[quote=StudentFlyer;783478]Seriously, what the ****** is wrong with me? I study like hell and do my best in the cockpit to get knowledge tests in the upper 90's and go through oral exams very well, and yet, when it comes to doing the flight portion of the checkride, I somehow manage to make one small error and bust it-in fact, five errors.

DEs and an FAA fed have told me I am a exceptionally well pilot, and know how to fly the airplane, and I have been told by them and others that I am extrememly intelligent-to the point of even getting a DE and FAA fed on things they didn't know.

However, I busted the private on going outside of tolerances on a power-on stall, was successfully distracted on the multi and forgot to do the gear check one more time, busted the CFI oral after 8 hours (mind basically melted), CFII oral on a scenario I have never been taught, seen, or even heard of (joining a DME arc...not off of a IAF or lead radial), and now, the CFII flight, because I forgot to press the "OBS" button on the Garmin GNS430 when I was doing a GPS hold (so the GPS cycled to the IF, instead of remaining in the hold, an I couldn't for the love of me fix it).
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Just a quick comment or two StudentFlyer.

There are enough pilots who get "checkride itis" out there to fill several wide body aircraft on any given day. It happens to everyone to one degree or another. A couple of the suggestions offered so far should help.

Having been a sim instructor for years for a Part 121 major carrier, there are several things I find helpful in preparing for a checkride. You should have some idea of what is going to be expected on the ride. If not, ask your instructor or examiner. The examiner may not give you the exact sequence but you'll have a good idea of what to expect. Do some "chair flying" before the ride, somewhere where you can talk to yourself. Think through every maneuver and talk yourself through it, out loud, as you perform the maneuver sitting in a chair. Do it until it's automatic.

If you make a mistake, forget about it. Everyone makes errors and one mistake does not bust a checkride. Put it behind you and move on !

As for oral exams, I've given more than I care to think about and most examiners can tell within the first 15 minutes how prepared an applicant is. I've never heard of any oral lasting 8 hours. Either you kept digging holes, the examiner didn't know how to give an oral or you've exaggerated this statement. In any case, it would be over in two at the maximum; pass or fail.

Several comments suggest that perhaps you need to do "some evaluations". You make excuses and seem to blame other factors for your inadequacies and failures. That also shows up very quickly on an oral and especially a check ride. Your comment about "getting a DE or FAA fed on things they didn't know" has been addressed but it's the quickest way to a pink slip or a very long afternoon. Don't go there ! Even if the examiner makes a mistake, bite your tongue and move on.

You pat yourself on the back for being a good pilot and you probably are. Prepare yourself for the flight checks and you'll do well. BTW, ditch "the language" and the attitude. You'll be better off for it. Oh, learn how to intercept the DME arc from anywhere. It's part of many company PC and recurrent training checks.

G'Luck Mate