Originally Posted by cruiseclimb

With so many threads about low hiring mins, I wanted to share an experience I just had.

I wanted to get checked out on a C172 at the local FBO so I went on the standard "Checkride" with the duty CFI. He was in his mid to late 20s with 600hrs TT. He's gotten his ratings at a 90 day pilot factory in FL.

We did the standard slow flight, stalls, landings etc... When that was done I wanted to shoot a couple approaches to get used to the plane's instrument setup. The instuctor seemed a little nervous, but said ok. The first VOR went ok, but every time we were vectored through the clouds, he was terrified. Next approach I wanted to practice a holding entry then follow up with an ILS. As Norfolk approach cleared us into holding, we went IMC and he started to panic. We were IMC for a few minutes and started to take some light rime. At this point he told me he had never seen icing before and was starting to lose the picture. To see were this was going, I asking him what did he want to do. he completely froze up.. didn't think to call approach, fly the aircraft out... or anything.. just complete panic. I made a quick call to approach, they dropped us below the ceiling, then we finished the approach for a full stop. We've all been there.. My point is, the first time should not be with 50 passengers behind you... TSA just lowered their mins to 250 TT.. Hope that works out ..