Hi there Cubdriver:

I understand and agree with you regarding the frustration with the whole CFI thing. It can be a real pain if not approached methodologically with good effort on part of the applicant.

I'm also acutely aware around the country certain FSDOs have different CFI pratical test horror stories, some really bad, others not so bad and even others that are easy. The CFI rating should be less subjective and more streamlined other than the basic PTS standard as a guide. Don't hold your breath on that one though...

If you don't feel comfortable to take the ride with the feds, you could go to an accelerated CFI school and do the CFI with a DPE? It wont be a total "give-me" but it may limit some of the stress of the actual check ride.

Either way, you will need to do some honest studying, reading and practice teaching before you take the ride. It can actually be really fun once you take the plunge.

The good thing about all this is very little new material is introduced. You already have gone over all subject matter during you commercial, the CFI training focuses on polishing your delivery of detailed information.

Erik