Can we talk back to DEs?

Texguy · May 19th, 2005, 12:38

When we get these anal DEs who ask us things like, "How, exactly, is hail formed in a thunderstorm?" during a PPL oral exam, can we give our best explanation with our limited knowledge and then say, "I don't know exactly. Does that make me un-PPL-worthy?"

In other words, if a DE is ridiculously nit-picky, can/should we mention it?

Chris_Ford · May 19th, 2005, 13:15

[ QUOTE ]
In other words, if a DE is ridiculously nit-picky, can/should we mention it?

[/ QUOTE ]

An old saying comes to mind... "If you play with fire, you're going to get burned".

A lot of the time, these nit picky DEs aren't trying to fail you on these things, they're just trying to show you that you don't know everything... And by responding aggressively, perhaps you're giving off the feeling that you do in fact think you know everything, which in turn could result in them wanting to fail you more.

It's supposed to be objective, but it's not... Just be nice, suck it up, bite your tongue, then after you pass, come on JC and complain

kellwolf · May 19th, 2005, 17:22

Sometimes a DE will press just to see how much an applicant might know. The more the better, and the DE wants to know where your knowledge stops. If you answer in a disrespectful or aggressive manner, then you've got a LOOOONG flight ahead of you (assuming you make it that far). There's a lot of things DEs can do to increse the chances of you failing and still be within the bounds of the PTS. The best way to arm yourself if you think you'll be in that situation: know what's in the PTS. That way you make sure you cover the items that need to be covered, and if the DE gets anal you can say "Sir, I'm not sure that's in the PTS for the PPL level. Can we check?" If the guy says "No, we may not check." then you've got a d*ck for a DE. He should have no problems about pulling out the PTS. Every DE I've had an exam with (including the one yesterday) had the PTS outline with them when they were conducting the oral.

USMCmech · May 19th, 2005, 21:35

There are several DE out there who like to show how smart they are by grilling applicants. Totaly unprofesional in my opinion.

However, argueing with them is useually a recipe for a pink slip. Just smile and nod.

tgc · May 20th, 2005, 03:03

I'm with Chris and USMCmech on this one (I'm assuming this was spawned by my other thread... hehe). I basically sat there and took it, then came here to bitch about it.

I've only been around pilots for a few months now, but it seems the aviation world is a small one. Everyone seems to know everyone. The last thing I need is for the DE I decide to retest with to be friends with the DE I talked back to...

kellwolf · May 20th, 2005, 03:19

Or worse, draw that guy for your CFI ride.....

MikeD · May 22nd, 2005, 09:59

I'd say to wait until you're handed your pinkslip, no need to throw gasoline on a fire. That's my advice for you.........of course, my advice for me is 180 out, but then again, my situation is far different.

Just wait until pinkslip time, then tell the story about a guy named MikeD, and what he personally thinks about candyass, big-head, stuck-at-the-examiner-level DPEs and examiners, and the various ways he'd love to beat their asses..................

......then drop them my business card.

May 19th, 2005, 12:38	#1
Texguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: KAUS Posts: 850	Can we talk back to DEs? When we get these anal DEs who ask us things like, "How, exactly, is hail formed in a thunderstorm?" during a PPL oral exam, can we give our best explanation with our limited knowledge and then say, "I don't know exactly. Does that make me un-PPL-worthy?" In other words, if a DE is ridiculously nit-picky, can/should we mention it?

May 19th, 2005, 13:15	#2
Chris_Ford Banned Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,329	Re: Can we talk back to DEs? [ QUOTE ] In other words, if a DE is ridiculously nit-picky, can/should we mention it? [/ QUOTE ] An old saying comes to mind... "If you play with fire, you're going to get burned". A lot of the time, these nit picky DEs aren't trying to fail you on these things, they're just trying to show you that you don't know everything... And by responding aggressively, perhaps you're giving off the feeling that you do in fact think you know everything, which in turn could result in them wanting to fail you more. It's supposed to be objective, but it's not... Just be nice, suck it up, bite your tongue, then after you pass, come on JC and complain

May 19th, 2005, 17:22	#3
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,879	Re: Can we talk back to DEs? Sometimes a DE will press just to see how much an applicant might know. The more the better, and the DE wants to know where your knowledge stops. If you answer in a disrespectful or aggressive manner, then you've got a LOOOONG flight ahead of you (assuming you make it that far). There's a lot of things DEs can do to increse the chances of you failing and still be within the bounds of the PTS. The best way to arm yourself if you think you'll be in that situation: know what's in the PTS. That way you make sure you cover the items that need to be covered, and if the DE gets anal you can say "Sir, I'm not sure that's in the PTS for the PPL level. Can we check?" If the guy says "No, we may not check." then you've got a d*ck for a DE. He should have no problems about pulling out the PTS. Every DE I've had an exam with (including the one yesterday) had the PTS outline with them when they were conducting the oral.

May 19th, 2005, 21:35	#4
USMCmech Old Skool Join Date: May 2004 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 1,645	Re: Can we talk back to DEs? There are several DE out there who like to show how smart they are by grilling applicants. Totaly unprofesional in my opinion. However, argueing with them is useually a recipe for a pink slip. Just smile and nod.

May 20th, 2005, 03:03	#5
tgc Newbie Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 4	Re: Can we talk back to DEs? I'm with Chris and USMCmech on this one (I'm assuming this was spawned by my other thread... hehe). I basically sat there and took it, then came here to bitch about it. I've only been around pilots for a few months now, but it seems the aviation world is a small one. Everyone seems to know everyone. The last thing I need is for the DE I decide to retest with to be friends with the DE I talked back to...

May 20th, 2005, 03:19	#6
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 13,879	Re: Can we talk back to DEs? Or worse, draw that guy for your CFI ride.....

May 22nd, 2005, 09:59	#7
MikeD Administrator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pinal Airpark Posts: 6,897	Re: Can we talk back to DEs? I'd say to wait until you're handed your pinkslip, no need to throw gasoline on a fire. That's my advice for you.........of course, my advice for me is 180 out, but then again, my situation is far different. Just wait until pinkslip time, then tell the story about a guy named MikeD, and what he personally thinks about candyass, big-head, stuck-at-the-examiner-level DPEs and examiners, and the various ways he'd love to beat their asses.................. ......then drop them my business card.

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