CHECKRIDE COACHING AND PREPARATION FORMER DESIGNATED PILOT EXAMINER (DPE) & CERTIFIED CHECKRIDE COACH
I know exactly what examiners are looking for — because I used to be one. I’ll work with you 4–7 days before your check ride to make sure you walk in calm, confident, and ready. Private | Instrument | Commercial | CFI Add-On Ratings
I will work with applicants for two weeks to as little as 4 days before their Checkride. Any shorter time frame before your ride will only be with your instructors permission.
We partner with flight instructors and students to build confidence, refine knowledge, and eliminate check-ride anxiety, ensuring pilots are fully prepared to perform at their best while supporting the training they’ve already received, your hours with me will not be logged, unless I have your instructors permission to do so. I want to back up all instructors mission to get their applicants to pass their check rides for their first attempt.
What’s included: We will go though the ACS together, area by area. Rehearsing your answers out loud so they feel natural under pressure.
Reviewing your IACRA application for common problem spots
Ongoing texts support as I think of things that could help your specific Checkride and circumsatnces before your ride
In person, via Zoom, or as arranged
I’m not here to replace your CFI. I don’t log flight instruction time — my coaching is focused entirely on oral prep, ACS review, and checkride readiness. I work alongside your instructor, not in place of them. Flight instructors: send me your students who need extra confidence before their checkride — it won’t take away from your hours, it’s an extra layer of prep for them.
Pricing:
Founding Client Special — First 3 clients — Free
Standard Coaching Package — Up to 6 hours of prep — $250
Additional Hours — If needed, up to 3 more hours — $40/hr
Retest Prep (Prepped With Me) — Didn’t pass after working together? Up to 2 hours — Free
Retest Prep (New Client) — Didn’t pass without my prep first? Up to 3 hours — $150
My Mission
Our mission is to empower pilots with the knowledge, confidence, and mindset needed to approach every check ride prepared, composed, and ready to succeed. We are committed to turning anxiety into confidence and helping aviators build the skills that will serve them throughout their flying careers.
Evaluation Philosophy
My role is to objectively evaluate with your and your instructor partening to strengthen your weaknesses and your confidence using the ACS. To help you meet or exceed those standards, I will be honored to see you receive your certificate.
I encourage pilots to explore the FAA’s WINGS proficiency program and FAAST safety resources.
Here is information on the FAA WINGS and FAAST programs.
Feel free to ask me any questions.
Please see my previous Test Briefings for further information.
Ongoing Professional Development
To consistently improve and meet FAA expectations, I:
- Complete FAAST courses
- Attend FAA seminars and safety events
- Review ACS and FAA Order updates
- Maintain communication with my managing specialist
- Update my Plan of Action (POA)
National Checkride Going Rates And Information:
All Checkrides Conducted Outside Oregon:
Checkride Fee: $1,500 Plus Travel Expenses*
Possible Excessive Paperwork Fee (over 50 minutes) : $350
Foreign Based Form Fee : $350
Re-Test Rates:
$800 (Ground And Flight) Plus Travel Expenses*
$800 (Flight or Oral Only) Plus Travel Expenses*
* Checkrides conducted outside the Portland-Metro Area subject to travel expenses which may include airfare, mileage (at $0.58/mile), hotel as needed.
Local Checkrides Conducted In The Portland – Metro Area:
Checkride Fee : $1,000-1,500
Possible Excessive Paperwork Fee (over 50 minutes): $350
Foreign Based Form Fee : $350
Re-Test Rates:
$800 (Ground And Flight)
$800 (Flight or Oral Only)
$200 Cancellation Fee for less than 48-hour notice, if able to replace the slot. $500 Cancellation Fee for less than 48-hour notice, if unable to replace the slot. (Does not apply to sickness/weather conditions.)
$800 Fee for Discontinued check rides. Completing Other DPE’s Discontinuations: $800 fee.
Payment by Zelle or check ONLY. Please include your name.
Note: Please bring all required maintenance records per part 91.411 91.413 91.207 91.213 ADs. & Inoperative Equipment per 91.213
Please See and read Checklist & Appendix 9 in the back of the ACS
Primary contact: +1 (805) 803-0699 (TEXT messages preferred)
Secondary contact: (915) 479-7999