Mark Cook DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, only one report is on file for Mark Cook, and it covers an instrument checkride flown in Minnesota in 2026. The pilot passed on the first attempt. The notes give a clear picture of where this examiner puts the weight during the oral.

The qualifications section was thorough. Mark asked about 6HITS and what you need to act as pilot in command under IFR. He wanted to know what privileges the instrument rating actually gives you. He did not ask about BasicMed, so do not expect every Part 68 topic to come up. On risk management he covered proficiency versus currency and personal minimums, and he walked through ICEFLAGS. He also asked an interesting curveball: can you act as safety pilot in his TBM?

For the skills side of qualifications, Mark gave a scenario route to LSE that planned through the Bravo airspace. He called the route good, then asked whether you need a clearance to pass through the Bravo under IFR. The answer is that you do not, so be ready to explain why.

Weather planning got real attention. The applicant used 1800WxBrief, and Mark asked why not ForeFlight. The point came back to AC 91-92 and its table, since 1800WxBrief provides everything you need for legal preflight planning. Know your weather sources and be able to defend the one you chose. He also touched on acceptable weather products and resources for departure, en route, and the broader preflight picture.

The reported tasks track the instrument ACS directly, including Pilot Qualifications and Weather Information. Mark seems to favor scenario questions that make you reason through PIC rules, airspace, and source selection. Study how the pieces connect rather than just facts in isolation. If you fly with him next, add your own report so the next pilot gets more detail.