Francesco Gozzo DPE Checkride Gouges

Examiner Style

Gozzo comes across as approachable and willing to let you work through problems rather than immediately failing you for a misstep. Pilots describe him pointing out errors during the flight — like a too-lean mixture on climb-out — and watching to see if you can diagnose and correct. He's not trying to trick you, but he does expect you to understand the reasoning behind your decisions, not just execute rote procedures. He's more conversational than formal, though he holds the line on correct answers.

What to Expect

Oral topics lean heavily into practical cross-country planning and real-world decision-making:

• Weather products and their correct interpretation
• Performance planning across different airport environments
• Regulatory knowledge tied to the flight you'd actually be making
• Airspace awareness along your planned route

In the air, expect a flight that tests your ability to navigate, manage the airplane, and handle emergencies with sound aeronautical logic — not just muscle memory.

What Surprised Pilots

• He cares about why you make a decision, not just what you do — especially during emergencies where wind correction matters
• Small details like equipment readiness and having the right materials in the cockpit came up as unexpected friction points
• Hazy conditions and unfamiliar waypoints can make the navigation portion harder than anticipated