What does Ben York focus on during the oral exam?

Reports from applicants who flew with Ben York describe the oral examination structure. For specific topics covered and questions asked, see full reports.

How does Ben York approach weight and balance?

Applicants who flew with Ben York describe how weight and balance was handled during the checkride. For complete detail, see full reports.

What catches applicants off guard with Ben York?

DPE is intimidating at times and frustrated by incorrect answers to basic questions; genuinely wants candidates to pass; For the complete breakdown of notable patterns, see full reports.

How long is a checkride with Ben York?

Checkride duration data from applicants who flew with Ben York is available in the full reports.

Ben York DPE Checkride Gouges

Designated Pilot Examiner

Preparing for an FAA checkride with Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Ben York? GougeHub has a first-hand Ben York checkride gouge report from a pilot who tested in Arizona. Read oral exam questions, flight test patterns, and examiner insights.

CFII

1 Gouge report — view ↓ 1 Rating types covered - Total on platform

↓ View 1 available gouge report

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Andrew Gray, CFI-II 1,500+ hrs · Former US Navy & Boeing · Data methodology

Oral Emphasis

Specific oral topic details were limited in this report, but pilots noted that Ben is thorough without being adversarial. Be prepared across the ACS standards, and don't assume any area will be glossed over.

Examiner Style

Ben York's checkride style stood out more than any individual question. Pilots described him as conversational and approachable — the kind of examiner who puts you at ease rather than trying to trip you up. He keeps things moving at a comfortable pace and creates an environment where you can demonstrate what you know without feeling interrogated.

What Surprised Pilots

He conducts a notably detailed review of your IACRA application. Pilots specifically flagged this as something to prepare for — make sure every field is accurate and complete before the checkride, as errors or inconsistencies here can start things off on the wrong foot.
The overall experience was described more in terms of the examiner's demeanor and process than any curveball questions, suggesting that solid preparation across the board is more important than drilling on any single gotcha topic.

Examiner Patterns

Preliminary insight — based on 1 report

Oral style: 1 pilot reported the examiner kept the oral conversational
Oral duration: 1 pilot reported — over 2 hours

Based on self-reported pilot submissions. Data methodology

Ben York brings a conversational, low-pressure style to the CFII checkride — but don't let that lull you into skipping the details. Pilots noted he pays close attention to your IACRA application, so double-check every entry before you sit down. If you want to know exactly where he focuses his energy, the full brief is worth a read.

Get the full Ben York brief →

Ratings & Checkride Types

CFII (Instrument Flight Instructor)

FAA Designee Information

FAA Oversight Office: Scottsdale FSDO

Status: Active Designee

FAA Examiner Authorization:

Private Pilot Examiner: Airplane Single Engine Land, Airplane Multi-Engine Land
Commercial & Instrument Rating Examiner: Airplane Single Engine Land, Airplane Multi-Engine Land
ATPE: Airplane Single Engine Land
Flight Instructor Examiner: Airplane Single Engine, Airplane Multi-Engine
Flight Instructor Examiner — Instrument: Airplane Single Engine
Flight Proficiency Examiner
Military Competency Examiner
Ground Instructor Examiner
Flight Instructor Rating Examiner
Balloon Airman Examiner

Source: FAA Designee Management System · Verify on FAA.gov →

Transparency Disclaimer: This page summarizes patterns reported by applicants. It is not an endorsement, prediction, or guarantee of checkride outcome. Every checkride varies based on the applicant and circumstances.