Darryl Grace DPE Checkride Gouges
Designated Pilot Examiner
↓ View 2 available gouge reportsExaminer Style
Darryl is businesslike and thorough. He sets up with both a laptop and an iPad — one with the ACS, the other apparently with his own structured question bank — and works methodically through topics. He's not unfriendly, but he's not there to chat. If your answer is shallow or relies on rote memorization without understanding, he'll give you a look and keep pressing. He expects you to explain concepts in your own words with real-world examples, not just rattle off mnemonics. Pilots who demonstrated genuine teaching ability and practical knowledge found him fair and reasonable; those leaning heavily on memorized lists found the oral more challenging.
What to Expect
- FOI knowledge is tested directly on CFI rides — he wants depth, not just acronym recall
- For instrument add-ons, expect scenario-based teaching where he plays the student and you drive the lesson
- Strong emphasis on regulations, endorsements, and being able to reference authoritative sources on the spot
- He values practical application: why you made a decision, not just what you chose
What Surprised Pilots
- He may ask you to close your binder early and work from memory — don't rely on having references as a crutch for foundational knowledge
- Several pilots noted he pushed deeper on FOI topics than expected, asking for multiple real-world examples per concept
- He occasionally asks questions where admitting you don't know and demonstrating how to find the answer is the right move
Ratings & Checkride Types
- CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)
- CFII (Instrument Flight Instructor)
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.