Josh Donaldson DPE Checkride Gouges

Oral Emphasis

Donaldson's oral leans heavily on practical IFR knowledge rather than obscure regulation hunting. Pilots reported a strong focus on:

• En route chart knowledge: MEAs, MOCAs, VOR changeover points, and departure types
• Climb gradient calculations — he may ask you to work one out right in front of him
• Lost communications procedures and icing scenarios (both recognition and decision-making)
• IFR currency requirements and required equipment for IFR flight
• Approach plate interpretation, including non-standard symbols (e.g., the star symbol indicating a non-standard missed approach climb gradient) and where the MAP is on an ILS
• GPS legality for IFR use and how to determine legal compliance
• Cruise clearances and the differences between contact and visual approaches
• Weather awareness, specifically ways to identify embedded thunderstorms

Common Questions

Expect straightforward, scenario-driven questions rather than trick questions or deep regulatory cross-references. Pilots reported being asked to:

• Calculate a climb gradient on the spot
• Walk through a lost comms scenario step by step
• Explain specific approach plate symbols and their operational significance
• Describe what makes a GPS installation legal for IFR navigation
• Discuss methods for detecting embedded thunderstorms during flight

The questions tend to be practical and concise — he's checking that you understand the material, not trying to stump you.

Practical Focus

The flight portion follows a well-structured sequence that builds in complexity. Pilots reported:

• A departure procedure (PRC3 was used) followed by a published hold (over DRK VOR)
• Briefing and planning for approaches while in the hold — be ready to multitask
• A VOR approach with a procedure turn, followed by a touch and go
• An RNAV LPV approach (autopilot use was permitted)
• A missed approach procedure followed by unusual attitude recovery
• A circle-to-land maneuver to close out the flight

He watched the preflight but didn't grill on it. The flow covers a solid cross-section of instrument approaches and procedures — come prepared to fly the full range.

Examiner Style

Pilots consistently describe Donaldson as a genuinely supportive examiner who wants applicants to succeed. The oral is focused and doesn't drag — he asks what he needs to ask and moves on. He's not adversarial or looking for gotchas. The overall atmosphere is conversational and low-pressure, which helps keep nerves in check. That said, he still expects solid, correct answers — the friendliness doesn't mean the standards are relaxed.

What Surprised Pilots

• How concise the oral was — the questions were basic and direct, covering core IFR knowledge without veering into obscure territory
• Being asked to calculate a climb gradient live rather than just discuss the concept
• The expectation to brief and set up for the next approach while still in the hold — time management and cockpit workflow matter
• Autopilot use was allowed on at least one approach, which not all examiners permit