I'm doing my 737 type training in CLT as I speak.

I've had a Fed on the Sim jumpseat for 4 of the last 6 sims. I know they have to observe training occasionally, and observe checks, but ***. The Instructor spends more time dealing with inane questions from the FAA man than instructing me. (Initial jet type course, so I'm in need of a good bit of instruction.

And I quote "just pretend I'm not here"
(insert chatter of Fed and instructor for the next two hours in the background. Slightly distracting to say the least)

 

You have the right to explain to the fed that what he is doing is distracting.

 

I have. It has not made a difference.

He's explained he's here to evaluate the Sim Instructors. Ok. But your evaluation is detracting from my training. Doesn't seem to get it. Tomorrow's the checkride. I'm praying he's not there.

 

Seems odd, I'd call an aviation attorney tonight, get them out of bed if need be, especially if the check ride is tomorrow. Seems like more going on that you haven't been made privy to.

 

I've had that before. My last type, the fed sat in on several sessions leading up to, and on the type ride. I wouldn't think twice about it; it's not a big deal.

The only concern should be if you don't feel you're ready, or you think the inspector is looking for a reason to bust the check airman/instructor, or if the instructor needs to show a bust. In that case, call in sick.

 

Even if common place and industry/FAA practice, it is still just wrong. A rating exam, Type exam, line check, proving run, Even an A&P exam is another deal. I have allowed the FAA to sit in on exams several times myself. During a training scenario, as the OP describes, it seems completely uncalled for and very unprofessional on the part of the inspector. The mere presence of the inspector could be an impediment to training and possibly even prevent the student from asking certain questions. This is a bad deal. Even then, the Inspector is too observe, not ask questions or otherwise interject or distract. There is no reason for this inspector to be continually/chronically engaged in conversation which is distracting and contributes nothing to the educational experience. In fact it is contributing negatively to the students experience. This is expensive training which the student is paying for. It would be fine with me, as a taxpayer, for the FAA to accomplish this goal in another manner, but not literally at the students/customers expense.

 

It seems reasonable that the fed could observe either training, or checking, but not both.

 

He observed both (not my check, but another guys).

We all left with ATP add ons and 737 types, but just having the Fed there was a bit nerve wracking.

 

I had a fed along on one of my rides with a designated examiner, and I assure you it affects how things go. The examiner gets perfection syndrome and what could be considered minor slop on the part of the applicant suddenly becomes a major block to clear for the pass/fail decision. Bad deal for the applicant, no doubt about it. In theory it shouldn't matter but in reality it does.

 

Why?

An inspector is entitled to observe either or both, at any time; fully reasonable.

Have you never been given a checkride by an inspector for Part 135 or 121?

Today it's uncommon for someone to do a ride with the FAA while working through their primary flight training, but it used to be much more common. I don't understand the resistance. One either operates to the standard or one doesn't.