Originally Posted by Blackhawk
Of the links you list, only one has a specific case of an actual lawsuit, and that entails a student pilot on a solo cross country. In that case, yes, you had better be VERY careful. Most flight schools and CFIs that I know have high weather minimums for solo cross country flights as the PIC is a "student" pilot, not a private pilot and the CFI therefore carries more responsibility.
Any specific examples of a CFI being held to task for a BFR or ICC sign off, or some other sign off for other than a student pilot? Again, I'm not looking for "I heard from a friend..." or "I read it might happen...", I'm looking for specific examples. Not to say you might not be the first, but this goes back to CFIs charging reasonable rates so they can pay for liability insurance.
The 141 CP (and former DPE) at the last flight school I worked had three lawsuits pending, one of which had dragged out over 7 years . That was why he gave up DPE. One lawsuit was IMC fatality related ($$$). Another involved a aircraft destroyed on landing, the insurance company paid out, then went after the CFI and DPE. Not sure what the third one was about. OK, this was in California, so your risk is probably lower in say Tennessee
But the point I'm making is if you have assets, make sure you are protected! And IPC's are the riskiest endorsement to give, because you just turned somebody loose in the most hazardous aspect of private GA.
If you have any doubts, and if this is more than an academic question (ie you really have something to lose) talk to your local DPE. Those guys know all about it...