Checkride PPL Questions/Concerns/.....

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nycronnie23

Well-Known Member
Hey!! I am a student pilot that flies out of Academy of Aviation in Farmingdale, NY at Republic Airport, I have around 70 hours in Cessna 172 G1000 Skyhawk and ever since early June I got a checkride date for July 19th, only the week of July 19th my checkride got cancelled for July 20th, then cancelled again for July 21st, then cancelled again for another date which my flight school hasnt told me yet.

I'm really aggravated because I got cancelled 3 times, waiting since June for that date, & basically I wasted money preparing and flying everyday before the date. I'm just wondering if it takes very long to get a checkride date? & is every flight school like this?

Also, my flight instructor already signed me off for my checkride and I'm just wondering if I can possibly go to another state and fly my checkride with a DPE there? because It might be quicker than waiting for a checkride date here in Long Island.

Lastly, my flight school only recommends only one DPE.

Thanks
Any responses will be greatly apreciated
 
I'm sure someone more experienced will chime in, but here're my thoughts and suggestions:

1) Is it the DPE or the flight school canceling you? DPEs can be fickle--the local ones at my FBO back home are mostly airline pilots dealing with their company's crew scheduling department. My FBO had a policy that someone trying to do a checkride had priority over any other renter because of the difficulty of getting good weather and a DPE to match up with aircraft availability.

2) Here's where the FARs become strange: you're PIC for the checkride, the DPE is a passenger, and yet you're still a student pilot. So, if you took your checkride at a different airport you'd have to be endorsed to solo there. Also, since you're PIC, you'd have to get checked out to rent the other FBO's aircraft. Bottom line, it's going to be more of a pain to switch at the last minute than it will be to wait it out.

If the problem's with the DPE, you should try to find a DPE with more availability. My FBO had business cards for 4 local DPEs, along with gouge sheets for each one (shh...). If your FBO doesn't have contact info for other DPEs, use this: http://av-info.faa.gov/designeesearch.asp.

If the problem's with the FBO, explain to a manager your situation, and that you'd like to work with them to make an aircraft available when the DPE can fly with you. They should be willing to work with you if you ask.

I was in a similar situation--I tried to take my PPL checkride in January in Washington State, and had to wait for VFR in the rainiest month of the year to coincide with a DPE being available (he was in MD-80 groundschool and in class/studying most of the time). It took us about two weeks to get the flight done. Don't worry--you'll get it done! Keep refreshing your ground knowledge, the oral's the toughest part. Once it's out of the way, the flight's a piece of cake if you're prepared!
 
Hey! Thanks for the response.

1). I'm assuming its the DPE, & at my flight school they only recommend one DPE and its the only person everybody goes and actually does their checkrides with. Also, I have heard this DPE is the only one for my area from my flight school but when I search it on FAA there is 6 listings of DPE's.


2). The problem is the DPE because my school and staff say he is the only one around to do checkrides with, however the FBO has to always inform me of my DPE's last second changes.

3). Thanks for the tips on the FAR'S I really appreciate it, most likely I'm just going to have to be patient. The reason why I have 70 hours is because I go to college and last semester from January to May I did not fly and I was preparing for checkride in January, but school and work side-tracked me. Now that I have time and saved up the money I just want to do as much as I can before August because I'm going on vacation, & I was trying to get this checkride done before I go on Vacation mid-August, but I guess patience is a virtue lol
 
You might not want to go somewhere else, and get in a plane you are unfamiliar with for your checkride. As for doing it with the FAA, you will be lucky to get them to do it. They are far to busy, and are even sending CFI candidates to do it with a DPE. At least by me. You can give it a shot though.
 
I think I know who you are talking about. Are his initials F.D out of ISP? If you can stand to wait he is a great guy to do a checkride with once you actually get to taking the checkride...
 
youngflyer--yes his initials is F.D. and out of ISP. I heard he is a great guy to do the checkride with but due to retirements of other DPE's in the area he is the only one perfoming checkrides. Do you believe he really is worth the wait for a checkride? thanks
 
Well I just think for the sake of continuity you should just take it with F.D. As said earlier, it might screw you up going to a new location in a different aircraft.

To answer your question though, I do think he is worth the wait. He keeps the checkride relaxed and is not an intimidating person at all.
 
I would also stick with the DPE and be patient. Maybe joke with him when you shake hands about how you "finally" got together. Civility and patience on your part for the delays might set a good tone for you in the check ride and show your attitude to learn (this is PPL and you are getting the certificate to begin learning) as positive. If he did cause the delays he kind of owes you some civility and patience in return. We all have been on both sides and he knows it.
 
Hey! I want to thank everyone for their insight and after a long time waiting I will be taking my checkride tomorrow 8/1 at 10 am in ISP with F.D. (dpe), I finally got that checkride date, now its time to pass this test lol
 
Hey Guys!! Wow its been a whirlwind week...BUT I passed my Private Pilot Checkride :D this past 8/1 Monday with Frank at KISP, sorry I didn't get back to you guys sooner lol I don't get email notifications when someone posts on my thread or I post on someone else's threads kind of like a facebook.

Right after I passed my checkride I had family from Florida and Canada come to NYC for different reasons so I've been busy driving them around and giving them the real tour of the city lol

Thanks Guys
Really Appreciate the insight, advice and tips
:beer:
 
Congrats! I wish I saw saw your posts sooner. I had my checkride with FD in June at HWV. The DPE from HWV retired in May and all fell on FD. To add to everything he just had a grandaughter... took forever for me too. Congrats again!
 
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