Thanks dimondan, PM sent.
Weaclrs,
Wow, I wasn't aware that DPE's could give a CFI initial checkride. I know that some part 141 schools have their own DE's that may be able to administer the CFI initial ride; however, the FAA, like any other ride, can have an inspector oversee the whole thing if they want. The examiner I've used is only able to do the double-I and MEI rides..
Even then, I might just use the FSDO because of the $0 price tag! Even if it is hard, checkride costs are ridiculous now, and like you said failing a CFI initial ride isn't anything new..
If the national average for pass/fail is 50/50, that's a lot better than what I've expected.. Atlanta's FSDO for instance, I've heard 17% pass rate. It'd be interesting to see a list of the pass:fail ration by FSDO.
If your oral was 7 hours, I'm guessing a lot of that time is spent with you talking and not much of a Q&A session.. I guess it's easy for time to go by if the examiner is a "zero time student."
Newest bedside thriller is.. the action-packed FAR/AIM !
Thanks.