This is one of the most valuable videos I have come across on KZfaq. Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective. It is indeed a "community service" for potential pilots! A setback is only one step away from success! Good Luck!

Your buddy on the couch knows how to deal with setbacks . Take a nap. All will be good.

It is so refreshing to see someone do such a service to the community by sharing a mistake they made in their quest for career success in aviation. As a former Captain (NWA/Delta), current corporate pilot and DPE, just let me say I would be proud to have you in my cockpit as a trusted crewmember. Do not fret the hiccup in your journey; as a former member of an airline hiring board, you are just the person I always looked for in the selection. Keep up the good work!!

I failed my PPL written 3 times before passing on the 4th try. I’m now about to be a commercial pilot. Strong work on sharing this !

That seems extreme. I remember on my checkride (20 years ago), I somehow forgot my sectional and only noticed on climb-out. How the DPE didn't notice up to then, I don't know. I 'fessed right up and said "I may have blown this before we even got going. I don't have my sectional." I then radioed the tower for an immediate return to the airport. We get back on the ground, I'm beyond dejected, he walks in with me, I see my sectional sitting right there on the table. He says, "OK, let's go." Long story short, he passed me. In the end, he said he had the right to declare it a fail, but based on how I reacted to it, how I handled it, and how I resumed the flight without losing it, that was truly what being a PIC was about.

Hey CB, sounds like you had a DPE that couldn't overlook a minor problem on a flight check that sounded like you had 99 % nailed. As an ATP commercial retired pilot I can say to you that you will ultimately accomplish your goal!! I failed my first instrument check ride do to a blotched go around but went on to fly for the next 40 years accumulating 30,000+ hrs. The fact that you were able to accept the DPE's recommendation says volumes about who you are. Hang in there, you have an exciting career ahead of you.

The last thing I wanna hear is that nobody fails their checkride. I'll gladly fly with someone who failed and ultimately passed, because I think they have a deeper appreciation for the knowledge.

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and press on. As a retired F-14, airline captain of the 727, A-300, MD-11, and B-777 we’ve all had a stumble along way. Keep going.

Gotta say man, I clicked this video assuming you made some dumb mistake. I stand corrected, your DPE definitely graded you unfairly. If it went as you say it did, your DPE is not looking at the evaluation correctly and you should never use her again. Your experience is not normal. Your maneuver was not unsafe and your decision making was sound. She essentially failed you on minor techniques. Don't take this one too hard. I'm a former military instructor/evaluator pilot (now just flying for fun on weekends) and this whole story just sounds outrageous.

I'm starting my pilot course next month. I've never seen someone so humble in a mistake - but I'm more thankful that you shared this with us. I hope you made it in the end and I wish you all the best in your aviation career!

I also busted my checkride on my first time around as well. The flight was going pretty good for the first 40minutes, but then we got to the steep turns. I was feeling pretty confident about steep turns because it was one of my favorite maneuver, but as I rolled into the turn i became anxious and continued even though I probably should’ve stopped. I rolled out of the steep turn and he looked at me and he said that sadly doesn’t meet ACS standards. I took a deep breath and he asked me if I wanted to continue my flight I looked at him and I said yes. I finish the rest of my check ride landed the plane and felt nothing but disappointment in myself. Later that week we went up again and I completed the steep turns with high confidence in myself. The moral of the story is never give up. If this is truly what you want to do for the rest your life or is something that you are extremely passionate about keep pushing yourself to the limits keep moving forward.

Don't sweat it. I breezed thru my private pilot written with a 98 and aced my check out ride, BUT failed my first CDL drivers license test at the DMV!

Like others have said, it's great to own the mistake, recover, and ace it next time. But, prior to flying with that examiner again, I would dive into the POH and the regs, and verify her basis for disapproving of a maneuver. Then discuss your findings. We have regs and POH for a reason, and an examiner has to follow both, just as they expect you to do. The fact that you successfully completed the maneuver in a safe manner tells me you were correct and within the limits of the aircraft. Her response was subjective, and incorrect.

I'm about to start my PPL training. This was a very upfront and honest video that will help me very much. Thanks for sharing!

Through your pain & disappointment you have helped others embarking at this stage. I'm currently at the mock check ride stage. This contact was helpful. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing, it says a lot about your character to own this situation. Kudos to you. Your information here is useful to me and I imagine many others. Thanks again!!

Like you, I had to find a DPE who could fit in my plane; I never could. My instructor actually called a FAA Director, and he conducted my check ride. Also, just like you, I flubbed my short field takeoff. He did not fail me over that. He did have my instructor go over it with me again. The oral part lasted about an hour, and the check ride was an hour as well. Congratulations on passing it later. After watching the video; I feel certain, you were better prepared than I was.

If what you said is true: Yes, I agree with examiner on one point. A soft field should be with some flap. You need to transfer the weight off the wheels and onto the wings as soon as possible. In Canada I would give you a “2” out of 4 on that. ( passed with a briefing) What you did was not unsafe. This examiner is way out of line. There are issues with her that could be an entirely different conversation. She is abusing her tittle. This is a private pilot ride, not a shuttle launch. The lesson learned here is that you got a bad examiner and that’s too bad. This unfortunately happens. I have done over 70 check flights in my career and I got one or two people who should not be in those positions. You sound like a very descent competent pilot. Put this behind you, keep going and do not fly this this examiner ever again, she is the problem, not you. Hans Juergensen

Sometimes it is difficult to publicly own our mistakes but your doing so helps many other potential aviators so much. Thank you for taking one for the team and for sharing your experience. I hope your training has continued to progress towards your ultimate goals. See you in the pattern.

I can't tell you how impressed I am with you... your modesty regarding your checkride experience, and your maturity to learn from it. I would fly with you as my fellow crewmember anytime. Bravo. I have no doubt at all that you will be a very successful professional aviator.

For some unknown reason, your video popped up on my screen this morning and I had to watch (Congratulations, btw, for passing your check-ride). My career is winding down (45 years in the profession with the last 24 as an expat contractor). With 12 type-ratings I never endured a 3 1/2 to 4 hour Oral and though each pre-flight was thorough they were not as intense as yours. Many of us admire your dedication, study, and preparation but each of us equally appreciate and admire your humility. As a former Gulfstream PPE (FAR 91), DCA (UAE), and Line Check Airman (KSA), it was an opportunity for a candidate to hopefully learn something but they would somehow elevate my perspective as well. My personal opinion but you obviously provided her with insight and knowledge she could use to enhance her career! At age 68 and having quadruple bypass surgery last August, I'm not sure if the FAA will approve a re-issue for my medical but, I have been approached to set-up and manage a new operation to consist of a VIP 787, three Gulfstreams, and three Sikorsky S76Ds - it may never come through but if it does, you would be welcome in our organization (select group of retired professionals from American, Pan Am, and VIP expat operators). Take care, all the best ....

AWESOME video, thank you for sharing your experience. This was EXTREMELY HELPFUL. I'm 58 yrs young and have 38 hours in my log book. Recently soloed. I'm a long way way from doing my check ride. Your video is very inspirational and educational on many levels. An experienced Private pilot once told me "learning to fly is a journey, not a destination". You'll do FINE on the last few maneuvers on your next check ride. 👍👍 Again, THANK YOU for sharing. Definitely subscribing, looking forward to following your "journey".

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your check ride experience. Not many people find the courage to share there failed experience and in doing so you have helped me to become even more prepared, thanks.

Excellent video! You did a service to others by making this video. What amazes me is how some people gave this a thumbs down. What could they possibly have to complain about this video? Thank you again for making this!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I passed on my first private checkride attempt. But it wasn't pretty. I had well over 160 hours by that date and it was my third flight school. Was at ATP (2nd school) and was completely demoralized after I had trouble with my landings and was basically told I was not going to make it there. I started four months later to a different school and after 7 mos (lots of bad weather) I finally passed my private. I'm still nervous about the rest of the checkrides coming, but all we can do is prepare!

I’m getting ready for my private pilot check ride. Thank you for sharing this experience. It was not something easy to put out there but you had the self confidence to do it hoping that you may help someone else.

It's been already 2 years, this video really makes me feel alive. Thanks for your advice!

You have demonstrated one of the most important skills in being a good pilot. Owning your mistakes, learning from them, and sharing with others so that they don't make the same ones. So many are scared to admit their failures (and we all have them). This is a skill I've seen mamy experienced pilots fail at time and time again!

That's great of you to share your experience, I am a pilot, but feel you did a great thing by sharing your story. I'm confident that you will have your license very soon, and this will all be a fantastic memory. Good luck, stay safe, and happy flying!

Turned out my DPE had worked with my dad 20 years prior (USAF C141) We didn’t know who each other was until a week later. Took my check at 42 hours. He asked me to give him our position (1995 no gps at the time). So I called approach and ask for a speed and location check, which I received. The dpe laighed, “good one” he said then ask he to do it the “hard way” using map and gbr. Regardless of outcome each flight is a learning experience. Good way to handle it.

Thanks for posting this. It is great to see the bad with the good. And there is not enough of the bad people are willing to share. Goodluck with your flying career!

Thank you thank you very much for posting this.. even at this time of unpleasant outcome .It is really helpful,I wish and I am sure you will be a great pilot in the near future...

Congratulations bro. I am currently doing my flight training and there's much to learn. Keep trucking.

Thank you dude! Heads up, cheers from Portugal !

Just found this video and it’s excellent. Thank you for explaining exactly what happened and how you would approach it in retrospect. It’s really helpful. I have a lot of respect for you as a person and pilot for how you handled this situation.

WOW...THANKS FOR SHARING THIS !! I'm probably a month or so out before taking my check ride so I am trying to wrap my head around it all sooner then later. Also so awesome to read through the comments posted here. It for sure goes to say anything worth having in life is worth the hard work / fighting for. I have to agree with so many others here...yes very humbling...but I would no doubt feel much safer flying with a person like yourself than someone who just might feel a bit more full of themselves. Its obvious you are a articulate, smart, determined individual and I believe there is no doubt you will persevere and go on to continue and accomplish your goals to become a great aviator ! Best of luck !!

Great attitude. This will not hamper your ability to get hired at an airline. I'm a FedEx pilot and with over 7600 HRS I'm still always learning. Good luck with the rest of your training and checkrides

As the old adagio says: making a mistake is human, persevering is evil. Thanks for your video it was very inspirational. Cheers from Italy

Thanks for sharing your experience for us to learn from. Being so humble after such an event is a great quality. I would be proud to fly with you!

I have a feeling that you are becoming an excellent pilot. Anyone who is this honest and introspective about a setback like this is destined to be better for it. This was very articulate and incredibly helpful to those of us at the very beginning of this journey. Thanks very much.

Wow. This was not my experience at all. It’s been like 15 years, but you seem way more prepared than I remember being. I can’t imagine passing the checkride with the four hour ground portion and the way you’ve described your DPE.

I was ready to throw up by the time my check ride was complete. Maybe one of the most stressful events of my life. Was sure I failed, but I didn't. Your story was really interesting. Your attention to detail is great and you seem to know your stuff. This video was posted 9 months ago. I hope you've had success by the time I'm viewing this. Cheers! [edit: I also think the examiner was wrong for failing you]

Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences.

Awesome video, thanks for being able to share your experience. Just took my checkride a few weeks ago. Oddly enough I was most nervous about the oral portion, but I absolutely passed that part with no problem whatsoever, but on my first landing I overshot my touchdown point and failed my soft/ short field landings. It caught me by surprise for sure because its something ive done a million times over and over again with no issue whatsoever. So now I have to go back next week and do the rest of the flight. It was extremely discouraging for sure, I had all the confidence in the world I would pass, and yet I think now im more nervous now than I was the first time, but on the flip side It gave me a new found respect for GA pilots that I just can’t explain

That’s pretty crazy. Especially since you explained the aerodynamics and everything. It’s not like you just didn’t know what to do. I have seen people pass who didn’t even know what a forward slip was or how to do one which is crazy

Congrats on passing. Was your instructor a young guy? Surprised he didn’t know the flap settings on a 150. pretty much standard practice to get an airplane as light as possible when taking off or landing on a soft surface (for any model). I commend you for sharing your experience. Check rides are something most every pilot remembers, good or bad. Good luck on you pilot career path.

Very insightful.. I failed my short-field landing on a wet runway and had to go-around twice on my forward-slip to landing, during my checkride. I am glad that you continue to remain positive, and took the time to walk us through the events. Congrats on nailing your manoeuvres during your re-test and getting your private! Keep up the good work!

My checkride was with a DPE that was known to be tough, which made me nervous. I fly out of HWD so I feel your pain on the busy airspace. What made me think I had blown the checkride was that on two occasions the examiner took control and showed me ways to execute maneuvers that were different than how I had been taught. I thought he was showing me the correct way to do them. Back on the ground I was sure I had failed. I was already anticipating the humiliation of facing my CFI. I was seriously upset. Turns out I passed. The examiner thought I flew well and was showing me new things. I was not expecting that! It really spun my head up. My CFI thought that was pretty funny. I was so relieved!

You explaining yourself experience shows you’re an intelligent individual, so I don’t fought you’ll ACE every check ride you do from here on out. I have to be honest, I was a bit distracted watching this video because you have one of the cutest dogs, lol👍

I failed my instrument due to an improper hold, made me understand the concepts weren't clear to me and I should've spoken up when I didn't fully understand something. Very humbling experience indeed. Funny, I ask my instructor for a hold or two every time we get a chance now. And no training flights until May due to the virus, I better figure something out quick.

I appreciate your perspective and attitude. It is a ton to remember!

Captain CB, I really liked the video and the tips you suggested-particularly when you mentioned bringing up question to the DPE before the checkride! As a CFI, trust me we get the same heart-sinking feeling when one of our students unfortunately has a disapproval on a checkride. I failed my Instrument flying portion, and now am starting a job at a regional airline in the US. Hang in there, and work to ace the rest of your rides, keep in mind you’re starting toward your flying career goal at a great time. Best of luck to you

I'm still fairly early on in my training (just soloed!) and I've noticed the same lack of clarity for takeoff with flaps in the POH for the 172. Surprised that caused you to fail the entire checkride - but I'll definitely be brushing up on ALL of my knowledge as much as possible before I reach that point. It sounds like you had done the same, and from the comments it sounds like you may have had a VERY thorough DPE.

I'm prepping for my commercial checkride now and even having done a private and instrument ride already, these are the kinds of issues I'm always kind of worried about. I'm pretty confident in my overall piloting ability. It's the idea that some technical issue will come up like this and I'll get failed on it even though I know it was a pilot discretion call. Vast majority of DPEs I know are very kind, fair minded individuals, but this happens sometimes. It's frustrating because there isn't much you can do when it does.

Superb! The civil aviation community are endlessly-inspiring professional achievers - I enjoyed it for about 7 years before I decided to step away, concluding at the the time I couldn't devote the hours necessary to advance to and maintain competency for IFR. Loved every second of the journey and am convinced you'll be onboard soon if not already long ago. Quite frankly, you've accomplished more than many in life, so be proud!

These comments are so supportive and inspirational. Amidst all the negative stories we hear about social media and the like, this is rather heartening.

You had a tough DPE. Don't let it discourage you.

I passed my RPP check ride, but barely. During taxi, I forgot to check that my compass was free and floating, and that my heading indicator was tracking. It’s the small things like that that can almost fail you! Good luck!

Thanks for making this video. You are a bigger man than I or probably most people out there. Glad to see you are doing well!

Thank you for sharing and taking us on your journey to ATP certification. Hope you continue posting ...Best of luck in your future check rides..

'It is better to make a mistake that makes you humble than achievements that make you arrogant'. I made a mistake on my first solo out of the circuit pattern (to the practice area). I flew Terminal altitude within the control zone (airspace matters). In Canada they can issue a cador but they didnt.

Never give up! a "mistake" is a learning experience.

Greetings from Mexico City, Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you and hope you pass your checkride.

Thanks for the humility and heads up!

Yep the part about “are you sure”... Don’t ever go against the FAA even if you can explain it. I’ve seen cases of Aviators trying to hold on to their pride knowing they’re right but it never goes well.

Wow that seems incredibly hard , you must have been exhausted after the ground check, not sure what they do in uk but I feel for you , I used to be a tram driver and the check drive was really hard for them but your check seems very hard , I wish you best when you re-do it , let us know how you get on

Thank you for this video. It took a lot of courage to post it! I'm in the home stretch of my private journey!

Thanks ! You put together good information to know. Much appreciated!

You're going to make a fine Pilot. Very impressive knowledge for the actual hours flown. Good Luck. I watched this because I expected you have made a major mistake. Great advice. Tough inspector.

I am an ex military and civilian instructor pilot and airline pilot. Have done a million check rides, have given the same. That was BS pure and simple. There is something else going on there with that DPE. After you pass, I would write the FAA and the instructor should do the same.

Am about to take my checkride for my Cherokee 235, am on hold for the corona virus. Using the delay for extra study . Thanks for the video. It was at once helpful and anxiety producing. God Bless and happy flying !

Hi Charlie. I felt your heartbreak man. I had a similar experience where I made an error in the traffic pattern and failed my first Private checkride too. Learn from it and more importantly, grow from it. Be a better pilot bcos of your errors. A good pilot is always learning, remember that.

Good talk. I remember doing the faa check ride. I honestly at the end had absolutely know idea if I passed in fact I thought it may be a fail. The lady chatted to me down a corridor about the effects of stress on people just general chit chat and then said oh by the way you did pass. Took me half hour to sink in.

I just love that you own it. I'm studying for my checkride and close to 80 hours... Took 50 hours just to figure out my landings... I'm not happy with that but I got my landings down now..at least I'm not nervous about them anymore. Knowledge I got but memory is not my strong suit. My brain is fried now so I'm watching videos. Your oral sound horrid. Can't imagine flying after all that!

This is one of the most informative videos on this topic. Thanks for the information and honesty. It will help many others. You KNOW this stuff. It will be a temporary setback for you.

Thank you for being so honest, it was very helpful

Wow. This is making me extremely nervous for my checkride...

She must have thought she was giving a checkride for an astronaut

Good attitude! Never give up on your dream. You will get there

I failed on my first attempt at my PPL as well due to rushing through a VOR procedure. I was pretty disappointed with myself but I picked myself up, learned, passed, and now I’m in instrument training and doing well as I make my way to an ATP rating. We only fail if we quit, just gotta keep going! Great video

When I took my check ride my CFI held me back until I had at least 60 hours as the local DPE was notorious for finding and accentuating flaws leading to the disapproval of candidates short of that experience level. Just sayin'. Appreciate the candor and detailed analysis.

I’m a 75/76 captain, been flying for over 25 years now, and I’m sure I’d fail a private check ride if I took it today. Only difference is I’d give her a good piece of my mind afterwards.

This is very helpful to me - thank you! You will look back on this "failure" as something that ended up being very positive for you (if you don't already).

Very helpful. Thank you sir. Great Attitude in owning it up and being positive. This would take you places. Good luck!

I wonder what this particular DPE's fail rate is. Maybe the FAA needs to give HER a check ride.

Interesting story. Sorry you failed, but you owned the results and I have infinite respect for you. Personally think that the examiner was pretty short about the event. It clearly wasn’t dangerous because she let you accomplish the maneuver without intervention. She could have discussed the matter with you on the spot and have you reaccomplish the takeoff. Then had a chat post flight to make sure you understood her concerns. I say all this because of your professional demeanor and attitude is that you are obviously all about learning and understanding. I’m sure all this is behind you now and thanks again for the video.... best luck!

Thank you for the great advice. Congratulations on passing the retake.

Hi thank you for the video SORRY for the outcome but very glad you are going ahead with it as you have plenty of time love the confidence guaranteed you do it next time

Dude, that DPE did you dirty. However, that experience will be great on your road to professional certs.

I flew c150’s year's ago. I still have two owners manuals. 1968 and a 1977 BOTH say no flaps. 1968 ”wing flaps UP”, 1977 ”Wing flaps ZERO”. For a maximum performance take off. There is no misinterpretation to it. Normal take off is also flaps zero. I believe you got scammed. Looking at the manual again now there isn't an instance where flaps on takeoff is required.

A good pilot is always learning. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Dude, you are my new hero. People who tell the truth and are honest with their self and others and don't deflect or try to blame others, to me are stellar. You'll be fine and you know that. It's obvious to me. It's obvious to others. Thanks for sharing. I'd love to pet that doggo of yours.

.I should have failed my check ride, but he passed me?.....When I called a tower airport to radio our position...I said I was "5 miles north of field"....my Flight Examiner chuckled...Clicked the mike, and said...."sorry we are 5 miles SOUTH of the field".....that's a 10 mile mistake!..i thought i failed right there. Also before the flight he asked me what was the hardest for me to do flying a plane..."a xwind landing" I answered.......on our last landing, he deliberately chose a x-wind runway.....during my flare....he screamed at me....."KEEP THAT WING DOWN!!! KEEP YOUR DAMN F***ING WING DOWN!!!!!!" nearly at the top of his lungs..........as we rolled out he said......."THERE, you can do a x-wind landing...." I taxied back...silence, no one said a thing...i shut the plane down. felt like an eternity.....(I knew I failed).........then he says......"I like your style......you pass"

You handled the aircraft safely and knowledgeable. You explained WHY you did what you did, its not like a C150 needs over 2000' lol. She could've corrected your logic and sent you on your way IMO. Your Private is a ticket to continue to learn. Good luck next time!

I recently just got my Commercial MEL in February, prior to my disapproval I only had a single engine ILS left on my initial checkride and unfortunately botched it. DPE told me that all we had to do was just the single engine ILS retest and that was it. Afterward it did kick me and left me with a lesson to learn from. My private ride was about the same other than I botched a power off stall. Your DPE sounded almost like you were given a commercial checkride, oral of 3-4 hrs sounded pretty brutal, some stuff we do have to know but it's really a starting point. Keep up the work and never give up! Safe flying

Thanks for your candid review and lessons learned about your check ride experience. I'm sure you learned a lot from this event and I truly believe you'll be a better and safer pilot because of it. I hope to someday be sitting in the back of an airliner you are PIC of.

I’ve failed many Checkrides with small failures along my way to becoming a helicopter CFI, as well as an airplane private pilot. Ive felt very frustrated and discouraged by these failures, and have begun to improve my knowledge and teaching skills as of recently by creating an online ground school on KZfaq. I hope this comment helps others realize they aren’t alone even with multiple failures. My girlfriend says part if this issue might be ‘cus i was “unschooled” most of my life, and how it may have effected the way i learned to study for exams. Any other unschooled pilots out there!? :)

For anybody curious direct from the 150M POH: “FLAP SETTINGS Normal and short field takeoffs are performed with flaps up. The use of 10° flaps will shorten the ground run approximately 10%, but this advantage is lost in the climb to a 50-foot obstacle. Therefore, the use of 10° flaps is reserved for minimum ground runs or for takeoff from soft or rough fields. If 10° of flaps are used on soft or rough fields with obstacles ahead, it is preferable to leave them extended rather than retract them in the climb to the obstacle. The exception to this rule would be in a high alti- tude takeoff in hot weather where climb would be marginal with flaps 10°. Flap deflections greater than 10° are not approved for takeoff.” Seems soft field is a 10 degree flap setting and short field is flaps up. Bummer detail to fail a whole check ride on. 👎🏻

Like Bo below...I too am a private, USAF, NWA/Delta Captain with over 20,000 hrs., now retired. Great self-analysis and learning. You'll go far in aviation... from one aviator to another--all the best!

Thank you for sharing this!