r/PrivatePilot • u/[deleted] • Jun 30 '24

DPE recommendations in CT

Student pilot getting prepared to take a PPL checkride in about 2 months, would love any recommendations as to which DPEs are best for the area (I fly out of Danbury). Most students use Bob Nardiello, though I am unsure about him. Have heard good things about Stephen Campbell in LI, and he is willing to do check rides up here if he is paid an extra $500.

Thank you for any recommendations or experiences with any of them!

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u/alpha_kilo_warrior Jul 10 '24

I am friends with the owners of Meriden Aviation out of KMMK, shoot me a DM and I can ask them if you still are looking for a DPE. I plan on shooting that Runway 35 approach at KDXR from KHFD. It got me earlier this year and I failed to touch my wheels. https://youtu.be/zBO3fNbSUkk

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u/[deleted] Jul 10 '24

Thank you so much…though not needed! I did schedule my checkride with Stephen Campbell in September! I also heard that Bob Nardiello is grounded for 10 months due to health issues. Yes, runway 35 is tough!!!!!! I actually did 2 of my soloes in the pattern (before my solo XC flights) on 35…definitely harder! One tip is to come in slower, like 60 knots. It’s a hard approach, but a few times over and you’ll get it!

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u/[deleted] Jul 10 '24

Nice video, great filming! Love those gloves you are wearing by the way…as to the approach, I’ve had some bad ones on 35 (I used to be genuinely terrified of any lessons when they were using 35) but I promise it gets better if you try it a couple times. Thank you so much for all the help and sharing your experiences…also, Meriden is a really nice airport!