DPE Question...

[stearmann4]

I recently had a friend (seriously, it wasn't me) who took his PVT exam with a DPE in is own taildragger. He didn't perform the oral to standard, and was pink-slipped, and re-scheduled for another attempt a month or so later. The DPE canceled, then re-scheduled again. A few days prior to the re-scheduled exam, the DPE called the applicant and said too much time had elapsed, so he would have to begin the entire oral again, as well as pay another $350.

It's been awhile since I took an exam with a DPE, and I don't have the resources to research this right now. If memory serves, if you fail a portion of an exam, the examiner reserves the right to re-check you on just the failed portion. Also, most examiners I've dealt with didn't charge another fee for follow on exams. Do I just have poor memory, or is this common examiner practice?

Mike-

 

[two-12sfernow]

I am not sure about the time issue but the examiners around here charge a re-exam fee that is pro-rated by the extent of the exam to be repeated.
Makes for a lot of comments about the examiners finances affecting your chances of a first time pass.

It seems fair enough to charge something for each attemp but a restart seems a bit harsh. I wouldn't be bashful about checking with the local FSDO on test standards/protocals for examiners.

 

[Steve Pierce]

I failed the oral due to not knowing airspace around victor airways. Weather turned to poop also and we couldn't fly anyway. Had to have my instructor sign my log book that we went over victor airways and I was asked just about what I missed and we flew. No additional charge or wait.

 

[Taledrger]

It's been awhile since I had Examiner authority but it used to be that you where only required to be retested on the portion of the oral that you did not complete satisfactorily ..... HOWEVER..... if 45 days has elapsed since you tested and you have not done the practical test (flight test) your oral or any part of it expires and you must start the process all over again. The fact that the examiner was unable to do the retest has no bearing on the rule.
A DPE should have explained that when the pink slip was handed out as well as pointing out that the flight test must be completed in the specified time.
I think I'd find a new DPE.

 

[aktango58]

I would not have heartburn over the retest stuff. All is the same.

If the charge for the second test is the same as the first after it was the examiner's delay :evil: :evil:

 

[stearmann4]

Bob,

Your explanation sounds about in line with what occured. I also told him he should find another examiner. Problem is, he owns his own Citabria, and has done all his training in it. Apparently, even in the NW it's hard to find an examiner who can administer the check in a taildragger.

Thanks,

Mike-

 

[Steve Pierce]

I went through that with the FAA when I had to take a demonstration of ability check ride. The FAA check pilot wasn't tailwheel current and said he had to be so to do the check ride. After being put off for quite a while I checked into it and found that I a was PIC as a student pilot and he did not need a tailwheel endorsement. The day I did the check ride he wanted to do 3 take offs and landings to be current but decided against it after watching my feet during all the take-offs and landings. :lol: It was funny because afterwards he told me I should drop a wing instead of crabbing into the crosswind. I told him I could do either one, I was just more comfortable with the crab.

 

[d.grimm]

There are some bad examiners out there as there is in any other profession.
I think the instructor who signed him off should have checked the examiner out a little better.
As a instructor, I don't want a bust on my record either.

 

[redrooster]

Mike, a friend of mine is a Puget Sound area DPE, and also a very experienced tailwheel pilot. Email or PM me for her contact info if you're interested.

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