Charles Lilly DPE Checkride Gouges

Oral Emphasis

Expect significant focus on weight and balance calculations and performance chart interpretation. Lilly digs into the numbers and wants to see that you can work through them accurately and confidently. Paperwork review is also a major emphasis — come with everything in order, because he will check it carefully.

Common Questions

• Weight and balance scenarios — be prepared to calculate and explain your work, not just present a pre-filled form.
• Performance chart questions, including takeoff and landing distances under various conditions.
• Questions that test whether you truly understand the numbers rather than just memorized them.

Examiner Style

Lilly is thorough and methodical. He takes his time reviewing paperwork and documentation before moving forward. Pilots describe him as detail-oriented and exacting — he expects precision and preparation. This isn't someone you can bluff your way through with vague answers.

What Surprised Pilots

• The depth of focus on weight/balance and performance charts stood out — pilots noted he spent more time on these areas than they anticipated.
• The level of scrutiny on paperwork was higher than some expected. Double-check every document before you show up.