Rumors could be from anywhere, including propaganda from inspectors to dissuade those who are not serious from applying.

If I am reading this link correctly the national average is between 65-75%. It does not break it down by district and it does not say if pink slips are included in the eventual certificates.

http://www.faa.gov/data_statistics/a...ir19&20-05.xls

My thought is- who but FAA itself would know what the pass rate is- even if it is say 10%- any bonafide rumors must be from FAA itself. That doesn't change anything perhaps, other than scare you a little bit if you are a CFI applicant, but tells you they keep tabs on it for one thing and if you're smart you'll go where the odds are best.

Who would plunge into something where the odds are 10%.