Originally Posted by Cubdrick

Have you ever heard of someone failing the check ride at HP? There's something to be said for the controlled environment of a simulator that comes without surprises. With a little research on APC you'll see several--although probably still rare--occurrences of unnecessarily stressful passed or failed check rides at places like All ATPs etc. from people with only military experience and/or given by examiners that "have it out" for military pilots (perceived or not). Having to explain a busted check ride for reasons fair or unfair may not be worth the money saved.