Originally Posted by
Cubdriver
A...A basic knowledge of statistics will tell you that a reasonable level of certainty, say 95%, cannot be achieved with less than about 30 samples taken from a purely random, consistent population. By contrast, the FAA has a pilot candidate taking a single checkride that will supposedly be representative of years of future aircraft operation, based on only one flight....
This is true, which is why the CFI is an integral part of the equation and should develop a working relationship with the DPE, local FAA FSDO or company DPE (in a 141 school).
The same principal works in an airline environment. As an IP and check airman in an airline, I had a pretty good idea who was good and who wasn't before I got into the cockpit with them.
The CFI and company check airman is an integral part of the system and the FAA checks are just as much to weed out bad CFI or company instructors as they are to check the individual pilots.
When the FAA finds issues with pilots they go to the training department to find out why.