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.