Smallbusdriver

Recently applying for CFI job/interviews had a minor tail strike as a student doing a soft field landing no damage was done to the aircraft, this was unfortunate for me even, which occured on a checkride. Would this prevent being hired. Is this considered an incident? It is the reason that I busted the check ride. Dpe and school manager told me not to think twice about it and move on, my fear is pulling my records showing that I not only busted the ride, it was due to a tail strike I will immediately not be considered. Dpe even laughed because it was more of an embarrassment on my part than anything else.

JetAJunkie

These are the NTSB definitions of incident and accident

Accidents

In Part 830, the NTSB defines an accident as:

an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and when all such passengers have disembarked,
in which any person suffers death or serious injury,
in which the aircraft receives substantial damage.
Substantial damage means damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength, performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft. This type of damage would normally require major repair or replacement of the affected component.

There are certain items that are not considered “substantial damage” by the NTSB. These include:

Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged
Bent fairings or cowling
Dented aircraft skin or small punctured holes in the skin or fabric
Ground damage to rotor or propeller blades
Damage to landing gear, wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips
Incidents

The NTSB defines an incident as an occurrence other than an accident, associated with the operation of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operations. While many incidents do not need to be reported to the NTSB, there are serious incidents that must be reported.

Operators should review the full list of reportable incidents, but the following are a few common examples:

Damage to property, other than the aircraft, estimated to exceed $25,000 for repair (including rials and labor) of fair market value in the event of total loss, whichever is less
In-flight fire
Flight control system malfunction or failure
Complete loss of information, excluding flickering, from more than 50% of an aircraft’s electronic cockpit displays, such as EFIS
ACAS resolution advisory issued when an aircraft is being operated under an IFR flight plan and compliance with the advisory is necessary to avoid a collision, or if the aircraft is operating in Class A airspace

I would say that if no damage was done then it's not an incident. However, a common question will be have you ever failed a check ride or stage check. Answer truthfully. Flying in the 135 world I promise you I have flown with people have had far worse problems and are flying today.

Smallbusdriver

Mx person looked over the 172 and bent the protector back in place and was returned to service

JetAJunkie

still doesn't seem to fall under either definition. id say if your DPE didn't make a big deal of it, it is a non-issue.

Flightcap

Based on what you're saying, that would not qualify as an accident/incident. I have a C172 tail strike in my career. You'd be surprised how many people have tail struck a trainer. Not a big deal. Just answer honestly when you're asked if you've failed a checkride. As a CFI applicant, bonus points if you can explain how that experience will help you prepare others for their checkrides.

TiredSoul

You've never had an accident or incident and you failed a checkride because of soft field landings.
That's it. End of story.
Don't worry about it.

Smallbusdriver

Thanks for the advice from everyone much appreciated

BluePAX

On a related note. If an ACAS compliance event occurs to a crew, and is considered an incident per the NTSB, would anyone here report this on the accident/incident question?

This makes me curious what the intent of this question is on applications, seeing as complying with a RA can happen to anyone through no fault of their own.

This is unlike totaling an aircraft, which is understandably reportable.

JohnBurke

Many moons ago on a grass airfield I gave rides to some scouts, in a little Cessna 150. The scout master's son was so excited that he could scarcely contain himself. I told them that they'd get to fly once we were in the air. During the takeoff, the boy wrapped both arms around the yoke and sat back in the seat with a death grip on the yoke, all his weight and strength with it. The tail slammed down on the runway, I pulled the power to idle and stopped.

A grass divot was missing on the runway, located between the rudder and empennage, and the tail tie down was full of sod. Otherwise, no damage. We cleaned up, talked a bit, and took off. He had a great flight.

It didn't involve a checkride, but you're not the first person to touch the tail. There have been some spectacular failures (the largest loss of life in a single aircraft mishap occurred as a result of a tail strike and subsequent repairs by the manufacturer). Yours does not appear to be such a case. Those in the know around you advised you to move on. You might take their advice.

You failed your checkride due to over rotation on landing or taking off. Came back and passed the ride. You don't need to add to that unless you choose to. After all, if you bounced a landing, would you give a detailed account of the number of times each tire touched? If your steep turns were off a bit, would you attempt to explain by how many degrees, or just say that you were discontinued on the ride and came back to pass it a few days later?

Airhoss

Absolutely and under no circumstances can this considered an incident. As a CFI teaching students I've had this happen several times over the years. It's just not a big deal.