Passing Checkrides

[Scuba]

I have the day off today and have been researching flight schools and my PPL books and I keep reading about failed checkrides.

With ATP being so quick paced and their instructors not as seasoned as CareerPilotSchool's, Is the pass rate much higher than that of ATP's or do you have a rough estimate on the pass rate?

I see some horror stories about CFI checkrides. I, myself tend to challenge myself very hard and failing a checkride for me is not optional, but I'm scared that going to ATP or Ariben for example who employ their students right off the bat, may not bid well for my perfect checkrides.

I will say though, that the thought of being hired right away by my flight school does interest me. Having at least a little piece of mind that I'll have a job to pay off my loan seems great.

Thanks Patrick and Michael

Steve

[jhugz]

most people that fail a check ride, that check ride is probably their initial cfi.
There is just so much to talk about and so much to study. I wouldn't worry about not passing a check ride @ an academy as much as them milking u for more money when ur ready for a checkride. Study hard and work hard and you will have no problem with checkrides.

[Michael95U]

Originally Posted by Mostly

I have the day off today and have been researching flight schools and my PPL books and I keep reading about failed checkrides.

With ATP being so quick paced and their instructors not as seasoned as CareerPilotSchool's, Is the pass rate much higher than that of ATP's or do you have a rough estimate on the pass rate?

I see some horror stories about CFI checkrides. I, myself tend to challenge myself very hard and failing a checkride for me is not optional, but I'm scared that going to ATP or Ariben for example who employ their students right off the bat, may not bid well for my perfect checkrides.

I will say though, that the thought of being hired right away by my flight school does interest me. Having at least a little piece of mind that I'll have a job to pay off my loan seems great.

Thanks Patrick and Michael

Steve

Steve:

Thank you for the question. Our pass rate last year was easily over 90%. I can tell you that my personal pass rate for CFI, CFI-I, and MEI students is 100%. And chances are if you come here, you will be working with me at least part of the time when it comes to the initial CFI checkride.

Are failed checkrides a big deal? Nope. There are two types of pilots out there. Those that have failed a checkride and those that will. It is inevitable, though we over-prepare our students, so chances are good you will pass a ride on the first try. The bottom line is this: if we don't think you are ready, we aren't going to sign you off to take the checkride. That is why our programs are not based on the minimum time requirements set out by FAR Part 61.

Michael

[Patrick]

I will second what Michael said as far as preparing you for your checkride(s). All of our students here go to their rides extremely well prepared, and you won't go until you're ready.

Now, in terms of "guaranteeing" you a job, here is what I can tell you: The market for CFI's is incredible right now, and demand clearly outstrips supply. If you finish our program, and we have a need for a CFI, and we feel you will be a solid addition to our team, the prospect of employment is indeed there. However, if we do not hire you, we will certainly refer you to other flight schools that are looking for CFIs. In addition, there are opportunities for SIC jobs with various part 91 and 135 operations, as well as going to a regional as an FO.