Honestly, it’s hard to find instructors that actually care anymore. It’s all about them and their careers. On my 12th so far. Was sent for a checkride without ever doing an emergency descent, and had no idea how to use the maintenance logs for the airplane. Everyone I know says to cut my loses and run. I’ve learned more from RUclips than anywhere else.
I’m very sorry to hear that. Today’s environment can and does seem to have created a bunch of instructors that only seem to be collecting hours (rather than actually helping others learn to fly). There are at least a few of us out here that aren’t headed to the airlines and want to help people fly. If you would like, email me, let me know your general location, and I’ll see if I know anyone that I would recommend to you. Scott.koon at online-CFI dot com
Yeah, I’ve seen similar things. A lot of CFIs see students as an irritation that’s trying to kill them (even though we’re just learning) RUclips is definitely the way to go. The CFI in the flight is just there to babysit until we get their endorments
Thanks for the comment. Sorry you are experiencing similar lack of service. As I noted, there are some of us that are here because we love aviation and love to teach. Even some of the folks headed to the airlines or other aviation related jobs love to teach. I’m sorry your experience hasn’t been with one of us/them. When you get an instructor that is there to partner and help you, flight training is a wonderful thing. I’m sorry it has been frustrating for you. Let me know your general location and I’ll see if know anyone that might be more help.
That sucks. I'm an examiner and I don't see many CFIs with more than 1500 hours. My fav CFI just got 1500 hrs and she has an interview at SkyWest in 2 weeks, so there goes another one. I don't really do primary students any more, but I made an exception for a guy at my airport that bought a 172 in a hangar near to mine. He has 12 hours and can perform every maneuver in the ACS to private pilot level standards. I agree that there is a lot to be learned from RUclips, but my student didn't get the level he is in such a short time from watching videos, he did it by applying what I taught him. I push students hard to be their best. I don't waste time. I have debriefed instructors after a check ride and told them that by the end of training their student needs to be ready for some tough love criticism that presses home the point that what they are doing could be better. You can't get that from RUclips. I wish more CFIs would see the comments below these videos. @arcfives said the CFI is just there to babysit. That's a sad indictment of CFIs. But easy for me to say because I didn't go down their path. I was an instructor in the military and had a 25 year airline career as well.
I can't think of any profession more honorable than being a CFI and having the opportunity to teach and mentor students.....if I was a CFI and a student of mine failed a checkride, I would be devastated. ....you post great videos Scott.....THANKS
Thank you. I feel the same way about being a CFI. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to help someone go from never having flown to competent pilot. Every time one of my students goes for a check ride, I may be more nervous than they are. We have both invested a tremendous amount of time and energy toward preparing them. Plus, I’ve developed a solid relationship with them and want to see them succeed. Fortunately, I have had very few students not pass on the first try. In each case it was because their nerves got the better of them. They simply goofed on something they had done right many times before. Still, in each case, I wracked my brain for weeks trying to find ways to make sure it didn’t happen again. And we made darn sure they excelled at that skill during the retest. As one of the articles notes, it is a multi-factorial problem. The pilot shortage, hiring pressures, inexperienced instructors, difficulty scheduling check rides, and more, all contribute to the issue. But if each of us contributes what we can, and helps where we can, hopefully we’ll see improvement. Thanks again!
Great content. On my first solo I started to talk to myself out loud through everything I was doing - it was a major help to concentrate and relax same time. However....I got into this habit of talking through my entire flights out loud all the time :) My CFI used to tell me "girl please stop" :D It wasn't easy to get rid of this habit :))) I still talk out loud my departure, FREDA or pre landing checks though :)
Thank you! I'm glad this video is helpful! BTW: Talking through your flight is a great habit. I'm sorry you got rid of it. I can't say for sure (since I wasn't in the plane with you), but your CFI may have done you a disservice. If your dialog is on-point, helping you stay focused, and keeping you ahead of the airplane it is valuable. Plus, if it helps your Instructor know what you are thinking and correct things early, your instructor did themselves a disservice as well. You are Pilot In Command. Do what works for you. If it is good enough for these folks: ruclips.net/video/7ayAoFkU1Dw/видео.html ruclips.net/video/7mRvVrn5xe0/видео.html it should be good enough for us. Thanks for your comment and keep flying! Have a great day!
I tend to be a lot more talkative during solo flights than with an instructor on board. I still always read my checklists and actions out loud, as well as talk through my maneuvers.
Thanks for the comment. I agree the CFI is a very significant part of the equation. I have experienced and heard about CFIs that seem to only be building time so they can move on. Working with them is difficult and very frustrating. While an outstanding CFI can make up for a myriad of sins, saying the CFI is 100% responsible for a student’s preparation is not fair to the CFI (nor to the student for that matter). The bottom line is that a successful CFI/Candidate relationship is a partnership that requires active participation from both parties. Learning to fly and preparing for a check ride cannot be passive activities. The CFI *IS* responsible to make sure the material has been covered and students have *successfully* demonstrated the skills and knowledge. However, the CFI cannot take the check ride for a student. Part of the point of the check ride is to prove the candidate can think for themselves, under pressure, when their CFI is not present-and that is sometimes hard for a CFI to measure/judge because… well, they cannot cover every contingency. The more a candidate prepares, works, and brings to their training the better the outcome. My intent with this video is to highlight things that have tripped others up. If a candidate watches this video, then has a conversation with their CFI about how to make sure they don’t do the same thing, then the candidate benefits, the CFI benefits, AND the Pilot Examiner benefits-because nobody wants a letter of disapproval. I hope this helps explain. Again, thank you for the comment!
did mine today, oral was great only touched my far/aim once to verify the preventative maintenance list. POH once outside of weight and balance, and touched the tcds once to verify flap requirements. Went up and didn't know half the maneuvers were on the test, even after numerous mocks with my instructor. Failed the emergency descent, as I had never practiced it or heard of it. Just guessed a slip and he failed me on the spot. Just annoying.
I am so glad your oral went well. I’m sorry you weren’t familiar with the other maneuvers. Did you and your instructor review the ACS? The ACS describes all of the maneuvers and procedures you are expected to know for your check ride. If it is helpful, you can download a copy of it here: www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_6.pdf. I hope this helps.
@@ScottKoonCFI We did for my written misses, I went through it probably 5-10 times but just didn't look thoroughly enough into the flight stuff, so I blame myself more than anything. But for doing 5 mock checkrides and only doing steep turns, power on and power off stalls, slow flight, all the take offs and landings, and ground maneuvers I figured thats what it was. Just a bummer cause I'm wanting to go Air Force after I'm done with flight school to fly.
@alecgoff2359 Dang. Again, I’m very sorry to hear about your situation. There is definitely a bit more to work on-emergency procedures (including descents, fires, engine out, etc.), forward and side slips to landings, flight by reference to instruments to name a few. I’m not sure if or how this will impact your Air Force aspirations - I’ve not been part of that process. Perhaps others in the group will know. However, in today’s environment I know it doesn’t destroy your chances of being an airline pilot. You just have to be prepared to discuss it, what you learned from it, and what you did to make sure it didn’t happen again. Keep us informed regarding how things are going. We’d love to cheer you on once you nail this!!
Thanks for the comment. It is an interesting problem. If too many people pass the test, then it is not discerning enough. If too many fail, then there could be several issues, but the bottom line is that something(s) in the system is broken. I think the concern was that the initial pass rate had been in between in the mid-70%, then dipped into the 60s. Hopefully, having DPE, instructors, and students concerned and seeing what they can do to improve things will help get back to a more reasonable first-time pass rate. Again, thanks for the comment.
Thank you for the question. I have had student candidates that “dressed down” for their check ride and still passed. However, when comparing experiences with peers that presented a professional appearance, the overwhelming consensus was that dressing professionally was very helpful. Pilot Examiners, like the rest of us, make first impressions unconsciously and very quickly (several sources say it takes 7 seconds or less). They are professionals and will try to dig beyond first impressions, but why start at a disadvantage? In general, your goal should be to make as good a first impression as you can. This includes not only how you dress, but whether all your materials are organized and in order, showing up ready to prove you know your stuff, and finally knowing your materials. Also, not all shorts are created equal. If you show up, well-groomed, in nice, clean shorts and a polo shirt or something equally nice, that is a lot different than showing up in cutoff jeans and a concert t. Ultimately, your goal is to make as good a first impression as you can. I hope this helps at least a little.
@@ScottKoonCFI I will have a very organized binder, tabbed out log book. Paper flight log and planner and so on. I will be good that way. My shorts are not ripped and my tie-shirt is not ripped. I am an older female of 59 years old. I will overheat if I do not wear light shorts and a light tie shirt flying at the hottest part of the day in 100 degree F. Heat.
@@mymyrrah Yes, My shorts are somewhat like cargo shorts. They are light, have deep pockets and work perfect in the hot airplane. I do not wear earrings get in the way of the headphones and interrupt the seal. Maybe I dress nicely for the morning oral and than give the DPE head up that I am changing into cargo shorts and a tie shirt with a neck cooler.
Hello Ken! There are two I highly recommend. First, I like Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook rodmachado.com/products/rod-machado-s-private-pilot-handbook?variant=706391283&aff=709 This resource covers everything you’ll need for the private pilot written and oral portion of the practical test. Rod not only has a vast knowledge of aviation, he has a quirky sense of humor that runs through the materials. I found his quips were not only entertaining, but helped me remember the material. Please note, I liked Rod’s materials enough that I became an affiliate. This link doesn’t add any cost to you, but it does provide me a small commission. Second, I like the Gleim Test Prep books. www.gleimaviation.com/shop/ppkt/ The sole purpose of this book is to prepare you for and allow you to practice for the written exam. ASA also has something similar, but I like Gleim’s better. Gleim starts each section with an outline overview. Then they have the question on the left half of the page with the answer and explanation on the right. Plus, they include a bookmark that allows you to cover the answers while you review the questions. It makes it very easy to study. Please note. This link is not an affiliate link. Thanks for the question and I hope this helps!
Thanks for the question. At the time the first-time private pilot pass rate was indeed that low. In the video description, I linked to three articles noting the low pass rate. These articles were from AOPA, SAFE (Society of Aviation and Flight Instructors), and the blog of a well-respected FAA Pilot examiner. Having said that, the information and video are nearly a year old. The pass rate may have rebounded in the past 8 months, but I have not seen any updated numbers. My hope is that the numbers have returned to 80% or higher. My hope for the video was to make people aware of the trend and help them be at least a little better prepared. Every little bit can help. Thanks for the question.
I seems like a awfully expensive part of the road to PPL for people not to be prepared for it unless there is something else going on. When I start failure is not going to be an option.
It is indeed expensive (in money and emotional health). Unfortunately, as I was saying to someone else, I think there are many factors leading to the increased failure rate: pilot shortages, hiring pressures, CFIs having less experience (because they are being snapped up sooner by the airlines, regionals, fractional, etc.). Additionally, the shortage of pilot examiner availability means many are waiting longer for a check ride. And, there are likely other things, too. I think your “failure is not an option” approach will serve you well. One of the commonalities I’ve seen with students that are consistently successful is that they take responsibility for their education, and actively partner with their CFI to make sure they are ready for each of the milestones. You have already set yourself on the right path. Best of luck in getting started soon, and I’ll be excited to hear about your progress!
Thanks for the comment. I agree if you are jabbering just to make sure there is no time for the DPE to ask questions, you are absolutely correct. However, if you are explaining what you are doing and thinking so the DPE doesn’t have to guess/ask then, it doesn’t seem bad advice at all. :) Thanks again!
Honestly, it’s hard to find instructors that actually care anymore. It’s all about them and their careers. On my 12th so far. Was sent for a checkride without ever doing an emergency descent, and had no idea how to use the maintenance logs for the airplane. Everyone I know says to cut my loses and run. I’ve learned more from RUclips than anywhere else.
I’m very sorry to hear that. Today’s environment can and does seem to have created a bunch of instructors that only seem to be collecting hours (rather than actually helping others learn to fly). There are at least a few of us out here that aren’t headed to the airlines and want to help people fly. If you would like, email me, let me know your general location, and I’ll see if I know anyone that I would recommend to you. Scott.koon at online-CFI dot com
@@ScottKoonCFI thank you Scott. I’ll email you this weekend. It’s been a frustrating journey for sure.
Yeah, I’ve seen similar things. A lot of CFIs see students as an irritation that’s trying to kill them (even though we’re just learning)
RUclips is definitely the way to go. The CFI in the flight is just there to babysit until we get their endorments
Thanks for the comment. Sorry you are experiencing similar lack of service. As I noted, there are some of us that are here because we love aviation and love to teach. Even some of the folks headed to the airlines or other aviation related jobs love to teach. I’m sorry your experience hasn’t been with one of us/them. When you get an instructor that is there to partner and help you, flight training is a wonderful thing. I’m sorry it has been frustrating for you. Let me know your general location and I’ll see if know anyone that might be more help.
That sucks. I'm an examiner and I don't see many CFIs with more than 1500 hours. My fav CFI just got 1500 hrs and she has an interview at SkyWest in 2 weeks, so there goes another one. I don't really do primary students any more, but I made an exception for a guy at my airport that bought a 172 in a hangar near to mine. He has 12 hours and can perform every maneuver in the ACS to private pilot level standards. I agree that there is a lot to be learned from RUclips, but my student didn't get the level he is in such a short time from watching videos, he did it by applying what I taught him. I push students hard to be their best. I don't waste time. I have debriefed instructors after a check ride and told them that by the end of training their student needs to be ready for some tough love criticism that presses home the point that what they are doing could be better. You can't get that from RUclips. I wish more CFIs would see the comments below these videos. @arcfives said the CFI is just there to babysit. That's a sad indictment of CFIs. But easy for me to say because I didn't go down their path. I was an instructor in the military and had a 25 year airline career as well.
I can't think of any profession more honorable than being a CFI and having the opportunity to teach and mentor students.....if I was a CFI and a student of mine failed a checkride, I would be devastated. ....you post great videos Scott.....THANKS
Thank you.
I feel the same way about being a CFI. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to help someone go from never having flown to competent pilot.
Every time one of my students goes for a check ride, I may be more nervous than they are. We have both invested a tremendous amount of time and energy toward preparing them. Plus, I’ve developed a solid relationship with them and want to see them succeed.
Fortunately, I have had very few students not pass on the first try. In each case it was because their nerves got the better of them. They simply goofed on something they had done right many times before. Still, in each case, I wracked my brain for weeks trying to find ways to make sure it didn’t happen again. And we made darn sure they excelled at that skill during the retest.
As one of the articles notes, it is a multi-factorial problem. The pilot shortage, hiring pressures, inexperienced instructors, difficulty scheduling check rides, and more, all contribute to the issue. But if each of us contributes what we can, and helps where we can, hopefully we’ll see improvement.
Thanks again!
Thank you I passed my check ride! Working on instrument now! Please film more videos!!! 🎉
That is excellent news!! Congratulations!! More videos are on the way. Was working on my next script this morning!
Great content. On my first solo I started to talk to myself out loud through everything I was doing - it was a major help to concentrate and relax same time. However....I got into this habit of talking through my entire flights out loud all the time :) My CFI used to tell me "girl please stop" :D It wasn't easy to get rid of this habit :))) I still talk out loud my departure, FREDA or pre landing checks though :)
Thank you! I'm glad this video is helpful!
BTW: Talking through your flight is a great habit. I'm sorry you got rid of it. I can't say for sure (since I wasn't in the plane with you), but your CFI may have done you a disservice. If your dialog is on-point, helping you stay focused, and keeping you ahead of the airplane it is valuable. Plus, if it helps your Instructor know what you are thinking and correct things early, your instructor did themselves a disservice as well.
You are Pilot In Command. Do what works for you. If it is good enough for these folks:
ruclips.net/video/7ayAoFkU1Dw/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/7mRvVrn5xe0/видео.html
it should be good enough for us.
Thanks for your comment and keep flying! Have a great day!
I tend to be a lot more talkative during solo flights than with an instructor on board. I still always read my checklists and actions out loud, as well as talk through my maneuvers.
Perfect.
All these reason relate to a poor CFI. It's the CFI responsibility to make sure the applicant is 100% ready. To many CFI's just don't care.
Thanks for the comment.
I agree the CFI is a very significant part of the equation. I have experienced and heard about CFIs that seem to only be building time so they can move on. Working with them is difficult and very frustrating.
While an outstanding CFI can make up for a myriad of sins, saying the CFI is 100% responsible for a student’s preparation is not fair to the CFI (nor to the student for that matter). The bottom line is that a successful CFI/Candidate relationship is a partnership that requires active participation from both parties. Learning to fly and preparing for a check ride cannot be passive activities. The CFI *IS* responsible to make sure the material has been covered and students have *successfully* demonstrated the skills and knowledge. However, the CFI cannot take the check ride for a student. Part of the point of the check ride is to prove the candidate can think for themselves, under pressure, when their CFI is not present-and that is sometimes hard for a CFI to measure/judge because… well, they cannot cover every contingency.
The more a candidate prepares, works, and brings to their training the better the outcome. My intent with this video is to highlight things that have tripped others up. If a candidate watches this video, then has a conversation with their CFI about how to make sure they don’t do the same thing, then the candidate benefits, the CFI benefits, AND the Pilot Examiner benefits-because nobody wants a letter of disapproval.
I hope this helps explain. Again, thank you for the comment!
did mine today, oral was great only touched my far/aim once to verify the preventative maintenance list. POH once outside of weight and balance, and touched the tcds once to verify flap requirements. Went up and didn't know half the maneuvers were on the test, even after numerous mocks with my instructor. Failed the emergency descent, as I had never practiced it or heard of it. Just guessed a slip and he failed me on the spot. Just annoying.
I am so glad your oral went well. I’m sorry you weren’t familiar with the other maneuvers. Did you and your instructor review the ACS? The ACS describes all of the maneuvers and procedures you are expected to know for your check ride. If it is helpful, you can download a copy of it here: www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_6.pdf. I hope this helps.
@@ScottKoonCFI We did for my written misses, I went through it probably 5-10 times but just didn't look thoroughly enough into the flight stuff, so I blame myself more than anything. But for doing 5 mock checkrides and only doing steep turns, power on and power off stalls, slow flight, all the take offs and landings, and ground maneuvers I figured thats what it was. Just a bummer cause I'm wanting to go Air Force after I'm done with flight school to fly.
@alecgoff2359 Dang. Again, I’m very sorry to hear about your situation. There is definitely a bit more to work on-emergency procedures (including descents, fires, engine out, etc.), forward and side slips to landings, flight by reference to instruments to name a few.
I’m not sure if or how this will impact your Air Force aspirations - I’ve not been part of that process. Perhaps others in the group will know. However, in today’s environment I know it doesn’t destroy your chances of being an airline pilot. You just have to be prepared to discuss it, what you learned from it, and what you did to make sure it didn’t happen again.
Keep us informed regarding how things are going. We’d love to cheer you on once you nail this!!
a crazy high pass rate is terrifying at least the DPEs are stopping the swiss cheese from lining up to a degree
Thanks for the comment.
It is an interesting problem. If too many people pass the test, then it is not discerning enough. If too many fail, then there could be several issues, but the bottom line is that something(s) in the system is broken. I think the concern was that the initial pass rate had been in between in the mid-70%, then dipped into the 60s. Hopefully, having DPE, instructors, and students concerned and seeing what they can do to improve things will help get back to a more reasonable first-time pass rate. Again, thanks for the comment.
It's really super hot, so I fly in shorts and a tie shirt. I do not want to overheat flying. I need to wear shorts. So how do I get around that?
Thank you for the question.
I have had student candidates that “dressed down” for their check ride and still passed. However, when comparing experiences with peers that presented a professional appearance, the overwhelming consensus was that dressing professionally was very helpful. Pilot Examiners, like the rest of us, make first impressions unconsciously and very quickly (several sources say it takes 7 seconds or less). They are professionals and will try to dig beyond first impressions, but why start at a disadvantage? In general, your goal should be to make as good a first impression as you can. This includes not only how you dress, but whether all your materials are organized and in order, showing up ready to prove you know your stuff, and finally knowing your materials.
Also, not all shorts are created equal. If you show up, well-groomed, in nice, clean shorts and a polo shirt or something equally nice, that is a lot different than showing up in cutoff jeans and a concert t.
Ultimately, your goal is to make as good a first impression as you can. I hope this helps at least a little.
@@ScottKoonCFI I will have a very organized binder, tabbed out log book. Paper flight log and planner and so on. I will be good that way. My shorts are not ripped and my tie-shirt is not ripped. I am an older female of 59 years old. I will overheat if I do not wear light shorts and a light tie shirt flying at the hottest part of the day in 100 degree F. Heat.
@@KimWentworth-y8e Same here. Going to have my checkride mid July and am hoping my DPE won't turn their nose up at cargo shorts.
@@mymyrrah Yes, My shorts are somewhat like cargo shorts. They are light, have deep pockets and work perfect in the hot airplane. I do not wear earrings get in the way of the headphones and interrupt the seal. Maybe I dress nicely for the morning oral and than give the DPE head up that I am changing into cargo shorts and a tie shirt with a neck cooler.
Scott, I'm well aware of the FAA publications but I wanted to know what non FAA books you might recommend for PP ground school?
Hello Ken! There are two I highly recommend.
First, I like Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook
rodmachado.com/products/rod-machado-s-private-pilot-handbook?variant=706391283&aff=709
This resource covers everything you’ll need for the private pilot written and oral portion of the practical test. Rod not only has a vast knowledge of aviation, he has a quirky sense of humor that runs through the materials. I found his quips were not only entertaining, but helped me remember the material.
Please note, I liked Rod’s materials enough that I became an affiliate. This link doesn’t add any cost to you, but it does provide me a small commission.
Second, I like the Gleim Test Prep books.
www.gleimaviation.com/shop/ppkt/
The sole purpose of this book is to prepare you for and allow you to practice for the written exam. ASA also has something similar, but I like Gleim’s better. Gleim starts each section with an outline overview. Then they have the question on the left half of the page with the answer and explanation on the right. Plus, they include a bookmark that allows you to cover the answers while you review the questions. It makes it very easy to study.
Please note. This link is not an affiliate link.
Thanks for the question and I hope this helps!
@@ScottKoonCFI Got it and thank you for the thorough response.
is the pass rate actaully that low I was reading it was closer to 80%
Thanks for the question. At the time the first-time private pilot pass rate was indeed that low. In the video description, I linked to three articles noting the low pass rate. These articles were from AOPA, SAFE (Society of Aviation and Flight Instructors), and the blog of a well-respected FAA Pilot examiner. Having said that, the information and video are nearly a year old. The pass rate may have rebounded in the past 8 months, but I have not seen any updated numbers. My hope is that the numbers have returned to 80% or higher. My hope for the video was to make people aware of the trend and help them be at least a little better prepared. Every little bit can help. Thanks for the question.
I seems like a awfully expensive part of the road to PPL for people not to be prepared for it unless there is something else going on. When I start failure is not going to be an option.
It is indeed expensive (in money and emotional health). Unfortunately, as I was saying to someone else, I think there are many factors leading to the increased failure rate: pilot shortages, hiring pressures, CFIs having less experience (because they are being snapped up sooner by the airlines, regionals, fractional, etc.). Additionally, the shortage of pilot examiner availability means many are waiting longer for a check ride. And, there are likely other things, too.
I think your “failure is not an option” approach will serve you well. One of the commonalities I’ve seen with students that are consistently successful is that they take responsibility for their education, and actively partner with their CFI to make sure they are ready for each of the milestones. You have already set yourself on the right path. Best of luck in getting started soon, and I’ll be excited to hear about your progress!
sorry, but keep talking to avoid questions is a terrible idea for a check ride. :)
Thanks for the comment. I agree if you are jabbering just to make sure there is no time for the DPE to ask questions, you are absolutely correct. However, if you are explaining what you are doing and thinking so the DPE doesn’t have to guess/ask then, it doesn’t seem bad advice at all. :) Thanks again!