"Mark" wrote in message
om...
I have a touchy issue I need guidance on..

Without going into any specifics, how can I advise a student of mine
about problems he/she is facing while working with a Designated Pilot
Examiner towards a rating? Seem this particular DE is using
'questionable' tactics and being unnecessarily difficult with dealing
with this student?

Should I advise the student to voice their concerns towards the DE or
contact the local FSDO? From information I have gathered from other
instructors and students in my area, they all agree that this DE is
not using standard evaluation methods.

What would be involved if this student decides to stop the test and
switch to another DE?


If the examiner is not abiding by the practical test standards, then having
a little discussion with him is appropriate. You might learn something and
end up agreeing with him. If that does not give you satisfaction, then
complain to the FSDO.

The examiner may end the ride by failing the student. The student may end
the test and ask for a continuance if, for reasons beyond his control, it
becomes unsafe or impractical to continue. Such reasons might include sudden
illness or inclement weather, but not because he thinks the examiner is
incompetent. If you don't think the examiner can handle the job, then you
should have recommended a different examiner in the first place.

Of course, it is more difficult if you are going for that multi-engine sea
commercial certificate and there is only one examiner qualified to
administer it. Even then I would send a student out of state before allowing
him to fly with an abusive or dishonest examiner (which is my definition of
'questionable').

My advice to all instructors is to keep your students close and their
examiners closer. Meet with examiners regularly. Ask them what problems they
are seeing. Talk to them about how they conduct their tests. Find out what
they do. Get copies of their handouts and requirements for your students. Be
willing to listen to their advice.

Examiners, umpires, referees, and the like share the uncomfortable position
of having every mistake look like it is due to incompetence or bias. If your
team loses by three points, it is not because the referee erred in making
that pass interference call on the last play. It is because of the way you
played the whole game. Similarly, if an examiner insists on testing students
in a certain way, then you better make sure that students you send to him
can pass that test whether you agree with it or not.