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5 Answers

Need to retake the written test

Asked by: 6019 views Student Pilot

Hello, I am student who failed the Private Pilot check ride.  The DPE was verbally abusive and he really made me nervous so I never went back.

QUESTION:  My written exam will expire in May.  I want to go back and retake my written exam so that if or when I decided to go back for another check ride I will have it in hand.  Do I need to be re-endorsed  for the written by a flight instructor? Or can I just register for the exam again since I had been endorsed previously and had passed the exam the first time around (90%) ?  Thanks.  

 

Al Ludlow

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5 Answers



  1. jay2712 on Feb 10, 2018

    My first advice would be to get back to flying with your instructor if there was a good relationship, or go to someone new for a fresh start. May is ways off and I would think there would be time to refresh your skills and get endorsed for the practical test. Since your written test was not a failure, I would use the endorsement you have if you want to take the test again, but I would save the money and try for a successful checkride. Unfortunately in the DPE system there are some bad apples, the FAA will try to weed them out but for some it takes time. Your CFI should know the reputation and quirks of the DPEs in the area and avoid the problems.

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  2. Al Ludlow on Feb 10, 2018

    No problem with the instructor. He thought I was ready and he is a first rate guy. I can fly the plane and I know some things about aviation, so he was confident sending me. I passed the oral portion. My crummy flying that day got me busted, but the DPE was really an asshat. I just could not see giving him another cent of my money. I’ll wait. I have some very important projects in my professional life that will take up a lot of time and energy. I will take aviation back up when I have the time to give it my focused attention. Thank you for your help.

    So the question remains:

    Do I need to get re-endorsed to take the written after my current written expires in May?

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  3. Best Answer


    jay2712 on Feb 10, 2018

    You did not have a written test failure, so in my opinion your endorsement is still valid to take it again. Good luck in your training

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  4. Al Ludlow on Feb 10, 2018

    Thanks Jay2712. Thanks for the help.

    I will come back later, and hopefully with good news of a check ride pass.

    Thanks again.

    Al

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  5. kaylodad on Feb 27, 2018

    Good advice is provided above.

    I just re-took my IFR written as the old one aged out and I didn’t get an updated endorsement. The testing center asked if the CFI that endorsed me for the written 3 years ago was still a registered CFI. Short answer (and I can’t find this anywhere in the FAR) – your previous endorsement is good as long as the endorser still has a valid license number.

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