Earl is CFI
Earl passes the CFI checkride
The oral exam was a joy. I was able to answer
about 95% of the questions exactly as the Designated Pilot Examiner was
expecting. On one question, I was the only candidate this examiner had examined
who answered the question correctly. The other 5% that I missed were important
questions, but the examiner gave me the opportunity to take notes on his correct
answers to those questions, so I have the answers well memorized by
now.
To my surprise, most of the flying portion of the checkride was done in the complex Piper Arrow aircraft, with all its extra retractable gear and constant-speed propeller systems. I did most of the Commercial maneuvers in that airplane, and all the special landing and takeoff types. This was completely unexpected, since I had been led to believe that most of the maneuvers and special landing types would be done in the simpler Cessna 172R that I had practiced in. Evidently I performed the maneuvers and landings in the Arrow well enough to qualify me for Certified Flight Instructor.
I now have a 120 day temporary certificate that will be replaced by a 24-month CFI certificate as soon as the FAA bureaucracy can grind one out.
This has probably been the most intensive, difficult, exhilarating, enjoyable, tiring, and fun accomplishment I've ever attempted. Many kudos to Jack Taylor and all the instructors at The Flying School, especially my signoff instructor, Tim Gibson, and instructors Patrick Hinton, Ken Coke, Carole Rault, Michelle Agee, and Don McMillen. Special mention also goes to my initial inspiration (and not coincidentally, an earlier alumna of The Flying School) Nikole DeSanto. Thanks to all of them, I can now begin to learn how to pass on to new pilots my passion for flying.
Hallelujah!
To my surprise, most of the flying portion of the checkride was done in the complex Piper Arrow aircraft, with all its extra retractable gear and constant-speed propeller systems. I did most of the Commercial maneuvers in that airplane, and all the special landing and takeoff types. This was completely unexpected, since I had been led to believe that most of the maneuvers and special landing types would be done in the simpler Cessna 172R that I had practiced in. Evidently I performed the maneuvers and landings in the Arrow well enough to qualify me for Certified Flight Instructor.
I now have a 120 day temporary certificate that will be replaced by a 24-month CFI certificate as soon as the FAA bureaucracy can grind one out.
This has probably been the most intensive, difficult, exhilarating, enjoyable, tiring, and fun accomplishment I've ever attempted. Many kudos to Jack Taylor and all the instructors at The Flying School, especially my signoff instructor, Tim Gibson, and instructors Patrick Hinton, Ken Coke, Carole Rault, Michelle Agee, and Don McMillen. Special mention also goes to my initial inspiration (and not coincidentally, an earlier alumna of The Flying School) Nikole DeSanto. Thanks to all of them, I can now begin to learn how to pass on to new pilots my passion for flying.
Hallelujah!
Posted: Saturday - July 28, 2007 at 05:34 PM
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Published On: Jan 23, 2008 08:34 PM
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Published On: Jan 23, 2008 08:34 PM