Karl Bearnarth DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, one PPL report sits on file for Karl Bearnarth. It paints a clear picture of an examiner who wants real understanding, not memorized lines. The oral covered Class C cloud clearance and visibility, plus the equipment and clearances required for Class B, C, and D airspace. He asked about currency versus proficiency, and whether you need to log takeoffs and landings. Expect questions on flight reviews and how long your medical stays valid.

Systems knowledge gets serious attention. Karl asked hypotheticals about magnetos during run-up checks, including what no RPM drop on a single magneto would indicate. He wanted the applicant to know you can burn off carbon deposits on spark plug heads by leaning the mixture and running the engine. He drilled engine specs for the Lycoming O-320-H2AD, a four cylinder, horizontally opposed, normally aspirated, carbureted, air cooled, direct drive engine. He asked what an ammeter discharge means, what happens if the battery dies in flight, and what that does to the engine. The applicant got pressed on whether the Garmin GI275s keep working on backup battery and how long they last.

Weather and planning ran wide. He had the applicant read METARs and TAFs, and asked about a narrow temperature and dewpoint spread. Expect questions on isobars and wind speed, weather near cold fronts, where you get winds aloft, and prog chart depictions. He covered wind correction angle and how a wind change affects it, plus when to apply pitot heat.

Karl also asked about hypotheticals for a delayed arrival with increased time and fuel burn, and the difference between endurance and range. He hit PAVE, IMSAFE, and PARE, what a stall is and when one occurs, and the effects of an aft center of gravity. He wanted an updated aircraft weight and balance from January 2026, and asked what a runway hold short line means.