Testimonials
I had a great time with Stuart! He was extremely fair on the test and the wallet. He’s full of knowledge, and relaxing to fly with. I will be calling Stuart for my future checkrides. Don’t forget the “time” in your T’s on the instrument checkride. I was lucky enough to fly with him twice! Ha ha! I’ve been recommending him to everyone.
Even though I was nervous, Stuart helped me feel relaxed for my big day on my Private checkride. I really ended up enjoying the checkride, and would recommend him for anyone’s upcoming exam.
Stuart was friendly and clear on his expectations, which helped ease my nerves and allowed me to focus on demonstrating my piloting skills. He offered professional and practical advice for real-world flying. With Stuart's help, I was able to achieve a lifelong dream!
Stuart balances both professional and practical flying as a DPE. He is very clear on what he wants to see on the check ride and does not waste time with tricks. Moments into a conversation, one knows he genuinely cares about this industry and will help one out any way he can.
In aviation if it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
Not only know your airplane's limitations, but know your personal limitations as well.
The centerline of the runway is painted exactly in the middle of the pavement...not a little to the left or a little to the right.
Keep scanning...there's probably something you missed.
High wing vs low wing? Keep in mind...Boeing doesn't make a high wing airplane.
Ice is always better in your drink than on your airplane. Always.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate...in that order.
Landing should be thought of as optional. Going around is always available, unless out of fuel or on fire.
Disregarding or not using the checklist will eventually catch up with you. Don't get caught.
While flying, one look out the window is better than a thousand sweeps of the radar.
Check density altitude and performance before you get in the airplane, not during the takeoff roll.
Things you can't get back in aviation:
Fuel not in the tanks
Runway behind you
Altitude above you
In aviation, never ignore a problem thinking it will go away or get better. It will just add to your workload when things get busy or something else happens.
Less nerves equal better performance. I calmly went through my private checkride with Stuart. It was a good experience and learning phase in my journey upward in aviation. Hope to work with him when the IFR checkride comes along.
There is no such thing as an emergency takeoff.
Solid check ride examiner, the questions and evaluation were all focused on the elements critical to being a successful pilot.
This is actually my second checkride with Stuart, having done my Instrument with him a little over a year and a half ago. Stuart has a great 'learning environment' way about his method of examining. While yes, you are being evaluating for your knowledge, it feels more like a conversation and a natural extension of the preparation you have been doing already. Very relaxed. Very professional. Very serious about helping you make the most of your pilot aspirations! I highly recommend Stuart to all!
Stuart is very knowledgeable, fair and balanced. He readily conveys his enthusiasm about aviation and his goal of training the best possible GA pilots. You will learn valuable, life extending skills in a friendly non-intimidating exchange. As good as it gets!
My experience with Stuart was nothing but exceptional. during the oral exam and the checkride there was a great balance between professionalism and a conversational like approach. It was such great experience because Stuart not only tests you on the necessary material but he also uses this as a teaching opportunity. I was able to convey my knowledge while learning from a great pilot at the same time. I would highly recommend Stuart for your next checkride.
Stuart is as thorough and fair as an examiner could be. He doesn't try to trick you to find out if you know something or not. Scheduling with the new website is easy and he works with you to get everything done. I would recommend taking the ride with him if at all possible.
After reading the positive reviews, I booked with Stuart. The previous reviewers were spot on. He does his best to take your nerves out of the experience. He has a comfortable way that puts you at ease. You can tell that his attitude is not to "weed you out" but to really determine what you know and to use what he finds to evaluate you fairly. He provides a balanced debrief with helpful feedback. I will not look for another examiner - he is it for me. I would recommend him to everyone.
It was a pleasure having Stuart as my examiner and I cannot praise him or recommend him highly enough. As my title suggests, he was extremely professional. I completely agree with the many other reviewers who state that he puts you at ease; you can tell that he wants you to succeed. He has a knack for conducting a thorough exam without using "gotcha" techniques. I will definitely be using Stuart for my future check rides.
Stuart is a true proferssional and I would reccomend him to any prospective pilot. The oral portion of the exam was much more of a conversation than a grilling yet was a thorough evaluation of my aviaiton knowledge and flight preparedness. He made this and the flight portion of the exam as stress-free as possible...and who wouldn't feel stressed. The debrief at the conclusion of the exam was appreciated and of great value. It was a flight lesson in and of itself.
Everything done with excellence!!
"I had the privilege of having Stuart as my DPE for both my Private Checkride back in November of 2013 and my Instrument Checkride back in August of 2015 and look forward to my soon upcoming Commercial Checkride of this year! Stuart's knowledge of aviation, is something to be greatly desired! I consider it a privilege to sit and talk with him through any Checkride! He is a very easy person to talk with, and he makes the stressful Checkride atmophere fun and relaxing! I'd recommend him to anyone!!"
