Originally Posted by
dephicon
Using two planes is fine for your CFI initial as you stated from the PTS. If the FSDO throws a fit, show them the PTS.
If the examiner finds deficiencies with stall awareness or spins you are required to demonstrate them on the retest. It is not required on the initial if you are found proficient,
however the examiner can still ask you to preform them. Remember though if the examiner touches the controls during a spin because your not proficient you just failed. I would suggest getting proficient at spins and expect to preform them on your checkride. Once your confident preforming them, then there's one less thing to worry about. Plus the're fun
A lot of people talk about using two airplanes to save money for the CFI ride and commercial. While it may save you a few bucks, is it worth it. Now you have two airplanes to know inside and out for the feds, the feds have two aircraft that the mx guys have to go through to determine airworthiness. Anything that makes the FSDO's life easier makes, your life easier.
Out of the BDL FSDO most CFI checkrides are all-day affairs of 4-5hrs oral with approx a 2hr flight. Not sure which FSDO that other guy was referring to for 8-10 orals and 3hr flights. I don't know any government employee that works that long of a day
. And a 3hr oral for the CFII??? Use a different DPE and if you aren't using one maybe you should
You may have to train more flight hours to ensure the same level of proficiency in both aircraft and don't forget the added taxi, runup, t/o, commute back and forth the practice area, etc. These little things add-up. To me that inconvenience of all that it is worth it to just do it in one airplane.
The checkride is hard enough don't make it any harder than you have to by penny pinching. As stated earlier you do not have to demonstrate spins unless you fail the spin awareness portion. Additionally some complex aircraft like an arrow are NOT approved for spins.
Just my $.02