� Q: I am concerned about taking checkrides and how any failures might derail my career. How can I avoid becoming a checkride casualty?—Anson
� A: I don’t know of any airline that does not ask the potential employee about checkride history and pass/fail rates. One bust in the past is not usually a deal breaker. Own up to the failure and describe what you learned. Two failures might not go so well, unless you can point to a recent ATP or type rating test that you passed with flying colors.
The practical test track record has gained more importance since the Colgan crash in 2009. Much was made about the captain’s test failure rate and—right or wrong—the innuendo is that overall competence, or lack of it, was somehow a factor indicated by those failures. A couple of strategies for you: Read the bimonthly “Checkride” column in this magazine. Examiner Bob Schmelzer has lots of wisdom. Review and understand the PTS. You would be amazed at the number of applicants who never dig into the PTS to know what’s in store.
Have your instructor set you up for a mock checkride with another solid instructor whom you don’t know. He should make it as real as possible. You will be required to demonstrate your skill to a stranger, which replicates the actual testing situation.
Get to know the examiner well before the test. Ask your CFI to introduce you to that DPE when an opportunity presents itself. Most are decent human beings who are very approachable. Most examiners do not relish the idea of issuing the dreaded notice of disapproval.
A professional CFI is the key to this entire certification process. That instructor will ensure you are well-prepared. Rely on the CFI’s judgment. The instructor should take pride in the pass rate and should not recommend you for the test until the confidence level is high.
Related Articles
