Originally Posted by
Pilot DAR
This.
I have found TC very agreeable to a special arrangement when it made good sense, and was born of necessity (geographical common sense). When I needed a ride for my multi engine endorsement, I had a lot of trouble finding an "examiner" who had any experience in Cessna 310's (in which I had trained privately - I had the plane). None of the schools flew them, so their instructors knew nothing of them. I found a qualified and experienced "examiner", but he was not a public "examiner", and rather distant. I proposed to TC and the insurer, no problem, I could fly the airplane solo there for my ride. It went very well. TC inspectors have means to allow some exemptions/exceptions for special needs - if you approach them with a reasoned plan - and a favourable attitude.
And, should you find a more local commercial operator who is willing to help you out in this regard, and you impress them with your easy going, professional attitude, and then during the flight with one of their pilots - you may have just made a friend first hand - that never hurts.
So your suggestion is flying 800 KM to meet an examiner, than pay $500 fee, when I can simply drive 300 KM and meet a CFII and pay $70 (US) per hour, total $140 (and in both cases you have to add the airplane hourly rate). We only have one big FTU, and they have one PE, without instrument authorization and no will to get one.
this is quite bad offer and prove my point..
The only viable option is TC sending their own inspector, as it costs $245, but they will never do that for IPC.