John W Beck DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, only one report is on file for John Beck, and it comes from a CFI applicant. The message is clear. He is strict to the ACS, so do not expect a second chance at a maneuver or any room outside tolerances. The applicant called the ride hard but not unfair.

Start with the paperwork, because he takes it seriously. Before you can book, you upload every relevant document to his website. That means your certificate, ID, medical, proof of insurance, and aircraft registration. It also means the airworthiness certificate, every required inspection including ADs, and your written exam results. Uploading is not enough, since on the oral he had the applicant show each one and explain what it was.

He keeps a list of aircraft he refuses to use on his website. He blacklisted the applicant's plane over a wonky right seat headset jack that just needed the plugs adjusted. Check that list before you commit to an aircraft.

The oral ran five to six hours. The applicant made the mistake of reading lesson plans at him instead of teaching. He had the applicant close the lesson plans and explain things in a way a student could understand. So come ready to teach plainly, not to recite.

The applicant passed the oral but failed the flight on a short field landing. The touchdown came about 100 feet short of the agreed point, and he gave no second chance. A go around would have been the better call. The other maneuvers were standard for a CFI ride. He also wanted the pattern entry at KBLM flown by overflying the runway at 1000 feet above TPA, which puts you at 2000 AGL, to stay clear of jets and turboprops.