FAA Check Ride
 

I called 3 different FSDOs in Sourthern California (San Diego, Riverside, & Long Beach). All of them said they don't have any FAA examiners which will examine my private pilot checkride for free. Whats the deal? I dont want to pay $350 for the checkride. LOL. What have you guys paid for your checkrides?

Why would you want to take your check ride with the FAA other than it being free? It is something that I try to avoid as much as possible. Go here [ http://av-info.faa.gov/DesigneeSearch.asp ] and search for examiner's nearby you and find which one will do it the cheapest. I paid $250 for mine from an ex WW2 fighter pilot.

$375 in cash in advance for the one I use. He's a 777 Captain for Continental.

I have found that $250-$300 is the going rate around me. Some examiners also offer a retest for half price, and some for free, and some for full price. Also some want cash, and some prefer cash and will accept checks.

You must fly in the Denver area.

Sorry Engineer Pilot, it gets more expensive from here. $+/- 300 is the going rate.

FAA inspectors rake people over on checkrides. Pay the 3 bills and be happy. I have heard nothing but horror stories about FAA examiners in my 4 years of flying.

the horror...
 

My CFI told me that she showed up to her PPL Check Ride with an expired sectional, was failed on the spot (before a single question was asked for the oral) and the examiner promptly exited the building $250 wealthier.

Talk about an expensive sectional!

thats ridiculous

Not for an FAA inspector, though if she paid a fee it must have been a DE. The latter are fair by reputation. I have no complaints having patronized 4 of them.