John Gordy DPE Checkride Gouges

Oral Emphasis

Reports indicate that Gordy places heavy emphasis on paperwork and logbook accuracy before the checkride even begins. Specific areas of scrutiny include:

• Correct logging of instrument approach times and types — he will input your logged approaches into ForeFlight to verify them.
• Having a ground instruction log from your instructor. Multiple reports stress that if you don't have one, he may decline to conduct the checkride.

This is not a formality for him — pilots describe him as the pickiest DPE they've encountered when it comes to documentation.

Examiner Style

Gordy is consistently described as very fair. Pilots who flew with him multiple times — from private pilot through commercial — reported positive experiences and said they wouldn't have wanted any other examiner. His reputation is that of someone who holds you to standards but isn't trying to trip you up.

What Surprised Pilots

• The level of scrutiny on logbook entries and paperwork was the biggest surprise. Pilots emphasized being "1000000% sure" that instrument times and approaches are logged correctly before showing up.
• The requirement for a formal ground instruction log from your CFI caught some off guard — make sure your instructor provides this well in advance.

Practical Focus

Available gouges for this DPE are primarily focused on the oral/paperwork phase. Limited detail was provided on specific flight maneuvers or routing, though checkrides were reported out of Caddo Mills (7F3). Pilots noted they wouldn't expect significant differences if flying out of Rockwall or surrounding airports.