What is the hardest pilot exam?

Question

Out of all the different pilot license (PPL, IFR, Commercial, CFI, Dual engine, ATP), which one is considered to be the hardest one to pass? Are some tougher on the study material than others? Do some have harder checkrides than the others?

Answer 1

The one you didn't prepare for...  

You will find that most pilots found the Instrument written to be the most difficult. Commercial is really the Private with a few extra questions, and the ATP is the Commercial and Instrument combined. The ATP is the longest, because of the flight planning questions that will require you work out performance data on the "chase charts"... but the instrument introduces the most new material to the student in a single course. The difference between Private and Commercial is slight enough that there is a lot of overlap, and the ATP is usually taken far enough down the road that most of the material is already experienced and well known to the applicant.

Answer 2

In my opinion, learning the (FOI)Fundamentals of Instructing(necessary for the ground instructor as well as the CFI) was the most difficult. The written was cut and dry, however during the oral for my CFI, I was quizzed for over an hour on the subject.

The reason It was MOST difficult(for me) is it has nothing do do with aviation. The CFI "checkride" was not easy, but I was properly prepared and had no issues other than it took 8+ hours to complete the oral and flight portion of the practical exam.

I cannot speak personally  about the ATP, as I have not

reached that stage ......YET.

It would be easy to assume that it would be the most difficult as the CFI could be compared to a masters degree and the ATP a Doctorate.

Answer 3

Comair you are scaring me.

To answer the question in my opinion its the ATP written.

Answer 4

CFI, at least in my case.

Answer 5

In my option, IFR.....getting your instrument rating i herd can be h**l, and I've seen some of the questions on the test. But No Exam or Check ride is hard if you study!

Answer 6

I have taken basically all of the FAA flight tests with the exception of the flight engineer. By FAR the toughest was the Flight Instructor practical (oral and checkride) exam. My ATP and various type rating rides were cake compared to the CFI.