Sometimes a more casual mode of dress on the examiner helps reduce some of the applicant's tensions. But that doesn't excuse unprofessional behavior such as interrupting the process to take a phone call. Even asking the applicant for permission to smoke creates pressure on the applicant, so smoking by the examiner should, I think, be avoided unless the applicant lights up first.
That is not true. The FAA has a whole book of written instructions (FAA Order 8900.2) on how examiners are to conduct practical tests, including standards for professional behavior. Further, while DPE's are required to develop a written plan of action for each practical test they give, they are still required to conduct that test according to the Practical Test Standards -- no adding their own personal items to the ride, or creating different standards for satisfactory performance.
The proper term for that is a "plan of action".
They are most certainly required to test every Area/Task listed as required for the certificate/rating in the rating/task table in that PTS, and they are prohibited from requiring performance of any task or maneuver not listed at least as optional in the PTS for that certificate/rating.
Again, they are absolutely required to evaluate all Special Emphasis items -- the wording in the PTS is "Examiners shall place special emphasis upon areas of aircraft operation considered critical to flight safety." "Shall", in FAA parlance, "is used in an imperative sense" (14 CFR 1.3).
FAA Order 8900.2 and the PTS are directive in nature, and they have no latitude to deviate from them. They have a certain amount of freedom on how they conduct a practical test within that guidance, but they cannot do anything prohibited or omit anything required by them
Sure, but they have to make sure the applicant realizes this is a drill, not a real heart attack lest the applicant actually get on the radio and call out the emergency forces.
It is not only out of the ordinary, it is unprofessional conduct prohibited by the FAA.
That's debatable, but what isn't debatable is that such use would require the PIC's approval. Subjecting an applicant to the pressure of the DPE requesting such permission to take care of other business during the practical test would be unprofessional behavior of which the FAA would not approve.
Ummm....I get cold too easily, although if that were not a factor, I doubt that what I have to show would be considered much of a distraction. However, PIC has a requirement for "neat attire" (they dropped the requirement for a tie), so these days I tend to dress like Jake at State Farm.Hell it even applies to CFIs. Levy is good enough at Instrument training that he can show up naked for all I care, as long as he lets me put the hood on BEFORE we get in the plane!!
Let's see who remembers something that happened long ago on a forum far away...
You don't have one of these in the kitchen, Joe?
http://m.jcpenney.com/for-the-home/...-hot-dog-toaster-/prod.jump?ppId=pp5002831389
I have a similar process -- if someone in my plane is smoking, I assume they're on fire and take appropriate action.
Best revenge of all -- hit 'em right in the wallet.
