S. Horne gave me both my initial FO PC and my type ride during upgrade. Both the rides were very fair; tough, but fair. He doesn't give any free passes when it comes to procedures/callouts. I think a lot of people expect to have an annual PC type of ride, which his aren't. I never heard of him arbitralily failing someone; they were all legit. He isn't going to send anyone online that isn't ready. Outside of checkrides, I found him like any other line pilot; although he does carry some weight which I think intimidates people.

I know he rubs people the wrong way, but I found him to be a very strict, fair person which during checkride and training times translates into some personality conflicts. Sometimes it is what people need to get motivated.

CHQ (and RAH) have been using FSI outsourced instructors for all initial training since before 2000. I never had a CHQ instructor except for the classroom during upgrade (1 week). All the check rides were done by Check Airmen, though I've heard they've even been using FSI guys for new-hire PCs and types on the 170 because they don't have enough Check Pilots yet. I'm not there anymore, but that is what I heard from pilots that are still there.