FSDO or DE for CFI initial in Daytona?

F

Flyingbrick32114

Well-Known Member
For those who have gotten their CFI intial in Daytona did you go with the Orlando FSDO or a DE for the check ride? I've heard that if you've attended the CFI enhanced safety program at the FSDO they usually let you go with a DE. Either way i plan to be over prepared just wanted an idea of what to expect.
 
I have signed off two candidates for CFI initials in the daytona area. Usually it's a toss up if you get a DE or the FSDO. Either way, you must go to the Orlando FSDO website and fill out their online form for a CFI checkride. You will probably hear back from the FSDO in a few days and they will either assign a date with them or give you a list of DE's you can use. If you get the DE option I recommend Dale Harper. He's very friendly and laid back. You couldn't ask for a more fair CFI ride. Hope this helps.

Will
 
Harper is a very fair DE

I agree with goindownthepipes about Dale Harper. I used him for my private multi and instrument rides. I know a fair number of other pilots that used him and there was not one complaint even from those who busted.

His orals are like a conversation on flying. He is on Orlando's approved DE list for CFI's. Any how, good luck on the ride.
 
MY ride was with Billy Meadows of the ORL FSDO, which was a tough but fair ride with nothing unexpected. If he is reflective of the other FSDO examiners, then you haven't anything to worry about.

Having known a few of the local DPE's prior to moving, they are all fair as well. I guess I mean to say is that it's not really going to matter either way.
 
Back when I did my CFI ride I went with a local DE.

I have a few friends that really liked Dale, but I didn't like him. He busted a buddy of mine on a ride and had no particular reason for the bust. The CP even called the FSDO and they agreed with the student's actions. To each their own.
 

I don't care for Dale, nor do I think he is fair. I took my instrument ride and passed everything except the ILS. My instructor, friends, and colleagues thought I was totally joking when I said ILS. It is the easiest part of the exam in my opinion. I never had an issue during training with the ILS system. Previous to installing the foggles, Dale said he would call out traffic, if it was an issue. What happened is, as we were on a heading to intercept the ILS, Dale said maintain heading, traffic... (or at least that's what I thought he said) so, I didn't turn as the needle centered and started to swing over.... ATC made a comment to me, and I then said ok to turn?, and Dale said something like I’m not taking the test. So, I turned, (late of course and confused) and re intercepted and landed. When we taxied off the runway, Dale said lets talk before you call Gnd. He asked me why I went through the course and I explained what he said.... he sat there and only said "I didn't say that" ...(well he did say something!)....I was speechless. I didn't know what to say, I didn't want to challenge him, (I would do that now) because he's the examiner... so, he says ok, taxi back. So, I thought all is ok. UNTIL, he gives me the pink slip!! This was the ONLY item i failed on this check ride.
Looking back, there was no reason why he couldn't have said, ok, lets takeoff and do that again.
IF he did not say that and it was a miss communication, then he should have recognized that and redone that part of the test right there and then.
This makes him a poor examiner in my logbook!
I called Bruce D, 15 min after this and HE even questioned the ILS... really?! he said,.. so I took it with him the next day. He squeezed me in. He landed with one student/tester, student got out, i got in, we took .2 (12min) to start up, take off, shoot the ILS, land, taxi back and PASS!
One other note, this was always an issue when interviewing... did you ever fail and check rides,(common question) ...YES, what happened, ILS, their eyes always look at you with that ?what? expression.
Moral: If you truly think you did not do something wrong AND you don't agree with the examiner, speak up. You have nothing to lose. Explain yourself in detail. It might save your failed ticket.
 
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