Gave up
Posted by Last-Home-1037@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 145 comments
Sucks but I’ve got to give it up. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life but I failed my first checkride, almost failed the retest. I’m not built for the pressure of checkrides and I have to come to terms with it, I’m just not built for flying and can’t justify sinking any more money into it knowing I’ll never be able to perform on a checkride. Gotta know when to fold sometimes. Anyone else had this feeling in aviation before? I’m not sure how to come to terms with this.
Adorable-Meeting-120@reddit
Dude maybe you just need a slower pace than what you are currently doing. There are multiple, many variables you can try and change and not be ashamed of. I have done the same thing. Checkrides are highly stressful but once they are done they are done.
Don’t give up over 1 failed checkride. There are many who have failed multiple and still fly.
Aggressive-Radish732@reddit
You shouldn't give up...
I failed my CFI checkride twice and my captain upgrade at an airline once. I had to explain those failures at nauseum interview after interview. Im now at a major airline... Im not the greatest at checkrides either bud. Im not gonna give you a long explanation, if you're passionate about doing this, if it is your dream and most importantly if youre gonna regret this for the rest of your life. You'll figure out how to deal with the pressure, dont give up buddy.
FluffyWarHampster@reddit
You weren’t ready for the check ride, you just need more time to build confidence under an instructor before testing again.
nesargent@reddit
I’m with you when it comes to the nerves, I really do. Stage checks make me sick to my stomach and when it came time for my checkride - it was even worse. I was on vacation in the DR when I got my checkride date and it pretty much ruined the week because I instantly started doubting what I knew and stayed in my room to study.
But, I knew that flying is my dream and it had to be done.
Think of handling your nerves as a risk mitigation strategy - recognize what makes you nervous and find someway to counter those thoughts because it’s all a mental game. I always tell myself that in 100 years, nothing is going to matter because I won’t be here so don’t that things too seriously. If you’re up for a checkride then there are people who think you can pass and want you to pass so be proud of that.
If you really don’t think you can do it, then I certainly respect that but remember that there’s only two people in life that you have to make happy - your 8 year old self and your 80 year old self. If you’re going to regret something then make sure it worth it.
Unremarkable_Potato_@reddit
Man I failed every single stage check on the way to my PPL. Yeah I felt that way every single time. If you want it, don’t quit. I beat myself up plenty. I takes to so many people about different reasons I sucked, but I just wouldn’t quit. Go do a fun flight, bring an instructor with you. Go build the confidence. Relax and remember flying while serious is also a lot of fun.
AdPitiful1339@reddit
How old are you? Just curious because I was the same way when I was younger. A nervous wreck when it came to almost anything. What helped me the most was to get out there and get some experience in life. Try new things go new places, start to build your tolerance to stuff that makes you nervous. Trust me you’ll learn to get over it. I know I am some random on the internet but the day you let it control you like this is when you make the worst decision of your life.
“The only way to truly manage your fear is to broaden your comfort zone” -Alex Honnold
Suspicious_Mind_5744@reddit
Is it just the checkride that the pressure gets to you? Because if so, it’s definitely something you can get past. Every time I’ve taken a checkride I’ve been almost shaking I was so nervous. Probably the most stressful experiences of my life.
To be honest, I didn’t get over my nerves until well after I got my COMMERCIAL certificate. I wondered then if I would ever not be super anxious flying especially landing. It does go away with hours and experience. Eventually you’ll be as comfortable as you are driving your car, and it’s a lot easier to handle emergencies and high pressure situations when you’re not already feeling the pressure. It just takes time.
That said, you do you. If you decide it’s not for you or worth it to push through there’s nothing wrong with that.
sweller55@reddit
I failed my private ride. I felt the same way about checkrides - I was terrified about them, and never performed up to standards. I decided to keep grinding, now I’m a captain at an airline. It gets better.
Tasty_Impression_959@reddit
If your interest is an aviation career, its a lot of pressure and expectations from outsiders. If your interest is in flying as a hobby, then take your time and master one task at a time. Focus on completing the required task to standard and don't even think about the check rides. Check rides can be stressful if you know that your performance can benefit from additional training and time. If you give up and your passion is on flying, yes, you will regret it for a long time. Check rides are also a very subjective assessment by the check pilot. I have seen this over the years. Consider your options before you call it quits.
tr10n1cx@reddit
This is how i felt for ppl, took my ir a week or 2 ago and passed it easily. It’s your first checkride as you said now that you’re going for your second rating and or license it will be easier because you know what is expected
Haunting-Creme-1157@reddit
Odds on, your problem might be with your CFI
CaptMcMooney@reddit
probably good, if that's all it takes to make you quit. do you believe the best of the best have never failed ????
PilotSwings@reddit
Hi, I don’t know you or your back story but please don’t quit. I failed my private in 2010 and am only now starting again, I regret not getting back on the horse sooner. Don’t be like me you can do it.
Sharp-as-stone@reddit
I'm sure you're going to get a lot of commenters saying stay with it. Try again. Keep practicing, etc. But TBO, I've seen many student pilots that should have quite before they killed themselves. I've seen a mercy PP license given to a man that leased a brand new 172 into my flight school. He should never have been given a license and everyone knew it but he owned our newest plane. No he didn't crash and die but he did bang up his own 172 on landing. He loved flying, but decided, thankfully, that he would never be PIC again. If your not built for pressure, don't fly. Period. At some point SOMETHING will go wrong inflight; with the plane, with weather, with windshear, or 1000 other things. It is not "giving up" ... it's "making the correct decision for you." It may save your life, or you and your family's life. Get a boat, have fun on the water...get a slow boat....LOL.
Ok-Door-4991@reddit
Diet, exercise, sleep, ashwagandha, and b-complex will reduce stress levels more than most realize.
Ill-Delay-2007@reddit
If you were to ask me in my PPL, I would’ve said the same thing. Took me 20-30 hours to solo because the pressure of the aircraft alone scared me. But as I’ve gone through my training I have become more confident and consistent with my aircrafts, it just takes time. I think everything flying wise clicked after CSEL. Then it happened all over again once I got to CMEL, when my instructors killed my engine when I barely knew a checklist for a new aircraft, I stomped rudder out of natural instinct, went from looking down the runway to a full 90 degrees looking at a run up area. My instructor fixed it and everything was fine. I was suppose to be done with CMEL by 11 hours, took me 28. It comes and goes in training. You got the knowledge, you just need to build the confidence and that will come! Makes you really appreciate the growth of yourself along the way. Good luck
IzoAzlion@reddit
You could start with what happened, how many hours are you at? Like, its hard to say if you're making the right decision.
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
85 hours, got my ppl
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
Failed the knowledge test, just got mixed up. Almost went below 100 feet on my steep turn
pressingfp2p@reddit
Oh brother I landed 100’ long on my short field, busting +/- 100 on steep turns is a wayyyy safer failure than mine. It’s a learning experience, not a sign to quit; learn from it.
QuietGarlic7788@reddit
Just gotta keep the nose slightly higher than the horizon and have a couple extra inches of manifold pressure (or a couple hundred RPM). Also try trimming for it too. Trim will be your friend in instrument training haha
throwaway642246@reddit
Bro I’m a CFI/II/MEI with 2000TT, 450 multi, tailwheel, acro guy, and did a checkout for someone in a new plane to both of us the other day.
Demonstrated steep turns for them and barely kept it +-100ft.
This is a waaaaaayyyyy smaller deal than you are making it.
MultiMillionMiler@reddit
I'm at 25-26 hours and having similar trouble with steep turns, touching the 100 ft mark nearly every time, then my CFI did one to demonstrate and he failed to maintain the 45 bank and did most of ot at 30 LOL.
BearDothChill@reddit
I'm at about 31 hours, and so far, every single CFI that I've flown with makes this surprised expression and laughs. And they all tell me, "Dude, that was perfect. I can't even to them that well"
And I'm always dumbfounded, because I don't even try. Like, that's the easy stuff. Or, more accurately, that's the Fun part of flying (to me). Turn to 45, add a little power, and pull. Two full swipes of trim can help. You feel your butt pushed into the seat and just hold it.
I might not yet be good enough at talking on the radio, or navigating with VORs, reading the convoluted mess that is METARs and TAFs, knowing all the regulations and legal bullshit, and i still don't really understand how to use an E6B. But I think I would do alright if I was trying to be a pilot in 1930+. Because I feel like I'm pretty good at flying by feeling (seat of the pants).
All that too say, you might improve your step turns if you look at it differently and have fun. Pretend you're in a fighter plane. Bank steep to 45, pull like you're chasing a bandit on the horizon, if trim helps (it does) swipe it, feel the Gs and enjoy it.
Small tip: if you Do use trim, when you come back on your reference point to turn the other way, you're going to need to push the yoke temporarily while you transition to the opposite turn
serrated_edge321@reddit
Some people are bad test-takers but make good pilots, once they learn the material more deeply...
My advice: take a break from it... Go back to it later.
In the meantime, work on your overall resilience (confidence + ability to handle difficult situations + familiarity with aircraft + test-taking skills/anti-anxiety techniques).
Volunteer with a local Civilian Air Patrol group (or similar) so that you're still around aircraft. You don't have to tell them your whole story... Just say that you "don't have the license yet but did a bit of training." There's 100+ good reasons why people take a break. "Money and time" is always a good excuse. Install Microsoft Flight Simulator (if you haven't already), and get the throttle/yoke/etc. Practice at your leisure, at home, and learn the terms/concepts more in-depth.
Even if you don't become a professional airline pilot someday, there's tons of other jobs around aviation. There's many avenues you can pursue with any of this knowledge.
ATrainDerailReturns@reddit
He has the license
He passed
serrated_edge321@reddit
Oh, right... Either way, what he wrote shows he needs a bit of... Personal growth.
ATrainDerailReturns@reddit
lol wut
You are tripping about a failed oral and NEARLY going below +100 ft on a steep turn?
Bro there are people in here that have failed the same oral twice
There are people here that went more than 200+ in steep turns
Chill out dude
Step up instead of stepping away
IzoAzlion@reddit
Mate I'm 5,000 hours in and still shit somedays.
I think you're being a bit hard on yourself.
Jacrifice@reddit
Sometimes twice a day!
IzoAzlion@reddit
Ahaha 😂😂 nicely done
ananajakq@reddit
Almost 10,000 airline pilot, steep turns are still shit sometimes. This is normal
8636396@reddit
Just remember that you don't have to make a decision today that you can make tomorrow. Can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, you know?
There's a lot of really good advice in this threat, but only you can really know what you want. Just remember, you can always take a break, or focus on "wins", flights where you just ditz around or do things you understand or enjoy without the pressure of pass/fail. I enjoy performance takeoffs and landings and ground reference maneuvers. Steel turns make me a little sick sometimes.
Just don't lose sight of the fun in flying. And, after everything is said and done, if you really decide the career isnt for you, without a doubt you have the knowledge and skills to fly as a hobby now and then.
WholeTomatillo5537@reddit
85 hrs isn't that bad + you passed the second time which is what matters. I used to have serious anxiety when I first started flying as well.
It gets better no matter how bad you think the nerves are now. I'm a cfi and I used to freak out just driving up to the airport.
Plenty of people fail their ppl checkride multiple times and finish at 100+ hrs and go on to successful careers. Some also don't make it very far after, however I've noticed those students usually have major issues; nervousness is not while you are still early in your training.
Beautiful-Agency-232@reddit
I feel like I’m in a similar situation. I haven’t had any checkride yet but have more hours than you… and I struggle to see myself perform within the required threshold. Also really struggle with studying.
Would love to hear more about your experience OP.
YKRed@reddit
Almost dropping 100ft on steep turn is perfectly acceptable as long as you recognize and correct it.
CryptoCamz@reddit
If it makes you feel better I thought PPL was the hardest checkride.
scimanydoreA@reddit
I had massive checkride anxiety and failed a checkride as a result. After that, during my early career my company kept sending me for checkrides to add additional ratings etc. to my license. After a while I was less anxious and more “let’s just get this over with, I’ve prepared all I can”
It was a real paradigm shift for me and made checkrides a lot easier to perform in.
PapaJon988@reddit
Aopa recognized schools are mostly just the school’s own customers voting for it.
If the oral was the part that you failed, I would put a lot of blame on the instructor and school. They should have really good feel for how you will perform “under pressure” and know what you need to calm nerves.
Dont call it quits forever for a failure and feeling of nervousness prepping for a checkride. Have fun with where you’re at for now, and decide if you want to continue later.
fightermafia@reddit
I failed my ppl and decided to quit. Somehow got convinced to continue. It was a bad idea. Today I failed my multi engine IR checkride. I no longer want to be a part of flying. Not quiting is cool but sometimes it is the best idea to leave as early as you could.
Rideiit@reddit
Imagine coming to terms with a decision you’re willingly making and KNOW will regret on your death bed? Grow a f***ng pair and chase after your dream. Once this ride is over, its over for good so make it worthwhile and have NO regrets.
indecision_killingme@reddit
Find a good counselor, not a shrink, nothing through health insurance.
Do you want to be able to say that it’s not a medical professional.
Stress coping strategies is what you need.
Push pause, get some help with dealing with stress.
Then get back on the horse
badsignalnow@reddit
Good advice. This sounds like a confidence problem or imposter syndrome on checkrides. Talk to someone, a good CFI, counselor, mentor or someone else you trust to get your head in the right place. Maybe do glider for a reset. Then ... Lean in!
SubSoar@reddit
“Almost failed the retest” = passed the retest. Dust yourself off and push on.
ProctorFarmer@reddit
Go above: are you some kind of a woosie? You give up the first time. Reminds me of my career in aerospace. I was fired from 1st company and got back on feet 2 yrs later and almost fired again. I didn’t give up and learned from that in 1986. I look back on that with pride.
GooseApprehensive420@reddit
This isnt for everyone.....
Money-Art-9750@reddit
Don’t give up, if you love it, don’t. Working under pressure is something you can work on.
I desperately wish I could fly, but unfortunately I was born with medical issues that prevent me from being allowed to. You’re fortunate to go to an amazing school and to be able to afford something many of us dream of. Don’t give up!
zporter92@reddit
Can’t perform? Sounds like you did since you passed!
At least get your instrument, if you feel comfortable doing so.
n9831@reddit
That's a tough decision.
In case you wanna try it again, I built the app IFR Flight Simulator https://ifrsimulator.com to train and master IFR procedures on your phone or tablet so you can confidently start your checkride.
In case you wanna try it out, DM me and I will gift you access for one year 🚀
Whatever you decide, all the best for your future.
flying-ModTeam@reddit
We strive to keep /r/flying as commercial-free as possible. Please don't make comments advertising your product.
Zestyclose_Sell_9460@reddit
Yup…felt and still feel like you say BUT I just turned around and treated my DPE like a did my CFI. Passed my PPL, still have my IFR to do but not worried at all about it now. I’m not doing it as a career…I’m doing it for fun flying. I also own my own airplane…so already have too much invested not to get my IFR!
ExpensiveCategory854@reddit
You do you but in the end you will regret it. As an older person who quit 30 yrs ago I look back at it now and think WTF did I not do this sooner.
You’ll keep looking up and want it. Don’t make an emotional decision at an emotional time.
Unfair-Bison-3946@reddit
Or have you considered that you should try another school, instructor, examiner, or try different techniques for doing rides? You're not the first person to fail a ride. Everyone fails a ride eventually.
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
It was one of the best schools in the country per the AOPA. Their pass rate is around 95%. DPE told me it was clear I had the knowledge but only failed due to my inability to perform under pressure
kanga_khan@reddit
Nathan fielder, is that you?
Jonnyshatter@reddit
ITP?
Take_the_Bridge@reddit
I’ve got 2000 hours and my last check ride was a fucking nightmare. I passed. I dunno why. I could remember the name of a checklist I needed to call for on a CAP and I made a slew of stupid mistakes.
Also when I make a mistake on a checkride part of my brain immediately gets devoted to very eloquently shitting on me in my head. And then I make another mistake and the % of brain power devoted to cussing me out increases.
It’s pretty ridiculous because I’ve had slight and large emergencies and near misses and a bunch of holy shit I’m lucky today!! And I’m never bothered about it in the moment I’m just aviating my ass off fixing it.
Checkride pressure is a whole other level.
So. If flying is life..(which it is) … then have a beer about it. And get ready for more checkride. But…do stop and enjoy the view from the office from time to time. Be safe out there and never stop chasing the dream.
Dogmanscott63@reddit
Mu first student, who had trained with a couple of.very good cfis before I picked him up, had the same issue. Could fly, knew what he needed to pass, but couldn't keep up under the pressure of the checkride. We all felt really bad for him.
I'm sorry for you too.
fortinbrass1993@reddit
May I ask what school that is? Haven’t stated training and I am looking for school.
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
Mike smith aviation in Napa. They’re great to be honest awesome instructors and management
150Drivr@reddit
I’ve busted 3 checkrides with them, and quit flying
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
I’m sorry to hear that, what happened/who was your instructor? It does feel nice knowing I’m not the only one
Wooden-Row-4848@reddit
Did you take it with mark?
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
Katheryn
Wooden-Row-4848@reddit
What’s her last name It’s been awhile but do they still use mark over there?
Last-Home-1037@reddit (OP)
I forgot her last name, but they still do use mark
Wooden-Row-4848@reddit
If you decide to continue, try and get him. He may change your perspective on checkrides.
dbhyslop@reddit
Performing under pressure on the checkride is like anything else in the process: it comes naturally to some people but some have to do it repeatedly before becoming comfortable. Lots of professional pilots in Group B.
I was telling a friend, retired charter pilot with thousands of hours, about how spooked I was of my upcoming CFI ride. He told me about his commercial checkride, holding short of the runway with the examiner. He was nervously pushing hard on the brakes and his leg started shaking so much the examiner noticed and asked if he was sure he could do this today. He did get through it, and I got through my CFI.
Active-Resist6704@reddit
Best school doesn't always it's mean it's best, it depends for everyone and they are actually even more rigid.A normal school too even gives a smooth hands on experience with less delays sometimes Believe in yourself and even if things change you change that
lambakins@reddit
A checkride isn’t the only time in your life you’re going to have to perform under pressure… just fyi. Maybe work on that instead of just giving up. Flying isn’t going to be the only thing it helps with.
HighVelocitySloth@reddit
They have SR 22’s? AOPA Loves them
bhalter80@reddit
PPL in the vision jet
SemiDesperado@reddit
That doesn't mean it was a good fit for your learning style. It comes down to the instructor too. I went to school at one of the world's best music conservatories but my professor, while having an amazing career and cadre of successful students, was a bad fit for me. It took me some time to realize that, and I was able to get past alot if roadblocks when I changed teachers.
Now I'm about 8 hours into my PPL and think about that period of my life all the time. My current CFI isn't the greatest and I'm seriously considering switching to another one at the school if things don't improve. Is that gonna be an awkward convo? Yes. But it's your money and your time. Do what's best for you.
RGBmoth@reddit
So, that’s telling you to try again, 100%. You have the knowledge, now you need the confidence
bhalter80@reddit
Everything is extremely systematized the pressure part is just needing more practice so that it becomes routine (said as a guy who failed his IR and CFI initial x2)
skyHawk3613@reddit
If it was clear you had the knowledge, he should’ve been more patient with you.
otterbarks@reddit
Best school in the country doesn't mean it's the best school (or instructor) for you.
Every student is different, and every instructor has different teaching skills. Part of your instructor's job is to teach you to perform under pressure.
Childegambino@reddit
Let him be , he’s a quitter. 1 fail is all it took for him to give it up . I’ve seen a lot people failed the checkrides 2 or even 3 times , they never gave up and made it
Mobile_Passenger8082@reddit
Performing under pressure is part of flying, that’s why they have you do checkrides. Flyings not for everyone. Glad you came to this conclusion early before spending too much money.
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
I don't know how it works where you are, but over here if you fail one part of a test you get a re-test on just the failed section. Anyway, I failed both the initial CPL test and the partial re-test. It was the same story as you - I knew everything but got myself in a spin (not literally!) under the pressure of test conditions.
One thing that helped me was a mental reframing of the situation. You're clearly aware that your knowledge is there, but right now you're probably hoping that external factors will allow you to put that knowledge to use - good weather, a nice examiner, a quiet traffic pattern, whatever it might be. I say this because it's exactly what I'd been doing. I realised that it wasn't actually the test itself I found stressful, it was the feeling that the outcome was out of my control - something external might come up and ruin it.
The key thing is to realise that the only one who controls the outcome of the test is you. And that's incredibly liberating. You already know that you can fly well enough to pass the test, otherwise your instructor wouldn't have recommended you. So if you want to pass, turn up and pass. The external factors have no power over you. Bit windy? You did crosswind landings in training. Nasty examiner? Fly to standard and he can't fail you. Busy airspace? I'm sure you've dealt with that before. Since this realisation, I've passed both an IR and a type rating first time.
I understand your post is probably more of an in-the-moment vent rather than a genuine wish to give up, but you should think on it before doing anything like that. I had the same feelings when I failed an interview with one of the few companies willing to overlook a CPL failure. You passed the re-test, and you said in another comment that you already have a PPL, so clearly you can pass tests. But you need to find some way of mentally handling the pressure because an airline will test you every six months.
underdog5891@reddit
How much did you solo during your Private? I’m a 3000+ hour ATP/CFI/II/Bla Bla Bla. You sound like you were never taught confidence. Ability to perform is a learned skill, it’s called confidence. You get confidence in your ability to perform by trusting yourself to perform. Sounds like you did the minimum amount of solo for the rating and not an hour more.
Go rent a plane for yourself, get 50 hours of cross country time, and then see how you feel.
WizKhalizta@reddit
I've never had a checkride where I wasn't shitting a brick the entire time. It's just how they are, congratulations on passing and give yourself some credit. You've done something most people will never and could never do. Embrace your success.
Efficient-Recipe-875@reddit
All I'm reading here is you failed one checkride and came back better and passed and were nervous.
The_Warrior_Sage@reddit
This is a weird way to say "Wow I passed my PPL check ride"
pilotshashi@reddit
There’s no space for me to add anything more, but hey, there’s always a second chance.
NYPuppers@reddit
There’s a lot of positive comments here which, like great, but nobody really knows you but you. If you don’t think you are built for this, maybe you’re not. Many people I know well in real life would make horrible pilots. My wife could train for years but there’s no way she would be able to keep cool in some of the situations I’ve found myself in and she would probably be dead. I can’t do a lot of things she can do. People are built differently. That’s fine. Better to figure that out 100 hours in than 1000.
TangoIndiaTango420@reddit
You only fail when you give up. Corny I know, but it’s why I told myself all through college and now I’m doing ppl lessons. You got this bro don’t give up
Spiderkeegan@reddit
Respectfully, is this the first time in your life you have failed anything? That is kinda what it sounds like to me.
I am just a PPL but also have an aero engineering degree and man, I had one exam in college where I underappreciated the difficulty so I didn't study much and then got a 20% (yes, lol) on it - that exam was worth like 1/5 of my grade in that class. That was a wake up call. But I learned from it and while that obviously tanked my grade in the class I did still pass with a C. Now I work in the industry and I couldn't care less (nor does anyone else) that I failed that exam. And on that note, there is no such thing as "almost failed" with checkrides. You failed the first try, and then passed the retry.
If you're worried about performance anxiety with future checkrides, that is something to talk to your instructor about. When I did my PPL training my instructor sent me up with a different instructor for a mock checkride a few days before my real one. Not sure if that is a standard practice (FAA req?) or just something unique my instructor did. Maybe doing something like that several times could help you for future checkrides.
Accurate-Place-7298@reddit
“Success is just standing on a big pile of failure”.
Speedymcspeeder@reddit
That is a terrible saying if referring to pilot training and career. "I have tons of failures but somehow eventually passed them all. Success!" Congrats, go find a job elsewhere.
Slight_Sign_3661@reddit
I like this a lot actually, I’m stealing it!
-Cagafuego-@reddit
As a man, who will never be great, once said: Did you say 'Thank-you?'
notryanreynolds_@reddit
Quitter
Mammoth_Courage3282@reddit
ATP here. I found that as I gained experience and flew regularly slowly, but surely, my confidence grew. That’s not to say that I wasn’t VERY nervous in my checkrides including the last one, which was the ATP. By the way, I did fail one checkride -my multi engine. I practiced the manoeuvre I had screwed up and repeated the checkride successfully a few days later
OgeeWhiz@reddit
Hey, just go out and have some fun with your PPL. You earned it. It can’t be all training all the time. Take some time to figure out what you want to do. Don’t rush a decision. When you’re relaxed and having fun, you’ll get a lot more comfortable and the next check ride will be easier.
Additional_Bug_2823@reddit
Try shoot an approach to minimums in a winter storm. That’s pressure. You probably have made the wisest choice. Aviation is enormously expensive. The risk is that you develop a medical condition, or fail a flight review.
Nervous_Iceman5008@reddit
Almost failed the retest? So you mean you passed?
You know what they call a pilot who failed his test a few times? A PILOT. don’t let one fail crumble your dreams. You gotta suck it up and keep going.
notjamaalatall@reddit
Hey, respectfully and lovingly, if you're unsafe you should stop. Find good friends to go up with and set aside time to go up with an instructor for the love of it. But if you will be unsafe in an emergency situation please don't continue and put your life at risk. Personally, that's where I would put my brain. Safety.
ROTORTheLibrarian2@reddit
I failed mine too but it was on a procedure portion and not the oral. I didn’t sleep well the night before stressed about everything that day would hold. Failed on unusual attitudes because I was so exhausted and not thinking clearly. Flew back to home airport with a disapproval, drove home and just miserable of the failure that I worked so hard to get to. Slept it off and came back with a vengeance. I was just fatigued and the 2nd checkride a week later, passed emergencies like it was nothing. I get the anxiety part so don’t give up if you truly want to do this!
Bob_Ross3346@reddit
Are you looking for a career, or just personal flying?
Silly_Rub_6304@reddit
I've always figured that if you have enough time and money, you can get through any of the ratings, even if it takes you forever. It took me 60 hours and $22k to get my instrument rating when my PPL only took me 43 hours and $5k (more than a decade prior to the instrument). My instrument instructor was very regimented, very tough, and very exacting, but that's exactly what I needed to get through something that felt so daunting for me.
So as u/Unfair-Bison-3946 has said, there are ways to persevere but they're not always compatible with everyone's time or budget availability.
By the way, I'm also an absolutely horrible test taker -- but with the right prep I was able to demonstrate the knowledge I rightfully obtained and knew.
ghostlykisses_@reddit
I get why you feel that way but honestly failing a checkride doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for flying. The fact your DPE said you have the knowledge says a lot! I struggle with anxiety on stage checks too and it can completely mess with performance. Maybe switching instructors/DPE or practicing under pressure could help. Don’t let one bad experience decide everything good luck
Kitchen_Bat6436@reddit
Being a pilot is not for the money, it's about how much you love it or not. If you can walk-away from it without depression or significant regret, I think you should as it will save you tons of money.
Virian@reddit
You know what they call a med student who finishes last in their class? Doctor.
Who cares if you failed a checkride? You’re still a pilot. Nobody is going to know or care. Get out there and fly a plane.
Several-Village5814@reddit
That’s not how it works when applying for pilot jobs.
Virian@reddit
Where does OP say they’re planning on applying for pilot jobs?
ZappBrannigansLaw@reddit
I just had my private check ride. I was shitting bricks the entire time. Even though I passed, I was still all sorts of stressed out about it 10 hours later.
I get it, its nerve wracking
FartSmella-69@reddit
Absolutely. I’ve had this exact thought before trust me. Had the same issue on my private. Now I’m working towards CFI. So just know… you aren’t the only one, and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad pilot or can’t make it in this industry.
LoungeFlyZ@reddit
So you are saying you passed! Congratulations!! Go fly for fun for a while and enjoy it.
TheLastGenXer@reddit
i have to give up after 500 hours due to money:(
dragonfly-2021@reddit
I think you should not give up. Keep working on it. This issue is temporary and you will overcome it. Don’t give up. Face the challenges. Do know know he story about turtle and rabbit? Turtle won at the end.
SerpentineOlivine@reddit
The first checkride is the hardest, in my opinion. You don’t know what to expect. And checkride nerves never completely go away. The pressure will always be there, and I don’t think anybody likes it. But over time, the stress gets “easier” to manage, like anything with experience does.
Better-Shame-6304@reddit
You can always get into an ultralight. No ppl required
PresentationJumpy101@reddit
That sucks I greased my glider checkride first try
Fight_Or_Flight_FL@reddit
You have the certificate, go use it, build confidence and memories! Then when you feel up to it, try out instrument training. It will expand you skills and then try the next test after you have some personal real experience. Treat yourself first. I failed a couple check rides. It sucks I know. But the memories of trips solo and with loved ones and conquering some wicked crosswind landings make it all worth it.
Mercury4stroke@reddit
First mistake is you said you failed a ride in this sub. Second mistake is wanting to give up because of it. Keep it going buddy, you’re fine and you’ll only get better as time goes on 💪🏻
DontAtMoi@reddit
You passed. You’re built for it. Simple as that.
As I always tell my students when they start critiquing themselves about checkrides or their performance on daily rides…”nobody asked you”
minfremi@reddit
My sim partner stressed out on steep turns in the sim ride. For two types. He mentioned that he’s stressed for all steep turns he’s done for checkrides. He passed the ones I was with. This was possible because he didn’t give up.
militaryrat155@reddit
Get up and try again. I doubt you find a single successful person in any career field, not just aviation, that hasn’t failed at something at least one. Failure is a part of life. What matters is how you learn from it. Right now it sounds like you give up at the first indication of any struggle
cficole@reddit
You passed the retest. Go fly. Your comfort level will grow.
3Green1974@reddit
I’ve been stressed on exactly one checkride. That was on the G550. Checkrides are as stressful as you let them be.
On my G550 ride, I was at around 7500 hours. Up until then, every type ride I’d done everything with my partner (who also happened to be one of my best friends and someone I’d been flying with for over 10 years). They split us up for the oral. My buddy told me I looked like shit because I was so stressed. Pale, about to vomit from stress, all that. One thing he said though really helped (I’m sure it’s true for 99% of examiners). They are not here to fail you. They want you to pass. Just show up, know your shit, and get through it. They have incredible leeway during the exam. Just don’t be a screw up and keep your ego in check. A bad checkride is not, NOT, a reason to give up.
Dolust@reddit
Wait..
You can be a great pilot and still be a dummy taking checkrides. You never met someone that is really smart but fails miserably all the tests?
Flying and being tested are two very different skills.
This is the way I did it: Forget completely you are taking a check ride. Just fly the plane as you would with any other instructor.
You see.. The problem is not the test itself, it's yourself creating this inhuman expectations on yourself of passing the checkride with such a degree of perfection that the examiner cries of happiness.
What the examiner wants above all is to make sure you are not going to panic or do something stupid at the first challenge you meet while flying and behind another statistic. Basically because his name goes after yours in the ensuing investigation.
So just relax, forget you are being tested and do your best. If you fail then you will have found out what skills you need to improve.
Right now you need to improve the skill of relaxing and focusing your attention in flying the airplane.
InterestingUmpire738@reddit
The way I got over the testing anxiety for myself was to think about this flight as if your were going with a loved one.
What risks are you willing to take? How risk adverse are you to flying in this area? How would I think ahead to flying into this area and what prep do I take? If I was renting a plane for the 1st time would I be willing to risk myself flying it not knowing certain info about the plane?
All these questions you unconsciously ask yourself before a flight once you have your PPL. You just don't overtly verbalize it like the DPE is asking you to do.
swakid8@reddit
This is the key right here that u locks checkride anxiety…. It’s a airplane…. Treat like you would treat a normal day of flying.
AlexJamesFitz@reddit
Gotta tell ya, my IR checkride went a lot better because I knew what a checkride was like. Seems silly to convince yourself you'll never perform well on a checkride when you apparently just passed one...
Hodgetwins32@reddit
Just gotta power through mate, ignore the feelings which are only feelings. If you can’t you can’t, but make sure to leave the subreddit so you don’t post slop 5 years from now, thx!
Icecreamforge@reddit
I think you’re being a bit too hard on yourself here, giving up will haunt you. No pilots are perfect, figure out where you’re struggling and practice until you couldn’t fuck it up if you tried.
Reputation_Many@reddit
This is not at all derogatory. The same advice works for a woman or a man.
If I were you and you really like flying. I would go do something and grow some balls for a month two months relax forget about flying for a little while. Make sure you still miss it.
The best way to grow some balls wants to go to a mall or someplace that hot girls congregate if you’re a dude and like girls, I just walk up to some pretty girls and just start talking to them. That is way more terrifying than a check ride for most people.
Also, when you’re taking a checkride your entire time you gotta be sitting there going in the back of your head. I’m passing. I’m passing. This is great. I messed up there. Oh well, let’s keep going. I haven’t made any mistakes. This is perfect. 99% of the time if the check ride is still going, you’ve passed you just have to psych yourself out. And you do not have to be perfect on the check ride. But always trained to ATP standards let your goal if you can meet ATP standards then you can take a check ride.
By the way, AOPA saying his school is the best in the country. It’s probably an advertisement. 99% of your mom and Pop part 61 schools Are Way better than the bigger schools. And next time you go for a check ride don’t take it unless you feel comfortable. Nobody cares when you got your private instrument or commercial. You could have 900 hours and get your private. Nobody cares the magic number 1500 hours.
I’m also guessing you went to a part 141 school which they’re almost all awful and they all push you to go take a check grid before you’re ready so you can fail it and so they can get more money off of you with you retaking things. And if this was a part 61 school, which I doubt go find another school get another flight instructors opinion. See if you learn better and are more relaxed with somebody else teaching you.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
EliteEthos@reddit
If that is all it takes to get to fold, it’s good you’re quitting.
Couldn’t imagine what you’d do in a real emergency that requires your calm and decisive attitude to save your own life and that of anyone else on board.
Presumably you’re being hyperbolic and throwing yourself a pity party… but in the event you aren’t, good riddance.
miianwilson@reddit
I failed my first check ride, and almost the recheck!
I’m a widebody captain now. Maybe don’t give up so quickly bby
Historical-Pin1069@reddit
Anymore failures or just 1?
Handag@reddit
I failed my first checkride, nearly spun the plane during a banked stall. Made plenty of other mistakes along the way too, but only the 1 fail for me. I used to get extremely nervous before checkrides, but over time I got used to it.
Now I’m at a legacy and life is good. Glad I didn’t give up.
Historical-Pin1069@reddit
Correct. I know someone in United with 2 failures. Hence i say 1-2 failures is still ok..
Historical-Pin1069@reddit
Try to keep the failure to only 1-2 if possible. It's still not the end of things, i know a pilot in Etihad that had 1 failure from his instrument rating flight. But if this is not for you then you can always just do it recreational. It's a tough road..
NonVideBunt@reddit
Anything hard in life worth doing has its challenges. Guess what? I’m a career Navy pilot and airline pilot, I still get butterflies when I do checkrides… nature of the job but you get used to it and how to manage it. Don’t give up before you even give yourself to succeed.
headies1@reddit
How much experience do you have performing under pressure? Public speaking? Piano recitals? You know, that kind of thing.
What I’m saying is it might not be a flying thing at all. You just need time to practice doing stuff like that.
fortinbrass1993@reddit
Man OP, after reading all the positive comments, you can’t give up now. Take a break. And come back. Maybe do glider maybe get a different cfi.
Swimming_Way_7372@reddit
I've failed plenty of checkrides and I'm not giving up until 5 years from now when I retire in my 40s. You can do whatever you want though.
Nicholas_Diehl20@reddit
As somone who failed PPL check ride today I just laugh about it at the moment, because of how stupid I was to fail. But I love flying so I’m not drowning in tears at the moment. Let’s just hope I pass next time🙏
DatabaseGangsta@reddit
This seems crazy. No one can POSSIBLY be worse at checkrides than me. I get so nervous just flying with another instructor that I screw everything up. I still managed to get CFII in 18 months. If you want to do it, then fucking make it happen. You win some, you lose some - you passed the retest…if you want it, just keep trying; that’s what separates the successful from the quitters.
LowTimePilot@reddit
What happened on both checkrides? What's the story?
Without more details I want to say you're exhibiting signs of the hazardous attitude of resignation. There are airline Captains who failed private.
Hideo_Anaconda@reddit
If you love flying you don't have to give it up. I fly sailplanes and hang gliders. I fly for the love of flying not for a career, and not that I wouldn't love to be a professional pilot, but I think I'm happier for it. I only fly on good soaring days. I'm never going to have to land a plane in terrible weather. I'm never going to deal with unruly passengers, or getting screwed by the airlines (except as a passenger). I'm never going to have to deal with an in flight engine failure (unless the tow plane has one) When I fly, it's just me and the sky. Sometimes I fly with other gliders, sometimes I get lucky and fly with eagles.
UNDR08@reddit
Could you be more dramatic? Geez.
Plenty of people quit aviation, you’re not the first or the last. Tone down the theatrics and move on with your life.
fortinbrass1993@reddit
Hey, maybe second/third time is the charm. And maybe you’ll get better.
Maybe don’t come to term with it. Take a little break and continue on.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Sucks but I’ve got to give it up. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life but I failed my first checkride, almost failed the retest. I’m not built for the pressure of checkrides and I have to come to terms with it, I’m just not built for flying and can’t justify sinking any more money into it knowing I’ll never be able to perform on a checkride. Gotta know when to fold sometimes. Anyone else had this feeling in aviation before? I’m not sure how to come to terms with this.
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