DPE in northern Jersey/PA

[PPL747]

Hi, I'm (Hopefully) getting closer to my PPL check-ride, and I'm looking for recommendations on which DPE to use, whoever can share good or bad experiences. I'm training at Sussex Nj, which is a short flight distance to several NJ airports, as well not far from Scranton/Allentown PA
The DPE my instructor and other instructors around the area used to use recently retired, so they have no insight on who would be good to try

Thank you

 

[swingwing]

I would recommend Todd Aungst out of Selinsgrove, PA. Did my instrument and commercial with him. Firm but fair. Likes to teach during the checkride to help make you a safer pilot.

 

[Brad Z]

I think POA regular @Ryan F. is not too far away...

https://www.ryanfergusondpe.com/

 

[Ryan F.]

Thanks, Brad Z...

PPL747: I'm guessing the DPE you're referring to may be Peggy N. She's a local legend. She retired late last year.

I know Sussex well. I kept my airplane there for awhile. Carl did a lot of radio work for me, and Ray worked on the plane while he was still there. It's at Blairstown now (so is he... )

I live in Sparta and conduct FAA practical tests in the area. My website (linked in my signature) has more info.

Other good DPEs to consider are Greg Hill, Jay Auslander, Nick Gregory and Geoff Orlandi. That's not at all a complete list, but those are among the closest to you.

Good luck!

 

[Kristin]

Hi, I'm (Hopefully) getting closer to my PPL check-ride, and I'm looking for recommendations on which DPE to use, whoever can share good or bad experiences. I'm training at Sussex Nj, which is a short flight distance to several NJ airports, as well not far from Scranton/Allentown PA
The DPE my instructor and other instructors around the area used to use recently retired, so they have no insight on who would be good to try

Thank you

Ryan Ferguson covers that area. Google Ryan Ferguson DPE and you will find.

 

[eman1200]

...I live in Sparta and conduct FAA practical tests in the area. ...

more importantly, do u golf and if so, have u played the course at mt airy casino? it looks tough......not as tough as your checkrides, I hear...…… JK, OP!

 

[PPL747]

Thanks, Brad Z...

PPL747: I'm guessing the DPE you're referring to may be Peggy N. She's a local legend. She retired late last year.

I know Sussex well. I kept my airplane there for awhile. Carl did a lot of radio work for me, and Ray worked on the plane while he was still there. It's at Blairstown now (so is he... )

I live in Sparta and conduct FAA practical tests in the area. My website (linked in my signature) has more info.

Other good DPEs to consider are Greg Hill, Jay Auslander, Nick Gregory and Geoff Orlandi. That's not at all a complete list, but those are among the closest to you.

Good luck!

I'm surprised to get a response from one of the DPE's I was actually highly considering, it is a bit difficult to try and find out more info on you and your exam style when you are around
One question I had and wasn't sure who to ask, so I'll just ask you directly. From your blog it seems you do a lot of checkrides with some part 141 schools at KMMU which are training airliner pilots from start to ATP, therefore I was wondering although I know everything goes by ACS, still when an examiner conducts checkrides on a regular bases for students from one of those well structured 141 programs that focus on preparing the applicant for ATP rating, with many stage checks etc. how would that impact the leeway or expectence level you might have for a PPL applicant who doesn't come from a similar structured background and possibly with less experience in certain areas?
(As a DPE it is very admirable, you recommending other DPE's like a regular POA member. Thank you

 

[benyflyguy]

more importantly, do u golf and if so, have u played the course at mt airy casino? it looks tough......not as tough as your checkrides, I hear...…… JK, OP!

That’s a great course. Used to be billed as the greatest 18 holes. As they were copied off different courses back when it was built.

 

[eman1200]

That’s a great course. Used to be billed as the greatest 18 holes. As they were copied off different courses back when it was built.

I see a PoA fly-in casino/golf event in the not so near future, when things open up a bit more. and by PoA event I mean me. and maybe @RDUPilot . actually, maybe things are different in the northeast...

 

[Ryan F.]

Thanks for the question... short answer, it makes no difference. The variety never ends with applicants and no two are alike. I wouldn't equate one style of training with a higher success rate or "better" applicant; the applicant controls that with their own study habits and checkride performance. And you nailed it, the expectations are based purely on the ACS, nothing else. I don't (and couldn't) walk into any practical test with preconceived notions. I'm sure my colleagues would say the same.

 

[Ryan F.]

more importantly, do u golf and if so, have u played the course at mt airy casino? it looks tough......not as tough as your checkrides, I hear...…… JK, OP!

Not a golfer, but a close friend of mine is an addict and I'm sure he has played there... if he's not working, he's golfing... it's a nice area for golf, so I'm told.

 

[PPL747]

Thanks for the question... short answer, it makes no difference. The variety never ends with applicants and no two are alike. I wouldn't equate one style of training with a higher success rate or "better" applicant; the applicant controls that with their own study habits and checkride performance. And you nailed it, the expectations are based purely on the ACS, nothing else. I don't (and couldn't) walk into any practical test with preconceived notions. I'm sure my colleagues would say the same.

Thank you and thank you all for your input

 

[GaryM]

Thanks, Brad Z...

PPL747: I'm guessing the DPE you're referring to may be Peggy N. She's a local legend. She retired late last year.

Small world. Peggy gave my my check ride, almost 15 years ago. It was a great experience. Didn't realize she had retired.