Outline:

1. Are You Eligible for the Test?

   1. Common Issues: Many applicants show up to their checkrides not eligible.

   2. Panelists’ Insight: Using an intake form and confirming eligibility via IACRA before scheduling is crucial.

   3. Tip: Ensure all documentation is processed before the test day.

2. Most Common Failures by Rating

   • General Failure Trends:

     • Oral Exam Failures: Applicants often fail because of rote knowledge versus depth of understanding.

     • IFR Failures: Circling approaches and long landings are common pitfalls.

     • CFI Failures: Not being able to teach effectively or transfer knowledge is a common issue.

3. Duration of the Oral Exam

   • How Long is the Oral?

     • Oral exams for initial CFI testing can take up to 5 hours.

     • The time varies slightly based on the rating and test complexity.

4. Reference Materials During the Exam

   • Can You Use References?

     • Applicants sometimes fail because they haven’t practiced using FAA-approved materials (e.g., Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA Regulations).

     • Tip: Learn how to properly reference and apply knowledge during the exam.

5. Wait Time for Practical Tests

   • Test Availability:

     • Seasonal fluctuations can affect the availability of practical tests.

     • Test availability can vary depending on the location of the test (urban vs. rural areas).

6. Biggest Oral Exam Challenges

   • Key Area:

     • Being able to use and teach knowledge is crucial.

     • Many candidates struggle in areas like instructional knowledge and practical application.

7. DPE Panel Members

   • DPE Insights:

     • The panel includes experienced Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) such as Peter Reddan (Memphis, TN) and Marvin Randall Williams.

     • These experts provided insights into what makes an applicant successful and where they commonly fall short.

8. Checkride Preparation Resources

   • CFI Bootcamp Program:

     • A 42-hour self-paced online course and in-person/remote ground school program designed to prepare applicants for checkrides and CFI certification.

     • Test Preparation: Pre-scheduled checkrides and dedicated time for flight/ground sessions.

     • Website: CFI Bootcamp

9. Free and Discounted Resources

   • Free Preview:

     • Free preview available for the online course, covering essential checkride materials and knowledge.

     • Website for Preview: Preview Course

   • Membership Access:

     • Access over 225 Power Hour sessions and get discounted membership to the Bootcamp site after the 7-day free trial.

     • Membership Link: Bootcamp Membership

What you can join for free.

• Bootcamp+ membership site - All power hours, tribal knowledge videos, and more.

• Preview our online course - On Demand

• Join our Power Hour live shows - Every Saturday

• Join our Newsletter list - At the bottom of the home page - Monthly -

• Join our Podcast “Flight Training the Way I See It” - Monthly

• Power Hour Outlines from Previous Shows and Resources - On Demand

What we offer for purchase.

• Online CFI, CFII, and MEI courses - Self-Paced.

• 7-Day Immersion Class - In person or remote - Every Month - Location Varies

• 3-Day CFII Class - In person or remote - Every two to three months - Location Varies.

• Weekend Mastery Class - Using technology/ForeFlight/Zoom together - Advanced Teaching techniques - Every quarter.

• Custom Training Products - Lesson Plans, Flow charts, FOI Roadmaps, etc. 

• Bootcamp+ membership site - All power hours, tribal knowledge videos, and more.

• Remote ground instruction - Send email to mike@cfibootcamp.com 

• Remote checkride preparation - Mock oral exams, etc., for all ratings - mike@cfibootcamp.com