Robert Bruce Hollen DPE Checkride Gouges

Examiner Style

Bruce Hollen comes across as a friendly, laid-back examiner who keeps things moving. Pilots describe him as "a very nice guy" who creates a low-stress environment. The oral runs roughly 45 minutes to an hour — concise and conversational rather than drawn-out. He tells you what to expect before each phase of the flight, so there are few surprises in terms of structure. He's clearly done this many times and has a well-worn routine.

What to Expect

On the oral side, Bruce places real weight on accident analysis and aerodynamic decision-making in multi-engine scenarios. He wants to see that you understand why things go wrong, not just textbook definitions. Expect discussion around:

• Performance numbers and limitations for your aircraft
• Factors affecting multi-engine aerodynamics and control
• Aircraft systems at a high level

The flight portion is described as straightforward and efficient. He briefs you clearly on the plan and expects solid fundamentals throughout.

What Surprised Pilots

Pilots noted Bruce has strong opinions about drag management during critical phases of flight — it's worth understanding his philosophy before you fly. He also has a memorable post-landing habit that catches first-timers off guard.