Thanks captain airclues. Alas I actually did my SEP flight today, but I still have to do My MEP flight (booked for Wednesday) It's a shame I didn't do the MEP first then I wouldn't have apparently wasted money on the SEP. I will mention the matter to my examiner quoting the holy rules you have uttered and see what response I get, apart from muted embarrassment, but in the interests of harmony with my examiner I don't imagine I will create a fuss about it. I think I will have to think hard about renewing my AOPA subscription though.