CFI add ons FSDO only now?

[Roger Roger]

FSDO folks are like state troopers. Some of them are just jerks with a superiority complex, some of them are jerks because they've been dealing with the dregs of humanity for so long, and some of them are genuinely competent, knowledgeable people out to help keep us safe.

 

[KHanson]

Not true. I am personal friends with most of the safety inspections at my local FSDO. Fly with a few of them for pleasure flights. Get invited to their house parties as well. No reason you can't be friends with them.

A lot of FSDOs might be tough, but you can't say ALL of them are out to get you. The inspector I did my CFI initial with was one of the nicest people I've flown with.

Meh...I've met one of the ABQ FSDO guys. He seemed like a relatively normal human being and overall likeable guy.

I must be finding all the @$$hole inspectors, because if you can be friends with some of these degenerates at the local FSDO's, and a few from others around the midwest area, I'm seriously impressed. Maybe I need to get away from the midwest FSDO's.................

 

[rframe]

I must be finding all the @$$hole inspectors...maybe I need to get away from the midwest FSDO's.................

I genuinely like the guy who did my CFI initial, and have talked to him since then several times, and have had really good talks with other inspectors at the local office. Good straightforward guys who just want to see people stop doing stupid things and killing others.

 

[Houston]

Heard this l rumor yesterday that now you apparent have to do any CFI ride, not just your initial, with the FSDO. Has anyone else heard this?

Anything is possible. If a FSDO decided to do so, they could do every check from recreational and sport pilot on up. However, the probability of a FSDO taking on additional checks without a really good reason is highly unlikely. I'm just taking a wild guess here, but I would say 'IF' what you heard is correct, there must be some perceived problem they feel a serious need to correct. Personally, I can't think of any problem that couldn't be better addressed in another way.

If I were doing an add on to a CFI and there was such a policy in place, I would definitely want to get an idea why before I walked into something ill prepared. By the same token, if I was prepared, I'd just look at it as an opportunity to take a practical test without a fee and make friends with an inspector in the process.

Every FSDO has someone assigned to telephone duty for the day. Just give them a call and ask.

 

[Stomp16]

There is absolutely NO WAY to be friends with the people at the FSDO. They're known for the worst pass rate, worst attitudes, and are out to get you. I know most FSDO's are like this, but there are the some waaaay worse than others.

Nothing personal, but you're talking out of your back side. They are normal human beings just like anyone else. If you treat them with respect, you're likely to get the same in return. I've dealt with many different FSDO's in different areas around the country and have yet to come across the big bad wolf. How many fed's have you actually dealt with? Was it one guy who you just didn't get along with?

 

[KHanson]

Nothing personal, but you're talking out of your back side. They are normal human beings just like anyone else. If you treat them with respect, you're likely to get the same in return. I've dealt with many different FSDO's in different areas around the country and have yet to come across the big bad wolf. How many fed's have you actually dealt with? Was it one guy who you just didn't get along with?

Yeah. Likely. I've tried that. It resulted in a "well... i'm going to come investigate and observe your next lesson." So, draw your own conclusion. They FAA says they're standardized. If by standardized they mean they make up their own •, then yes, I concur. This FSDO in particular doesn't give a crap about you, your plane, or anything with a flight school. They are all just a bunch of bitter, overweight, pompous dudes that bring hell to our flight school. Tell me how a 9.5 hour oral, and 1.6 hour flight makes any sense, when other FSDO's do 3 ground, and 1.6 flight to pass the same type of applicant, and don't say preparation, because that excuse is laughable for a 6-pack with this fsdo.

 

[CFIT99]

There is absolutely NO WAY to be friends with the people at the FSDO. They're known for the worst pass rate, worst attitudes, and are out to get you. I know most FSDO's are like this, but there are the some waaaay worse than others.

While I have come to like 1 person at the Fort Worth FSDO(he gave me my 135 checkride in the van) and alot of people have good relationships with their FSDO's...BUT....I'll agree that KHanson is speaking the truth of the certain Chicago area FSDO...they are NOTORIOUSLY bad about maintaining a certain standard, making a CFI candidate jump through hoops has become the norm for them. Which is truly too bad because it hurts the GA around the area.

I had to finally get a DPE for my CFI after waiting 3 months of their crap...

FWIR...when I did my CFI, the Examiner laughed when they said I was the 14th person taking the CFI initial and not one person passed on their first time...it was only Janurary...

 

[KHanson]

^^^ Truth.

 

[Goonie]

Some of the guys are very good, knowledgeable guys. Some have less knowledge then a student pilot.

Hopefully you don't run into one with <student pilot knowledge and has a small dick complex. Then you're effed

 

[KSCessnaDriver]

My one experience with an inspector for a checkride was very pleasant. The guy was knowledgeable enough to know what he was doing, but also smart enough to not push the limits in an aircraft he may only fly 10-15 hours a year.