CFII Checkride: 1,550 Hours, High-Key Confidence, & Teaching the DPE

What a difference experience makes. Ready for my Instrument Instructor checkride back in April 2026, waitlists delayed the test until July 6, 2026. But unlike my initial CFI ride years ago when I was a nervous 275-hour pilot, I walked in this time with over 1,550 total hours—nearly 1,000 of those spent giving dual instruction.

The victory picture, having just passed the Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument practical test.

A Relaxed Ground Exam

The oral portion was remarkably casual. Midway through, I actually had to remind myself to sit up straight after catching myself completely reclined with my hands behind my head.

Having spent years teaching students the ins and outs of flying and reviewing and flying IFR procedures, I answered questions quickly and effortlessly. After working through a few deeper technical questions, we wrapped up the ground and headed out to the airplane.

“Over-Controlling” in the Turbulence

Our plan called for the DPE to go under the hood while I vectored him outbound toward our first approach into Tooele Valley (KTVY), where I would demonstrate the ILS Runway 17.

Passing near Magna heading northwest, thermal turbulence made for a bumpy ride. Watching the DPE under the hood, I felt sure he was intentionally over-controlling the yoke to see how I would intervene as an instructor. I immediately stepped in with coaching:

“Hold the pitch steady, and never bank more degrees than the number of heading degrees you need to correct.”

After completing the remaining required items—including an unrecorded hold out toward Stansbury Island—we returned to South Valley Regional (KSVR) for a smooth landing.

During the debrief, the examiner chuckled and revealed that he hadn’t been acting at all—it was just really bumpy! However, he added that my instruction on aircraft control was top-tier and commended my teaching style.

He printed out my temporary CFII certificate, capping off a completely uneventful, smooth ride. Smooth is always the best way to wrap up a checkride!