Jake Fielstra DPE Checkride Gouges
Designated Pilot Examiner • (Jacob William Fielstra) • Location coming soon
↓ View 1 available gouge report✓
Andrew Gray, CFI-II
1,500+ hrs · Former US Navy & Boeing · Data methodology
Practical Focus
Pilots reported that Jake's flight portion includes maneuvers and scenarios designed to test adaptability, not just rote execution:
- Unusual attitudes were part of the checkride — be solid on your recovery procedures under the hood.
- Engine failures on approach were reported, so be ready for a power-loss scenario when you're configured for landing and your workload is already high.
- Overall, the flight seems structured to introduce surprise elements at less-expected moments rather than following a purely predictable sequence of maneuvers.
What Surprised Pilots
The combination of unusual attitudes and engine failures specifically on approach caught pilots' attention. These aren't necessarily outside ACS standards, but the timing and pairing suggest Jake wants to see how you manage compound scenarios and task saturation — not just whether you can perform each maneuver in isolation.
- Come prepared for surprises throughout the flight, not just during the "emergency" portion of the checkride.
- Practice engine-out procedures during approach — not just at cruise altitude — so the scenario feels familiar when it counts.
Ratings & Checkride Types
- PPL (Private Pilot)
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.