Originally Posted by
Pinchanickled
Understandably, there are standards set forth that pilots AND the examiners need to follow. Given multiple failures at the same time is rediculous. If the examiner doesn't create a realistic environment, what do you do?? When you're going missed on a CAT 2, and an engine fire happens along with thrust reverser deployment all at the same time...is overwhelming. No excuses, but a fair shake would be nice to have. And it doesn't make it any easier when your examiner has a reputation of having a desire to fail people.
It just amazes me, failures are rare at major airlines. Regional airlines fail people constantly. Is it the quick minded video game playing younger generation that are better pilots? Or the gray haired weather pilots with experience better? YOU CANT SAY!!! It's really determined by each individual pilot. All I know is the bottom feeders are plagued with failures. Busts at bottom feeders are just a way of life it seems. At the major level, the more professional level, it seems that warm up sims, training to proficiency are a very very nice thing to have on your side.
Well, two schools of thought. One, the majors are able to attract the "creme de la creme" from the military as well as regional and other majors. The interview process weeds out the chaff and the strong generally make it through. As a result, there are fewer failures because they attract and retain the strongest pilots by and large.
Two, the regionals don't have the luxury of always attracting the best and the brightest and retaining them. As a result, the weeding out is done during training. You are right, there are rogue check airman out there. When they exist, the need to be counseled and if they don't correct their performance they need to be removed as check airman. That is a simple fix. The reality is, the POI overseeing the airline doesn't like high bust rates. It's easy for a Program Manager to look at the baseline failure rates and compare them to check airmen. If the usual pass rate is 90% and one check airman passes only 50% then perhaps there is a problem. The other issue is that most regionals don't operate under AQP training requirements. Therefore, they do a standard 441 ride where its pass or fail. Now it is up to the check airman but with the exception of the ATP/Type Ride they have the ability to redo a maneuver up to three times. But that's his discretion.
Again, ask yourself why you got an unsat? Did you not prioritize properly. The engine on fire is designed to pull your attention from the fact that a reverser deployed. Going missed off CAT I, II or III shouldn't matter. Its the same maneuver just closer to the ground. Fly the plane. Let the fire burn. Take care of the reverser. Once its stowed, then take care of the fire. If you got distracted and didn't fly the airplane within tolerance its a legit bust. He must see you can demonstrate mastery of the plane under all conditions.