Gail Sue Lapook

Gail Sue Lapook is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Gold Seal Flight Instructor based in Wauconda, Illinois. Her aviation career began in 1977, leading to her Private Pilot certificate in 1978 and an appointment as a DPE in 1990. With over 45 years of professional experience and more than 15,000 flight hours, she holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine and seaplane ratings. She is widely respected throughout the Great Lakes region for her thoroughness and meticulous adherence to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

Beyond her role as an examiner, Lapook’s background includes a career in the insurance industry and a formal legal education, which informs her disciplined approach to regulatory compliance and aviation safety. She is a life member of the Ninety-Nines and a dedicated mentor who has guided thousands of students toward their certificates. Her safety mindset is characterized by a conservative approach to weather and risk management, frequently emphasizing practical decision-making and operational wisdom over rote memorization during her evaluations.

Lapook specializes in Private, Commercial, and Instrument checkrides, as well as Multi-Engine and Flight Instructor certifications. She is an active pilot who frequently operates her own Beechcraft Bonanza and Maule amphibious floatplane, bringing a wealth of diverse operational experience to every practical test. Her long-standing commitment to aviation excellence and mentorship continues to shape the next generation of aviators within the Chicago metropolitan area.