Cliff Shuman DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, one report is on file for Cliff Shuman, and it covers an instrument checkride. The applicant found most of the oral questions fair and reasonable. Cliff did not dig deep into any single subject once you gave a definitive answer to his first question. They covered all the basic IFR subject areas from the ACS during the oral.

One topic that tripped the pilot up was the different types of NOTAMs and their classifications. The applicant had forgotten NOTAMs even carry specific classifications, partly because ForeFlight makes things easy. Cliff simply gave the answer and moved on. The pilot read this as a sign that Cliff knows some questions matter more than others.

For the flight, Cliff started at the plane with one question about the applicant's preflight. The pilot had a ready answer, so know why you do each step of your normal preflight. Cliff does not want you deviating from your usual routine just for the checkride. After a typical runup, they departed VFR east of French Valley toward the local practice area.

Cliff made small talk on the taxi, which kept things relaxed. After the crosswind turn, he had the applicant put on the foggles and climb on a heading to a set altitude. They flew several assigned headings, then exchanged controls a few times for unusual attitudes. After that, Cliff directed the pilot to the published hold at DEGNE on the ILS Y RWY 32 into KRIV.

The report cuts off during the approach segment, so the full flight detail is not captured here. Still, expect a standard IFR flow with foggles, unusual attitudes, holding, and an ILS into KRIV. If you fly with Cliff soon, add your own report and fill in the rest.