80/20: The CFI Checkride

Study, study, study

It's common knowledge within flight training that the fail to pass ratio for the CFI check ride is 80:20.  That is, 80% fail the first attempt.  Up until this point, I've passed each check ride. Unfortunately, I have joined the 80%.

In all honesty, I was underprepared and unable to correlate multiple subject areas into one cohesive lesson, as expected by the examiner.

Over the next week I was able to really focus on the areas in which I needed to improve, and was able to come back to attempt #2 and pass. Although I felt stressed about it, it was actually a neat check ride.  I created a plan of action with the examiner in which you decide a sequence of maneuvers and who is to fly the airplane during each maneuver. I was expected to instruct through every maneuver.  Much like my private pilot check ride, everything fell into place.


As soon as the examiner signed my temporary certificate and shared the news in the FBO, the chief pilot ran to congratulate me saying, "You're Hired!"  The reality hit me: I am now qualified to earn a living as a pilot!  But our minds have pretty much been made up, as soon as I get confirmation of hire at Westwind in Phoenix, we hope to relocate.