Passing The Ride

Expecting that I had somehow unknowingly blown my check ride, we landed, shut everything down and he informed me I had...well...passed! A bit confused but obviously glad I hadnt actually blown it, I accepted the good news not wishing to open my mouth and undo it, and simply thanked him. I never told my instrument instructor what the examiner had said, only that he passed me.

Editorial Staff

Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

During a 1983 instrument rating check ride, the author was surprisingly told he wasn't controlling the aircraft properly despite his perceived good performance, yet he still passed.
Years later, the author discovered the examiner was Myron Goulian, father of aerobatic pilot Mike Goulian, known for his exceptional precision.
The examiner's initial critique ultimately became a profound, lifelong lesson for the author on the importance of true precision and mastery in aircraft control and stick-and-rudder skills.

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In July 1983, I experienced an interesting instrument rating check ride as the examinee. Although intercoms and headsets weren’t in common use then, I had a David Clark headset loaned by my instructor and I wore my own. I thought the reduced noise would make the experience that much better and safer. The examiner agreed and readily accepted the offer. Check one.

We were at a towered field. I did everything by the book: We took off and flew all the assigned approaches. I was careful to hold right rudder during climb. I also used rudder when entering and exiting turns. There was nothing that seemed out of the ordinary after well over an hour in the air. All of my approaches were good. Check two.