Cliff Shuman DPE Checkride Gouges

Oral Emphasis

Cliff covers the standard IFR ACS subject areas without fixating on any single topic. Pilots reported a broad sweep across instrument regulations, NOTAMs (including NOTAM classifications), and general IFR knowledge. He doesn't appear to have a single pet topic — instead, he samples widely to confirm overall competence.

Common Questions

• Questions about types and classifications of NOTAMs — something easily overlooked when you rely on EFB apps that consolidate them for you.
• Standard IFR subject areas from the ACS: expect at least a touch on weather, regulations, charts, and systems.
• He tends to ask a single initial question on a topic. If your answer is definitive and confident, he moves on without drilling deeper.

Practical Focus

• Departed French Valley (F70) VFR to the east toward the local practice area, then transitioned to simulated instrument flight (foggles) during the climb.
• Unusual attitudes were conducted in the practice area — he takes controls, sets up the attitude, then hands back for recovery. Expect multiple exchanges.
• Navigation to a published hold: pilots reported being directed to the DEGNE hold on the ILS Y RWY 32 into Riverside (KRIV).
• The flight is structured and sequential — departure, unusual attitudes, then transition into approach work — so be ready for a logical flow rather than random requests.

Examiner Style

• Conversational and fair. Pilots described him as the kind of examiner who recognizes that some questions matter more than others.
• If you stumble on a topic, he may give you a hint or even provide the answer himself rather than letting you spiral — he seems interested in whether you understand the concept, not in tripping you up.
• Makes small talk during taxi and between phases, which helps keep the atmosphere relaxed.
• During preflight he may ask a question or two about what you're doing, so be prepared to explain your normal procedures — don't add extra steps just for show.

What Surprised Pilots

• The NOTAM classification question caught at least one well-prepared pilot off guard — modern EFB tools can make it easy to forget the formal categories, so review them before your ride.
• Pilots were pleasantly surprised by how quickly he moved on once he was satisfied with an answer; he doesn't belabor a topic you clearly understand.