PA-31 Navajo/Chieftan/Mojave/T1040
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Total 3900; Flight Crew Type 800
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airport; Human Factors
While on an ATP check ride; climbing out in CAVU conditions at approximately 800 feet per min and 138 KIAS; we had a near miss with an opposite direction B-737 on descent into the airport.  We were tuned into both Center frequency and local traffic frequency and heard no position reports from the 737.  There were no traffic alerts and no transponder target depicted.  When I saw the 737 I disconnected the autopilot and initiated an immediate descent.  I believe the main problem was that the jet did not make any position reports.  Also; lack of ADS-B coverage both in the area and on the other aircraft prevented me from being alerted to their position. Corrective action would be to increase the number of transponder transmitters through the ADS-B system so aircraft equipped with ADS-B type traffic avoidance systems will be alerted to transponder only traffic.
While climbing out of an uncontrolled airport the pilot of a PA31 initiated a descent to avoid an inbound; opposite direction B737.  The reporter had heard no traffic or position advisories from the inbound Boeing.