Will Samurai Husky pass his checkride?

[Marauder]

Are you still using Max as your CFI?

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[Samurai Husky]

yes

[Guest]

16 hours ago, bradp said:

SH do you have all your time in the SR20?

Just do a couple of hrs in a PA28 or a C172/152.  Just so you can see what it's like.  

Part of the experience of learning to fly is learning how different airframes handle differently.  It's all part of the learning process. Flying a high wing and understanding how that behaves informs you flying a low wing.  

Alternatively - go plane shopping.  Retail therapy.  Find something you like and get back on the horse.  

Btw did I mention you're either going to end up in a turbo-normalized F model or a C182 or a Bonanza :-).  If you are seriously considering a C182. fly a C172- they are essentially the same.  

A brand P is a good choice as well, not all of them have 400 HP.

Clarence 

[midlifeflyer]

16 hours ago, Samurai Husky said:

 

2 hours in a Sr22, 1.5hrs in a 172. I did not like the 172, it couldnt really see over the cowl very well. it was like i was in a corvette or something where you cant see the front of the car. I had a 3000GT once, its was a lot like that. I probably could learn to look out the side window to flair, but i imagine it would take some time to learn. 

Just as an FYI, two points that may or may not help.

What we first train in sets the tone for what we like. Most high wing vs low wing arguments are ultimately about just that. Training in a Cirrus, where you can literally see the ground right in front of the airplane during the finger movement that produces a tiny flare is very very different than in a Cessna, where your nose will often block the view of the runway except peripherally as you bring the yoke back to your belly There are a multitude of variations in between.

Second, while there are a few other issues, this is what so much transition training is about - that view out the window when landing. That first one is usually the most difficult, but it comes faster than you might think. The good news is that as you continue in, transitions become easier and easier.

 

BTW, "it takes about an hour to do the flight" most likely refers to the "flight" itself. Not sure what you mean about the "test area" but the "flight" begins when you start the engine - when the Hobbs starts. Even at busy airports in busy airspace, I've seen 1.2 - 1.5 Hobbs for private checkrides.

[Hank]

Yep. My PPL checkride was at a Class C, not as busy as S. Cal., and it was right in 1.2 or 1.3. We didn't go toothed training area, we flew the first couple of checkpoints in the XC he had me plan out, started on the diversion (initial turn, find exact course on sectionals fine tune plane; then play with Whiz Wheel to find time and fuel required to get there). Then started maneuvers, did an engine out, etc., headed back for a couple of landings.

Overall, it was a good experience, and my stress level decreased continuously throughout the ride. The DPE was never argumentative nor adversarial, and he asked questions for most of the time. Maybe it was more conversational in the air.

Better luck the next time, Sammy!

[Danb]

2 hours ago, M20Doc said:

A brand P is a good choice as well, not all of them have 400 HP.

Clarence 

Clarence I did my PPL in a cherokee Warrior, easy peasy, like many of us I passed PPL and IFR on first try, Irf in my Mooney though., I believe the ease in which the Warrior flies took out one element in my quest to acquire my PPL It was hard to get behind that plane compared to the Mooney where a great deal of  work to stay ahead of it. Being out of the Marines I took control of the DPE not the other way, maybe in todays environment it wouldn't be a good idea, it sounds like its the DPE's way or the highway, it should be a concerted effort between the student, CFI and DPE in deciding if your good enough to carry precious cargo. I know way back then the DPE had a long conversation with my CFI prior to my exam. I did not know that at the time, does that occur now?Good luck SAM don't quit. Your to close.

 

[RLCarter]

What a PITA, haven't really read all the post (most, but not all). Not sure I would of hung in as long as you have before moving on to a new school /club or an independent CFI. I do agree that a Cessna or Piper makes for an easier ride, very simple systems, not so on the more modern aircraft like the Cirruss. I'm a big fan of independent CFI's, you seem to get more of a one on one training session. learning to fly has its hurdles, for some it's more than others, but it shouldn't be as painful as it sounds like yours has been. Changing planes/CFI's or DPE's at this point makes no sence being soooo close, clear your head and fly the plane. The examiner is your first passenger and are there to observe not teach (all though must do). Get with club DOM (director of  maintenance) to make sure you get a ZERO issue aircraft, don't give the DPE anything to bitch about. Hopefully your next post will be good news of you getting your ticket

[Samurai Husky]

thanks; Its starting to look like that will be the case. Someone mentioned that i should go up to STS and use  Steve Benedict  but after researching him, it seems he retired as a DPE and now just teaches. 

[Seth]

9 hours ago, Samurai Husky said:

thanks; Its starting to look like that will be the case. Someone mentioned that i should go up to STS and use  Steve Benedict  but after researching him, it seems he retired as a DPE and now just teaches. 

Keep looking.  You are a pilot now.  You just need it to be signed off.  You've learned a ton and will continue to learn, as a PPL is a license to learn.  Every flight.  10 years from now you'll look back and be amazed how you didn't mess up more in those first 100/200/400 hours.

Good luck and do find another DPE.  Use the resources here to help schedule it in advance.  Plan it, and enjoy the Checkride.  If the DPE orders you to do something uncomfortable tell them unable with a good reason or deny it as it violates your current personal minimums and fail me now as I'm not putting us in jeopardy to show you I'm a pilot.  That's outside my risk envelope and me denying this should show proper decision making.

I'm really glad you've matured into a real pilot.  We're in your corner.  Keep us advised.

-Seth

[Samurai Husky]

Yea, we reached out to a guy in KTCY; the limited amount i could find on the internet said he was a good guy. Not like the other guy who i googled and found about a dozen reviews on how he fails almost everyone. People were literally cursing his name.

Still waiting to hear back from the guy in KTCY; 

My CFI said he would never send anyone back to him ever again; Internally there is a meeting set up to address the problem with the DPE's in the area. I dont know a lot of details but it sounds like they are putting a panel together and will be taking the complaints directly to OKC. 

Right now i am just focusing on what i have control over. Finding the new DPE and finding out if i can fly this other plane. 

[donkaye]

Just now, Samurai Husky said:

Yea, we reached out to a guy in KTCY; the limited amount i could find on the internet said he was a good guy. Not like the other guy who i googled and found about a dozen reviews on how he fails almost everyone. People were literally cursing his name.

Still waiting to hear back from the guy in KTCY; 

My CFI said he would never send anyone back to him ever again; Internally there is a meeting set up to address the problem with the DPE's in the area. I dont know a lot of details but it sounds like they are putting a panel together and will be taking the complaints directly to OKC. 

Right now i am just focusing on what i have control over. Finding the new DPE and finding out if i can fly this other plane. 

One of the fairest DPEs was Sherry Diamond.  I sent almost everyone up to her.  Then a couple of years ago they decided they had too many DPEs in the San Jose area and didn't renew her designation.  To me it was discrimination, but what do I know about the politics of it all.  All I know is I'm glad I haven't been doing any ratings lately.

[Seth]

It is very political

[thinwing]

Regardless...this particular DPE needs a new job...say parking lot attendent

[manoflamancha]

3 hours ago, donkaye said:

One of the fairest DPEs was Sherry Diamond.  I sent almost everyone up to her.  Then a couple of years ago they decided they had too many DPEs in the San Jose area and didn't renew her designation.  To me it was discrimination, but what do I know about the politics of it all.  All I know is I'm glad I haven't been doing any ratings lately.

Agree Sherry is awesome. Unfortunately they let another DPE in the area keep his rating and without naming him, he is a real piece of work who definitely should not be one. It's all politics.

[Samurai Husky]

I feel like i am doing line dancing. whole lot of movement, but you dont go far. 

Quick updates; After 3 days my CFI finally got a hold of the guy out in Tracy. It appears that he is aware of the situation in the bay area as his voice mail is constantly full. He said he should be able to squeeze me in some time this month..... I guess it works different out there, they put the schedule in before the student is officially done with training, so its not uncommon to get cancellation. So fingers crossed something comes up sooner than later.

Secondly, I flew the other plane and was fine. I was a little sloppy on some stuff, but would have still passed. I also tend to flair higher in that plane; On the big wide runway it worked out really well, on the small narrow one not so much. I think its just something i need to be aware of. 

I guess thats all for now. 

[Hank]

Sounds encouraging! We're all pulling for you.

[mccdeuce]

If he's booked up - that's encouraging. 

[Conrad]

I'm glad to hear you're not planning to ditch in the facebook parking lot, because I would have front row seats to your death.

Seriously though, what a pain in the ass. I'm trying to build a bit more knowledge and confidence so that I don't get picked apart when its my checkride time. Amazingly at this exact moment you've made owning a Mooney seem like an actual advantage. I know almost every bit of the systems and the maintenance, I have as much time as I want to sit inside and play with the gizmos and, although I do have gear, the thing really is not too complicated.

We should meet up sometime and talk planes.

[Samurai Husky]

Yea, its more of joke; I dont think we would make it there anyway. There really isnt a good place to set a plane down under 500ft at palo alto; 

I would definitely take your check ride outside the bay area. There is something really wrong with the DPE's right now. If possible, just do it in a rented 150 with 3 gauges or something where they cant nit pick anything.

[bonal]

Sam you can still move over to the simple airframe and do just that. All that advanced experience you have gained in the Cirrus will always be yours.  Its time to get this done.  Hop into a 150 or 52 and have some fun for a change.  You might check out unusual attitudes at LVK they may have a DPE out there.

[Samurai Husky]

Nope; we are down to 3 DPE's in San Jose FSDO; None of them have any good reviews. 

Out of the Oakland FSDO there are more (its where the guy from Tracy is) We called everyone, most never even responded back. No one understands what is going on and why its so hard to get a check ride. 

I thought spots would be opening up now that most people are back to school, but nope.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[kpaul]

Just now, Samurai Husky said:

Out of the Oakland

I did my ATP check in Oakland.  My DPE was Jeff...I can't remember  his last name and I can't read his signature in my log book either.  I will do some checking and see if I can figure it out, although knowing there are limited DPEs in that area you may have already tried him.

[Samurai Husky]

HEITZEBERG?

Yea, tried him; We have been focusing on Vince and Rich. We might have to start looking all the way out to SAC. 

[kpaul]

Just now, Samurai Husky said:

HEITZEBERG?

Yep, that's it, I just found my old temp certificate with it typed out.  Rich was the other one that did the ATPs, he liked Tracy and Jeff preferred Stockton. 

Good luck in your search.

[bonal]

What is the going rate for the check ride?  I googled Nor CA DPE and found one at Lincoln got to use the old interweb