I am a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE-PE-ASEL, DPE-CIRE-ASEL, DPE-PE-AMEL, DPE-CIRE-AMEL, DPE-ATPE-AMEL, DPE-FIE-ASE, DPE-FIE-AME, DPE-MCE, DPE-GIE, DPE-FPE, DPE-FIRE, DPE-RPE) working under the Teterboro FSDO (EA25) in northern New Jersey.
Background
I first used personal aviation as a tool to support my small business. Deciding that I liked flying to the meetings better than the meetings themselves, I began my professional career in the early 2000s as a full-time flight instructor in Orlando, Florida. I was fortunate to teach in many different models of aircraft, including Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Diamond, American Champion, Grumman, Aviat, and Schweizer products.
I started flying VIP Part 91 shortly after that and have been involved in business aviation ever since.
Professional experience and industry associations
Professionally, I’m the Director of Aviation Services for a Fortune 500 company. I fly the Gulfstream 550 and Challenger 350 aircraft, domestically and internationally.
I hold a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate with ratings in single and multiengine airplanes, helicopters, and instrument airplane/helicopter. My turbine helicopter experience includes the Bell OH-58A and the Hughes OH-6A. I earned my IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) Auditor certification in 2017. Among all of these certifications, I am most proud to be a FAASTeam Lead Representative working with EA25 (TEB).
My extended professional background includes experience as Director of Aviation for a multi-turbojet Part 91 flight department, Chief Pilot, provider of 61.157 (initial type rating) and 61.58 (PIC Proficiency) training and pilot mentor for single pilot jets (Citation Mustang and CE525 series). In the training role I’ve also conducted IOE for multi crewmember turbojet operators new to oceanic and international operations. I have served as a Consulting Expert for high profile business aviation accidents. Finally, I have remained an active flight instructor in piston aircraft and consider myself fortunate to be the owner of a beautiful 1966 Piper Twin Comanche.
Despite a strong focus on aviation safety, mentoring, leadership, and flying business jets for a living, my true passion is General Aviation, specifically aerobatics and tailwheel flying. If what they say about aviation is true — that’s it’s half art, half science — tailwheel flying is definitely the ‘art.’
Personal
Other than my family, my primary interest outside of aviation is driving my Jeep over big rocks, and physical fitness.