Toby Randall Blanton DPE Checkride Gouges

As of this writing, only one report is on file for Toby Randall Blanton, and it covers a CFII checkride from July 2026. He built much of the oral around the written test deficiencies, so know your PLT codes going in. Those included PLT370 on ATC clearances, the purpose of ATC, and the services it provides. He also hit PLT430 on published and unpublished airway altitudes like MEA, MRA, and MCA, plus PLT518 on windshear.

On windshear he wanted a clear escape plan. The pilot noted he expects you to climb right above stall speed to gain altitude immediately. He tied that to power management and the real dangers of the condition. Cover characteristics, hazards, and your recovery steps before you sit down.

Systems ran deep here. He asked about the pitot static system, how each instrument works, and the ram, drain, and static ports with their errors. He specifically wants to hear that you cannot use alternate static with the windows open, since that source comes from the cabin. For the G5s, describe the MEMS, the air data computer, the GMU-11 magnetometer, and the four hour independent battery that keeps working after an alternator or battery failure. Know the HSI components, its VLOC and RNAV modes, and failure indications.

He appreciated a mention that the turn coordinator is electrically powered when the pilot described the electrical system. For the JPI engine display, he showed a reference photo and did not want discussion beyond it. Navigation topics were broad: VOR, VOR/DME, and Tacan types, VOR errors and checks, sectional depiction, and the fact that DME is required above FL240.

He also covered the ILS and its four primary components, marker beacons, and the Mode C transponder. On GPS he wanted satellite navigation basics and WAAS, and he told the pilot to skip RAIM. Round it out with icing and the difference between de-ice and anti-ice equipment.