Got a call today

[Patrick]

As someone who did their MEI as their initial CFI, with training by Michael himself, and with an inspector from the Kansas City FSDO, I will absolutely vouch for the fact that the FSDO absolutely does not encourage MEI initial CFIs. I received a very fair, but very rigorous checkride in exchange for doing things this way. Also, point to note, the only reason I did my MEI as my initial is because the bulk of my total time is multi since I own a twin.

In terms of the amount of training time needed to prepare for an initial MEI, especially when doing it in an aircraft with which one has no previous experience, I will add that 15 hours is reasonable. Just getting used to the site picture and having to control the yoke with the right hand and the throttle quadrant with the left is a significant adjustment.

For the record, I was very well prepared for the rigorous checkride I received, and I did pass my MEI on the first try.

[Chewie von Nubbins]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

I know him and can tell you he is a real pilot.
One of the best stick and rudder pilots I know.
He did some ag-flying.

I dunno. Maybe some of those chemicals from ag flying got to his brain. At any rate, he is straight set trippin.

[nkoenig]

This is off topic and that may be a good thing, but was that a tv show in your avatar from back in the day?

[JEP]

Originally Posted by nkoenig

This is off topic and that may be a good thing, but was that a tv show in your avatar from back in the day?

That it is Clint Eastwood in Every Which Way But Loose.

"Right Turn Clyde".....

[mooneyguy]

Originally Posted by nkoenig

This is off topic and that may be a good thing, but was that a tv show in your avatar from back in the day?

Originally Posted by JEP

I believe that it is from Smokey and the Bandit.....

"Right Turn Clyde".....

Movies
"Every which way but loose"

Which was followed up by

"any which way you can"

Clint Eastwood

[Chewie von Nubbins]

That is actually me in the left seat when I took my CMEL checkride. At least, that is the mental image I had in my head about the DPE.

[LoadMasterC141]

I just completed the CFI program and am very satisified with the results. I can definitely see how one would need more than a few hours to be ready for an MEI checkride. Details of my experience are blogged here in this forum.

Sidewinder, if your goal was to smear the good name of CPS, which it appears to have been the case, you have failed miserably. Not only did you make yourself look foolish, but you gave the folks at CPS an opportunity to advertise their 100% FSDO pass rate, and many other positives about the program. If you had been a bit more tactful and diplomatic in your initial post perhaps this would have been diminished. However, you flamed it right on. I think Michael should shoot you some $$ for good advertising!