Originally Posted by Bucknut

After becoming a TCE which is similar to a DPE, I realized several things when it comes to checkrides. It is rare that someone comes to a checkride unprepared. 1.) Nerves get some people really hyped up and affects performance and I would do my best to calm them down. 2.) There is more than one way to ask a question to get the anwer. 3.) I have experienced a DPE not conducting the checkride as they are directed by the FAA by not explaining the events of a checkride and giving a full briefing which helps the applicant get in the correct mindset. A checkride should be very standardized! 4 ) The applicant is not aware of the standard required (PTS/ACS). 5.) There is no failure quota and usually a failure to meet standards is pretty black and white. 6.) I have seen good pilots failing to meet the standards. 7.) I think 99 percent of examiners do not like to issue a notice of disapproval because of the ramifications it can have on someone's career but sometimes it is necessary. It is also a lot more paperwork to issue a dispapproval. 8.) If a training organization starts having enough people fail to meet the standards it raises red flags with the FAA. Just some things to think about when you reflect on what happened and going forward.