Failed Checkrides
 

My 3 check ride failures is REALLY bothering me (almost to the point where I'm feeling like I've committed murder), and I'm losing confidence in myself over it. So the plan is to go to Lakes, survive training, then later see about other companies. I would like to go on to fly a Saab. To be honest, I'm jealous of other pilot's success. I just want to be successful and happy from here on out 100% of the time, so now a few questions.

1) How can I never fail another check ride again? I'm going to a 121 and don't want to fail there, especially for something small like in my past check rides; not landing on center line, or having the transponder on Standby during take off, which are the reasons why I failed 2 of them.

2) Are there any 121/135 operations that have the Saab and will at least INTERVIEW a pilot with 3 busts?

3)Will any commuters who will not interview a pilot with 3 busts, will consider granting one after a successful stint at Lakes? Are the more likely to give someone a chance with 3 busts, but a successful stint as a 121 pilot?

After I passed those rides on the 2nd attempt, the DPEs were congratulating me, I told them "I don't know why I couldn't do this the first time." I hope all of you can understand that I NEVER want to have this feeling again. I want to go and ace every check ride from here on out, hate looking and feeling like I'm a huge failure. Maybe I'm being too hard on myself.

Keep your chin up!

We all like our own particular planes, but you need to seriously forget about the Saab and apply everywhere. Interview with anyone who will give you the chance, make yourself as marketable as possible. Be honest about your failures, tell them what happened and why it wouldn't happen again. Emphasize your strong points most and stay positive throughout the interview. A job will come, you just have to earn it.

Forget about the checkrides...explain them to the interviewer...from what I've heard recently....three isn't a career killer. Sounds like your biggest issue is limiting yourself to airlines who fly a particular plane. Go to who will hire you...not who flies a (insert plane here).

Yup...like he said...beat me to it!!

Dude relax i have multiple checkride failures.I got into a 135 did 3 yrs (i dont think you have to do 3) got my ATP whilst there applied to a regional and got in.....there is that almost a year when our uncle Sam required my being pushed i mean voluntaryly jumping out of aircraft and shooting guns services (something you might consider). You are not alone.

You are about to talk yourself into a 4th failure if you don't go into this training thinking that you are going to pass. Self-fulfilling prophecy is ringing in my ears right now. You are talking yourself into a tough road ahead already and you still have a month to go before you even start!

USMCFLYR

A bit off topic but I HATE how so much emphasis is placed on checkride failures. Messing up on a minor thing compared with flat out doing something stupid puts the same title on ya.

I'm whiling to bet money, which I don't have, that pilots with one/two checkride busts are a lot better then some who have manged to squeak by with none to this point. However we have Marvin Renslow (not to speak ill will of the dead) and his 12+ busts, along with not wanting to really be a pilot (so I heard) to thank. Not comparing 2 to 12 but with all the hysteria that followed, some people with just one bust are considered "un-wantable" anymore in some eyes.

I know of one 121 that has the checkride failure question second on the application; first is your name. That really sucks IMO.

I will refrain from using names youll figure out who I am. I am going to give you some advice that I hope you will take for what its worth (constructive). I have recieved some of this same advice in the past. My advice is not meant to rehash your past, but is meant to assist you in the future. Pilots must always strive to evaluate, identify and change for the better. However there are some things you need to hear.

1. Networking is everything in this business, so try not to get so fixated on your path you overlook the people that can/would help you. I tell you this because had you simply returned some phone calls 4 months ago, and shown some initiative you would be flying 135 in a twin right now. I know you were fixated on your MEI at the time, but what we know about fixation in this industry applies to career paths also. Hindsite and all that. This leads to my next point.

2. Try not to rush things, enjoy the ride. Over the last year you changed jobs to get as many hours as fast as you could (completely understandable) but I think you missed some valuable experiances. You have earned almost as many hours in the last 8 months as I did in the last 2 years. Maybe consider continuing your CFI job for the varied experiance and networking you can get. Even if you are flying at Lakes you will likely be on reserve so you should still consider CFI on the side.

3. Regarding two of your busts, I know you know about checklists. If the reasons you say (as simple as a transponder) caused you to fail a checkride than checklist usage should help you keep from failing in the future. Checklist usage also shows attention to detail just like landing on a centerline. A wise man once told me that the centerline is only there for the professionals, its your choice if you want to use it.

4. If you survive a couple 121/135 rides it can definately ease the stigma of pt 61/141 busts.

Finally, I wish you the most of luck at Lakes and believe you can succeed, but if your not sure about getting through the training maybe you should reevaluate by staying with Flight instruction to 135 IFR mins than go the 135 route instead of 121, as you said you cannot afford another failure (especially a part 121 fail). I assume you want to work with your dad someday so 135 cargo at 135 mins (Flight express?) might be a better way to get you there. Just my opinion, again just some things I should have said to you 6 months ago, but that was my oversight, and this is my attempt to correct that. Always try to pay it forward and Good Luck.

Dude, busting rides is NOT committing murder. Lighten up on yourself!!!!

A bust for not turning on a transponder? That is one anal retentive examiner.... and he/she is NOT the only one. My best CFI candidate busted on his first attempt for an equally weak reason. It happens.

Depending on your age, you may have upwards of eighty 121 checkrides. I wish I could say you will never bust another ride again, but the odds are, you will. So, relax. Go in prepared and do your best. That is all anyone can do.

Take a look at this thread:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/hi...r-summary.html
especially at the comment made by the PSA recruiter.