Recent content by Ryan F.

This is possibly among the least ambiguous regulations and ATC phraseology we have in aviation. There should be absolutely no confusion on this matter.

It has not been an option to attend initial training prior to selection for a number of years now. Registration for DPE Initial is restricted to selected candidates only. The formal process now looks like this: 1) Build an application package. 2) Meet/interview with FSDO (if they are...

Well said. I really haven't moved from my initial perspective stated on this thread. I said it before, and I'll say it again - the challenges have simply shifted over time. It's quite a bit more involved than pressing a button and watching the box go to work, and the consequences of getting it...

Foreflight has been and is the best, hands-down. They have such a large lead at this point that I doubt any competitor is ever going to knock them from their throne. Garmin Pilot is in second place - some great features for those of us who use Database Concierge, and the iPad version is a very...

Don't think anyone is arguing that the manual work, cross-checks, and division of attention required to successfully fly an NDB approach is "harder." Or that we should omit real-world training using ground-based navaids, when they are available. My point is merely that it's industry's...

I do not disagree that there is/was value in thoroughly immersing modern learners in NDB/VOR navigation techniques, equipment, etc. However, as they have throughout aviation's short technological arc, the challenges have simply shifted. The equipment has become more advanced. The errors have...

I don't find this discussion pedantic at all. There's really no more accurate or applicable answer than to say, "real world, attempt to fly your clearance as precisely as possible, all the time, and if you find yourself off-course, point it out to the controller and work out a solution." The...

No. I'm not saying that. I'd suggest spending some time with your instructor - and perhaps ask a senior instructor to join him. Take 14 CFR 61.129 line by line and read it for exactly what it says - nothing more. I'm not sure why this simple aeronautical experience matter is so confusing...

This seems to be a simple problem with a simple solution. Direct = direct. Fly directly to your destination. Use the required WCA to maintain your course. If the winds are pushing you off-course, make a bigger correction and fly the plane. Don't let the plane fly you. That's it. If for...

Out of 500+ practical tests I've conducted, I'm guessing... perhaps 100 have been commercial? One time, had an applicant with instrument rating, but mis-logged the 10 hours of instrument training. Once. Had one applicant who did not understand the definition of the word "solo" for his long...

I conduct practical tests because a) I enjoy it, b) my observations drive my safety presentation emphases, and c) it lets me conduct flight school outreach as a natural byproduct of my function. I became a DPE because I care about aviation safety. I remain a DPE because I care about aviation...

I have an Aera 660 hardwared in landscape orientation in my center stack - it talks to my GTN650/GTX345. I kept FliteCharts for one year to try them out. When I recently renewed, I did not select them again. The screen is too small to be very useful for charts. I experimented with zooming...

Kenny - nothing unusual happened here. You're simply becoming exposed to common operations via practical experience, so now you have a little more knowledge in the bag for next time. This is a normal event which happens all over the NAS. Nine times out of ten, a canceled landing clearance in...

The latter of your two suggestive thoughts is accurate. Two separate practical tests with no crossover. Other than possibly accomplishing them on the same day, one won't have anything to do with the other; must close out in IACRA for each one, individually.

I find the cash discussion understandable, but a bit amusing. I'm sure it must be entertaining to conjure up these involved scenarios for why DPEs tend to standardize on cash payments, but it's really quite simple - cash doesn't carry any credit card fees, cash doesn't bounce, cash is quick...