Craig Albert Sossi DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, one report is on file for Craig Albert Sossi, from an IFR checkride on May 22nd 2025. The applicant received a Notice of Disapproval after the oral. Come in expecting a long day, because this oral ran six hours. That length alone tells you the pace and depth to prepare for.

The clearest theme is regulations. Craig asked the applicant to look up nearly every answer in the regs, right and wrong ones alike. He wanted the exact reference that proved the answer was correct. Know your books well, and know how to find things fast under pressure. The applicant felt this became repetitive, and Craig later said the applicant looked up too many answers.

Referencing the regulations during an oral is allowed, but Craig seemed to disagree with how often it happened. So think about balancing solid recall with your ability to cite sources. Being able to state an answer cleanly, then back it with a reference, may serve you better than reading every time.

Craig also reached for less common questions the applicant had not studied. One example involved circling minimums and a NOTAM that prohibited straight-in approaches. He expected the applicant to know you could drop to circling minimums, fly across the field, circle, cut into the pattern, and land to get around the NOTAM. The applicant chose to circle to land on the other runway in calm winds instead. Craig said he had done the circling workaround multiple times and expected the applicant to know it.

Study approach minimums, circling procedures, and how NOTAMs affect what you can legally fly. Be ready for scenario questions that push past standard study material. Only one account exists so far, so add yours after you fly with him.