[@oldironsides3992]

Something I have noticed while learning about piloting and pilot training, yall use a shit ton of acronyms while talking. Lol, I can't wait to join the acronym warriors 😆. Thanks for all your videos, they are catching me up with the jargon.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Yes we do use lots of acronyms! 😂 you’ll get it! Thanks for watching! See you in the next one

[@atg197]

I would say the power off approach does make a pilot safer in the future, because piston engines fail. Just look at the 205 engine out video. He has to circle down 2500 feet dead stick. I would argue that practicing this is likely to improve your odds of doing it successfully after an engine failure.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Thanks for the comment! I completely agree, it’s important to practice power off operations, but replacing “normal approaches” with power off approaches is not the way to go

[@dman0044]

Don't/shouldn't planes have the start up/shutdown check list? Commercial airline have a way to put out engine fire from the cockpit?

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes they do. Commercial airline fire suppression systems are a little more complicated than the old training aircraft though.

[@dareallyst]

I noticed in your GPS video that you showed a sectional of the Little Rock area, are you based out of Arkansas? I’m in Arkansas 😀

[@FreePilotTraining]

I fly for the AF reserves out of Little Rock. Great area!

[@dareallyst]

@@FreePilotTraining NIce! I’m from the central AR area, left for 7 years in the Navy (aviation electrician) and now currently reside in central AR. I started flight lessons in High school back in 94 but never finished. I’m now preparing to resume and complete it spring of 2023.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@dareallyst that’s awesome!

[@chin801]

Can we have one for CFI candidates …, I have no clue what to expect for my check-ride

[@FreePilotTraining]

I’ll have to talk with Seth. We’re already talking about making one for the Instrument check ride

[@123MineMan321]

@@FreePilotTraining I would love to see an instrument episode!

[@EarthAmbassador]

The real question about go arounds is if you can do them on the power off 180? Luckily I've nailed both of mine on commercial and CFI check rides. I have heard people say that you can, but that seems to completely ignore the purpose of the maneuver.

[@FreePilotTraining]

You can. The DPE is going to recognize that it was sound pilot judgement. In a real engine out, you have a lot more runway to aim for.

[@EarthAmbassador]

@@FreePilotTraining That is of course assuming you lose your engine near a runway, and have the luxury of not having to put it down in a confined area.

[@undercoverattorney0001]

I'm starting my pilot journey so, please excuse this question. Around 10:55 mark, the DPE talks about a student having flying hours that are not covered by the 90 day endorsement. I'm not understanding that. Can someone explain this a bit more? Thanks 😊

[@FreePilotTraining]

No problem. That could happen if the 90 day solo endorsement expired and the student made solo flights after it expired. Those hours would no be legal to use as the solo hours you need for the checkride

[@figueroaesq8745]

@@FreePilotTraining DANG! Thanks so much for the prompt reply!

[@desmit6]

From the emergency procedure section, I have a funny training story.. about 25-30 hours in I brought a friend to ride backseat which instructor ok’d obviously… desert area of Arizona, he pulled power at roughly 3000agl. We’d done this many times before. Trim, find a spot, checklist etc. Then he threw “Brief your passenger “ at me which I’d gotten totally complacent on on flying with only him. I did that and told px it was a drill, nothing to worry about. Found my spot to land…and we kept descending until we got so low I actually thought “he’s gonna make me put this down on this dirt road (private P61). I had briefed backseat that in an emergency landing to use the empty duffel bag for my gear to cover his face at landing. We got low enough and CFI said “You got it “ so I powered up. But made very low RPM. I pointed to the tach and without missing a beat,CFI turned to backseat and said “you might not want to put that bag away just yet”. Man his eyes were the size of dinner plates. Well engine powered up (slightly shock cooled likely) and we drove off. This was early 90s and bit more old school but him taking me down to a couple hundred feet AGL off field was something I’ll never forget.

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂 that’s hilarious. Great story

[@user-dq3sy4et8f]

Was wondering who DPE accountable to? I have been watching many sites. Do you and should you have to impress them? If you are trained properly, you should know the answers, however I have encountered fellow students who have had to answer about planes they have never flown or on instruments they have never encountered on checkrides as a PPL, who monitors DPE? Why would they ask questions beyond the scope of PPL? Engines they are are not familiar with or flying on the check ride? Please help. Thank you.

[@FreePilotTraining]

They are accountable to the FAA. They must follow the Airman Certification Standards. If they don’t, they may not be a DPE too long

[@drbooo]

Cardinal in a headwind needs a little power.

[@matthewrush3976]

for the record, those seals just couldn't find the flight recorder is what I heard. then messed up the controlled Det.

[@khail58]

Wonderful content! Thank you to you both. About a month out from my Checkride. One thing that I do feel is bologna is the concept that the DPE is your first passenger. I get the sentiment but they are directly giving you orders in addition to deciding your fate after months or years of hard work so the weird response on some maneuvers where the DPE says, “I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♂️, I’m just a simple passenger.” Well, of course we’re going ask you questions and second guess ourselves and we may technically be the PIC but if Chuck Yeager was riding co-captain and you’re technically PIC are you really PIC? 😂

[@FreePilotTraining]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching! Yeah, I agree that the DPE relationship with the student can be weird and seemingly unfair. That’s why I like Seth Lake so much. I took my CFI checkride with him and made some minor mistakes, but he gave me some great feedback throughout the flight which I am still using today, so you can still learn from a good DPE and pass your checkride at the same time.

[@khail58]

@@FreePilotTraining Thanks again for the stellar content. I’ve mentioned it several times on the Student Pilot group on FB. Keep up the great work!

[@DIYMAN]

@@khail58 you’re welcome! I appreciate that!

[@joshuahunter2825]

I thought the first two of any emergency is airspeed and best field A B then C is checklist. Maybe not but atleast I'll be in best glide slope when I am looking at the checklist

[@FreePilotTraining]

That is a good way to look at it

[@highendaudio]

So he’s saying if you did a normal landing with 3 red, one white on the papi’s, that’s a fail? If so, for normal, short field or both?

[@FreePilotTraining]

No, he’s just saying that technically you should be using them in controlled airspace

[@LxTxSURGE]

Not sure if I should go airplane or helicopter???

[@FreePilotTraining]

I wanted to go helicopter really bad when I first started, but I have loved every second flying a fixed wing aircraft

[@robert_iadanza]

We're gonna run out of fuel eventually. Classic.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Lol

[@n7565j]

Back when I was taught, a powered approach would get you thrown off the airport!!! You were to ALWAYS be within gliding distance of the airport while at pattern altitude... 🙂

[@FreePilotTraining]

I actually agree with this, BUT that doesn’t mean your normal approaches should be made without power

[@braininavatnow9197]

Power off approach ensures that you can make the runway if the power goes off.... Which in a single engine airplane can happen at any time without warning. A C130 has four engines. Obviously in the real world it's a compromise and risk management comes into play.

[@user-jh5fm7ci6o]

That's right, you can not mess up with the DPE because my Dad will make me even more nervous. So I better be able to do all of maneuvers in my sleep.

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂

[@aviatortrucker6285]

I think the reason most, students are trained with a power off approach is because it gives confidence to a student, the ability to learn how to land the plane should his engine fail. Obviously you can’t land a 737 with a power off approach. Not unless you’re Captain Sully.

[@FreePilotTraining]

😂 very true. It’s good to practice power off approaches, but maybe not do them all the time

[@rinzler9775]

I dont know where this whole "power off approach" idea came from - unless somebody is flying a glider. I've been taught from day one to use power as required to adjust glideslope.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Idk where it came from either but I didn’t even know it was a thing until I started getting a ton of comments on my landing videos saying that “normal approaches” should not be made with power

[@rinzler9775]

@@FreePilotTraining I will remember the power off then for the day I need to do a "normal" approach - which hasn't happenned yet - almost always have a crosswind. Maybe the concept comes from not getting in a bad habbit of "too low" approaches, thus always relying on power to get you over the line.

[@rinzler9775]

Everybody knows the engine fire emergency procedure is shut off the fuel, and if you are a multi engine bomber in a WWII movie you do a steep dive to put out the flames.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Lol

[@alanmawson9601]

And you have to pull the yoke with all your might, with gritted teeth!

[@StaticJA]

It’s unfortunate that students get the short end of the stick due to bad cfis.

[@FreePilotTraining]

It is! But there are bad students too

[@hvacmike1175]

Does the examiner have a KZbin channel?

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes he does! Check him out here: kzbin.info

[@Romanellochw]

I'll bet soup to nuts the disapproval maneuver was forward slip to land. That's an intimidating and not well prariced move.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Students definitely don’t practice it like they should

[@Romanellochw]

@FreePilotTraining it was intimidating to me at first but when I realized it was as close to flying upside down as I'll ever get it became the most fun thing I can do in a plane. I do it whenever I can 🤣

[@arnulfo_chaidez]

There’s no secrets

[@FreePilotTraining]

Not anymore 😏

[@petrairene]

Mmh, if the engine is on fire, immediately turning off the fuel seems to me the most logical thing to do, in any type of plane that can glide....

[@FreePilotTraining]

Very true

[@aviatortrucker6285]

I learned at a very early point that the DPE is nothing more than your first passenger. If you fly the plane like a pilot and demonstrate you know what you were doing you should have no problem. I remember my private pilot checkride which I did not pass the first time because of weather. We shouldn’t have gone because it was getting kind of windy and a front was coming through. I did everything well until I demonstrated a soft field landing. While in the flare, the wind shifted 80°, and I basically dropped from my flare and the aircraft began to porpoise. The examiner grabbed the controls and told me to head back to the airport. As you may or may not know if an examiner has to take control of the aircraft for reasons other than him, saying, I want to show you something, my aircraft, you will basically not pass your check, ride. During my commercial exam, the examiner asked if he could have the controls to demonstrate something and I let him do so. He showed me turns on a point at 90° because he is a rated aerobatic pilot. He told me don’t try this at home and to resume to check ride. I was totally amazed, the outcome, I passed.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s tough, but I bet that’s a lesson you will always carry with you. My best lessons are the ones I learned the hard way

[@N617A]

“If you’re nervous with a DPE you’re gonna be nervous in the real world.” Not to argue with a DPE but that isn’t true. Some people actually do have severe test anxiety and will white knuckle a test that they ordinarily would have no problem with.

[@drbooo]

SERIOUSLY KNOW YOUR DENSITY ALTITUDE

[@FreePilotTraining]

💯

[@topofthegreen]

Don't show up with fore flight, failed on the ground.

[@FreePilotTraining]

That’s frustrating! That should not have failed you

[@ChristopherYounger]

Yeah, that's not cool. My DPE was very accepting of *planning* with Foreflight and I backed that up showing I knew the manual skills taught in ground school. He did also fail my iPad 5 mins into the practical and I had to fall back to sectional and navlog. So there's that.

[@FreePilotTraining]

@@ChristopherYounger that’s good to know

[@fileoffish1403]

You failed just because you planned on using foreflight? Some DPEs are nuts…

[@Mobev1]

This is great and all but 50 minutes? I didn’t even study for more than 50 minutes and passed no problem.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Congrats!

[@drexplordinaire]

I don't like this dpe

[@FreePilotTraining]

To each his own, but I think he’s a great guy

[@regionalflyer]

My one checkride failure in 24 years of flying with 16 in the airlines was on the short field landing. Please, anyone watching/reading this, go around if it looks bad.

[@FreePilotTraining]

Yes! Go around!