“Your level of professionalism and ability to mentor effectively while staying within the ACS guidelines for checkride examiners was outstanding. I honestly can’t think of any constructive criticism other than I wish I could have had the opportunity to get some student flight training from you vs just the checkride. Thanks for an exceptional experience!”
“Aaron’s pressure is positive, aimed at bringing out your best and enhancing your aviation perspective. I’m grateful for the invaluable tips he provided after my checkride, which will undoubtedly contribute to my growth as a pilot. “
“He consistently strives to elicit the best responses in the most effective ways.”
“I did my CPL with you. It was a great time, where I learned a lot and I really appreciate all your feedback.“
“Great man, very fair- I would recommend Aaron Flodin Anyday!!!”
“Highly recommend, was a great experience, the debrief was super constructive, hope see you soon for my commercial checkride.”
“I did Instrument Rating and CPL with Mr. Flodin. In a very stressful day like a checkride I felt comfortable throughout the whole experience. Feedback after the flight was very helpful for me. I 100% recommend Mr. Flodin to my fellow pilots.”
“From the initial briefing to the completion of the practical test, your thorough and clear communication played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and constructive examination process. Your ability to create a supportive environment immediately put me at ease, allowing me to demonstrate my skills and knowledge to the best of my ability.“
“Your encouragement and approachability made the experience both challenging and enjoyable.”
“Your vast experience as a Designated Pilot Examiner shone through, instilling confidence in me as a candidate. Your dedication to upholding the highest standards in pilot evaluations is commendable and contributes significantly to the professionalism and safety of our aviation community.“
“Amazing Examiner, creates a comfortable atmosphere that allows you to process carefully questions that you’re being asked, Very professional and gives you fair judgements according to your performance. Definitely will recommend this Examiner.”
“I completed my instrument check ride with Aaron. His critique was clearly constructive; he wanted me to know what went wrong so that it wouldn’t happen again. The debrief after the ride was a great time to round off those shortcomings. It is clear that Aaron truly cares about new/growing pilots.”
“Thank you for a great checkride experience! While definitely stressful (what checkride isn’t?), looking back on it I had a great time and even learned some things that had not picked up in my instrument training. Thanks for the detailed debrief, I was able to take notes, understand where I could have been better, and walk away a better and more knowledgeable pilot after our flight and oral exam together.”
“Appreciate every exams taken with this examiner, keeps the flight very professional and also gives you the best advice that I personally think are life saving and will make anyone a better a pilot.”
“Aaron Flodin is a wonderful examiner who is fair, knowledgeable, and very constructive. His criticism and debriefing were the best feedback I have ever received”
“He provides a very human-to-human feel to the exam instead of an interrogative and cold”
“Feedback was very detailed and helpful. Lastly thank you so much, couldn’t imagine having it with another DPE”
“Great experience today. Really appreciated the constructive criticism and the effort made to make me as comfortable as possible. Thank you so much. Safe flying!”
“An all encompassing approach to safety in flight planning. I learned some very important lessons working through the checkride scenarios that I did not get in my training that will be a huge value add to safety in my future flights. I don’t really have anything but positive feedback for the whole experience.”
“In both portions of the test he was fair and also friendly. I would recommend Aaron as DPE for your next checkride!”
“Throughout the process, Aaron was exceptionally supportive. He has a way of instilling confidence and offers insightful feedback after the examination. Aaron’s approach is calm and reassuring. He makes sure you are in a stress-free environment, aiming to ensure a successful outcome. I highly recommend Aaron as an examiner!”
“Excellent scenario based examples of various processes, flight planning, emergency procedures that really help you understand and incorporate life saving awareness and practices in your future piloting.”
“Great professionalism straight to the point and sticking to scenario based questioning.The feedback you provided was eye opening and things ill definitely be taking in to account in the future. I felt at ease and comfortable while taking your check ride.”
“What a positive experience I had during my private pilot checkride. His approach to the examination process made me feel incredibly comfortable, relaxed, and confident throughout the entire assessment. Aaron’s demeanor and attitude created an environment where I felt encouraged to showcase my skills and knowledge without unnecessary pressure or stress. His clear communication enhanced my confidence and allowed me to perform at my best. His professionalism and commitment to ensuring a positive experience for his candidates are truly commendable. The scenarios were clear as were the inflight instructions. It was a pleasure to have him as my examiner”
“The morning of my Instrument practical did not start out as planned, with mechanical issues and stronger winds than I would have preferred, however from the moment I arrived Mr. Flodin was welcoming and understanding. He clearly communicated what was to be expected from the start and I would absolutely recommend him, as I’ll be requesting him in the future!”
“I like that there was a big focus on safety of flight. Also you are very welcoming/warm leading to a less stressful test than some other checkride experiences. I also liked the very direct debrief with a detailed plan on what needs to be worked on in order to make me the safest pilot I can be.”
“It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to get Aaron as my DPE for my PPL. The level of professionalism and mentorship carried from start to finish. I couldn’t have gotten a better experience with my first license. I would highly recommend Aaron to any student pilot looking to take a check ride.“
“Aaron was a great DPE for the PAR Check Ride. He really focuses on how safe and controlled of a pilot you are. During the ground, he was very consistent with asking questions that involved real life scenarios”
“Aaron provides a fair and professional checkride while utilizing scenario-based questions. Aaron is excellent at putting the applicant at ease allowing you to perform at your best. Provides constructive feedback during the debrief that can be applied moving forward.”
“The most professional checkride thus far. Patient and Professional. Nothing bad to say. Learned a TON from real world experience. Nothing but good things to say. Highly recommend. Will return in the future.”
“What a lovely experience! He was extremely kind and very thorough of what was expected of me, from start to finish. Very professional, as well as, personable and tried to ease my “first check ride” nerves as best he could. I appreciated having his website as a guide if I had any questions leading up to my check ride. The debrief, after the check ride was over, was something I did not expect and appreciated that feedback the most. Overall, really great experience with DPE Flodin and would absolutely recommend him to others.”
“I liked how you were straightforward the entire test from the oral to the flight and a thorough debrief. I would definitely take another checkride with you! Thanks again!”
“The learning from this process have transcended aviation for me. Its made me thought a lot about how/why people learn and about pride/honor in institutions. The check ride for me was more than a test, it consolidated a lot of my practical and theoretical knowledge, and you never know the things that don’t happen but it definitely made me a prouder and safer pilot, which surely minimizes any lack of judgment in the future.
The reason why I say this its because aviation is a proud and safe profession thanks to people like you. You hold the standard where it needs to be and it was a huge honor to pass the test with you. “
“As stressful as a check ride is, I really enjoyed my experience. You did a great job setting the nerves at ease. It was also quite clear how much you respect you show to each pilot/candidate at each and every level of experience while expecting me to delivery to a satisfactory level”
“As far as constructive feedback goes, I’m not sure I can possibly give anything that could make the checkrides better…
Instead I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for fitting me into your busy schedule, and most importantly your compassion and understanding. I really appreciated your constructive criticism at the end. I have taken onboard the things you’ve told me and will work on them as I continue this aviation journey. There is no doubt that anyone that is fortunate enough to take a checkride with you is in very good hands.”
“Aaron was an amazing Examiner that made the entire stressful checkride experience enjoyable and human. His demeanor was calm, relaxed, and positive. He was thorough and fair with how he asked questions in a real world based scenario that turned what you learned in flight school into real world applications. His passion for aviation is pure and prevalent the moment you sit down with him and start discussing paperwork. He reassures you that he’s not looking for perfection and has never seen or taken a perfect checkride. His ability to relate to you in that moment of stress by mentioning how little sleep you’ve probably had eases the tension by miles. You realize that Aaron is just a fellow aviator who shares the same passion for aviation as you. His debrief and constructive criticism was thorough and genuine. He’s made me into a better aviator and enjoyed my experience with him. I would recommend Mr. Flodin to anyone that’s looking at achieving their next certificate in aviation.”
“Very understanding of the situation, as a new pilot I was very nervous during this check ride which led me to not fly as good as I know I can. You tried to calm me down lots of time which helped me and I thank you for that. Your final briefing at the end definitely helped me be a better pilot as I progress on my aviation journey. Thank you again, I would tell you not to change anything about the way you conduct the check ride, it was a great decision to take my check ride with you.”
“My checkride experience with Mr. Flodin was more than just a test. His genuine interest and concern for the applicants well being is directly reflected by how he structures the layout and questions for the test. He makes sure that the exam consists of truly useful aeronautical knowledge applicable in every day flying. I would definitely recommend him.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Aaron for my PPL checkride, and the experience couldn’t have been better. On a day that could have been overwhelming, Aaron’s calm and supportive approach made all the difference. His ability to create a comfortable environment allowed me to focus and perform my best. His after check ride briefing was incredibly valuable, giving me clear guidance on how to continue improving. Aaron’s professionalism and personable nature make him a standout examiner, and I highly recommend him to anyone going through this process.”
“During the ground portion you were very fair and made me feel comfortable throughout. I understand it is a test of knowledge however at the same time I left the Checkride having learned many lessons that I will use every time I go to fly. “
“Aaron Flodin truly embodies what it means to be a dedicated and effective DPE. His professionalism and constructive feedback can make such a difference in the learning process. I left the debrief knowing more than I did at the start. Thank you!”
“Relaxed yet professional – really set the tone for the day. It helped alleviate my anxiety and allowed me to focus on demonstrating my skills and knowledge. I think this approach brings out the best in candidates and leads to a more accurate assessment of our abilities.”
“Great experience as for first in life PPL check ride. Aaron is a professional at all points – ready to assist and answer any questions before exam start.
Calm and unstressed environment helps to stay concentrated during oral and flight portions. Candid and comprehensive feedback will help me to improve my skills. Highly recommended!!!”
“Great experience instrument check ride! Really interesting the way he makes you to think about of certain scenarios that could happen in real life. I really enjoyed the flight experience with Aaron and I also learned important things that keeps me improving as a pilot. Great feedback at the end. Highly recommended.“
“The oral portion of the check ride was, as promised, pragmatic and scenario-based. A lot of students of aviation concern themselves with memorizing many small details of the FARs and other miscellaneous information pertaining to the certification they’re seeking. While there is certainly a use to such work, I was thankful for the scenario-based nature of the oral.“
“My experience with Aaron Flodin was outstanding. Despite the nerves surrounding the check ride, Aaron’s approach puts you at ease. He ensures you’re well-informed about potential scenarios and offers valuable guidance to help you improve as a pilot. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I’m definitely planning to return for my commercial training. Thank you, Aaron!”
“Absolutely nothing bad to say. Very fair and easy to talk to. The questions are right off the ACS with no surprise’s. “
“Aaron is literally one of the best DPEs in South Florida. I completed both my instrument and commercial checkrides with him and had extremely positive experiences. He is honest, fair, and genuinely a great person. Aaron understands how nerve-wracking checkrides can be and goes out of his way to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. He’s an excellent role model in the field and a beacon of hope. I highly recommend scheduling your checkride with Aaron.”
“Honestly, his professionalism, organization, and how meticulous he is motivated me to aspire to be like him when I grow up. Truly, talking to him about aviation was incredibly interesting. Aaron was very kind and always focused on ensuring I understood the question, considering I speak a different language, which helped me a lot. Beyond that, flying with him felt effortless, it was fascinating, and I learned new things, including ways to do things differently. It was an incredible experience, and I have nothing negative to say. He is simply very professional, attentive, and organized.”
“The most comprehensive checkride I have experienced thus far does not imply that it is an effortless task; rather, it underscores the fact that it is an educational, professional, and transparent experience with well-structured instructions. Initially apprehensive, I soon found the ground portion to be an engaging and informative conversation. Flight portion was the same. Highly recommend Aaron for your Checkride.”
“Aaron is such a humble and chill person, you won’t feel stressed out during any part of the test. He makes everything go by so smooth and you feel like you are just having a conversation with another Aviator. His feedback at the end of the test is amazing because he wants you to be a safe and great pilot. Great experience, learned a lot from him.”
“Really positive experience with Aaron on my first checkride. Things didn’t go completely to plan (problems with IACRA, busted strobe), but he dealt with it very professionally throughout. The oral examination was fair yet instructive, allowing me to understand my aircraft’s limitations better. For the flight portion, I appreciated his clarity on his expectations before, during, and after the flight. In particular, the debriefing of the oral and flying portions allowed me to walk away with a fresh perspective on my flying, making me a better pilot. I highly recommend Aaron as an examiner, the transparency of his processes made a stressful, nerve-racking event much more comfortable.”
“I am totally grateful to have been evaluated by Aaron as a Designated Pilot Examiner. His level of professionalism is without a doubt exceptional. Personally, I must admit that I felt under pressure since it was going to be my first checkride, however, before even starting the check, Aaron makes you feel at ease and it’s like having a conversation with a friend. Also, at the end of the checkride he gives you a debriefing with the points that you can improve both ground and flight.”
“Very professional, checkride day is very stressful and Flodin handles this well, he will make you feel comfortable and he is very fair. His feedback is very helpful and constructive.”
“”I wanted to give you some feedback on my check ride. You were really nice and fair, and I felt comfortable throughout the process. Thanks for everything!”
“I had a great experience with my IR checkride. The DPE was very fair throughout the process and maintained excellent communication with me as a student. He made sure I understood the scenarios clearly before beginning the check, which helped ease a lot of the stress. His approach truly supports learning and confidence. I highly recommend him to anyone preparing for their Instrument Rating.”
“The entire checkride experience was fantastic! From start to finish, everything felt professional, fair, and encouraging. You struck the perfect balance, serious about safety and standards, but also calm and approachable, which really helped ease the nerves. Your clear communication, well-set expectations, and insightful debrief made a huge difference. Honestly, I walked away not just relieved, but inspired. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience—thank you, Aaron!”
“Aaron was extremely fair and straight to the point with the Oral/Practical. He makes sure you understand the material and there is no misleading or over complicated questions during the test. When I did not answer concisely, he provided me with guidance and explained things in a manner that was easily understandable. During my flight, there was a few complications with other aircraft traffic but Aaron did not rush me, which was a huge relief that allowed me to remain confident. Overall, this was a great check ride experience and I highly recommend Aaron!”
“Great checkride experience, it was fun and educational, I got nothing bad to say, a good experience and I liked the hospitality.”
“Had the pleasure of having Aaron as my first DPE for my private pilot check ride. For me, I generally get very anxious when it comes to taking any type of test which hinders my performance. Especially after hearing other people’s check ride experiences online, my anxiety kept on building up to the day of my check ride. The moment we started my check ride, it was nothing like the stories I heard. With Aaron, he was able to help reduce my anxiety and make the check ride an enjoyable experience.”
“I took my Instrument with Aaron and I have no regrets. He was very professional and provided a comfortable testing environment. He is very personable and that helped to take any anxiety away from the Checkride. Best of all Aaron just doesn’t ask you questions to get by, he asks you questions to make you safe, proficient, and think about the future ahead and the responsibilities that are going to come with having an instrument rating. You can tell Aaron is experienced and truly cares about pilots. I couldn’t ask for a better experience.”
“I was pretty nervous for my checkride. But my Instrument Checkride experience with Mr.Flodin was awesome. He was professional and thorough. I felt comfortable and it helped me perform better. Debriefing was really valuable as how I could improve as a pilot. It was an honor to fly with him. Outstanding examiner and I highly recommend him to anyone.”
“The check ride was really smooth and he is so fair , i feel he is not there to trick you but to make you feel how important the details are and how can a new perspective of thinking towards anything will increase the safety of flight”
“I want to highlight Aaron’s professionalism during my check ride for the Commercial Pilot license. He was kind, fair, and highly professional throughout the entire process, creating an environment of trust and respect. I truly appreciate the way he conducted the check ride.”
“It was a great checkride! Perfect on all aspects!! He’s one of the best DPE’s!“
“Great rundown on everything the checkride will entail. I really appreciate being able to ask any last minute doubts and verify information before the checkride. Overall very smooth and a much more enjoyable experience. No complaints.“
“Everything was straight forward and expectations were set accordingly, no complaints. Really liked the breakdown of what we were going to do on the ground before starting so that I knew exactly what to expect. Holding and approach instructions were clear. Overall, I think everything was executed clearly and effectively.”
“Mr Aaron i really wanna thank you for the knowledge and advice that you provided me!! It will always stay with me!! Very professional and knowledgeable DPE, hope to see you soon for the CPL CHECKRIDE! Thank you again”
“Today, I had my PPL checkride with Aaron. He created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which made the whole experience very comfortable. Before the checkride, Aaron treated me to an excellent cup of coffee, and everything went smoothly in a warm, friendly environment.”
“Aaron provided an excellent check ride with incredibly relevant constructive criticism. From the beginning he was very polite and friendly, relieving my nerves which helped me preform better. All in all he did his job to a tee and regardless of the outcome I knew I had made the right decision. One day I hope to be as professional and proficient as my DPE was today.“
“Aaron was very professional and patient with his approach to the exam. I hope that Aaron is available for my next set of check ride(s) and would recommend him to anyone. A seriously impressive person with the resume and persona to match. A++“
“Aaron, you have delivered a completely different experience from my past Checkride, being transparent about the process, concise and constructive on feedback. The overall experience surprised me positively, and I Believe you strongly love what you to for such a positive experience to students. Keep it up!”
“I had the privilege of doing my checkride with Mr Aaron and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the very beginning, they created a calm and professional environment that really helped ease my nerves. Their instructions were clear, fair, and encouraging, and they gave me every opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge and skills without adding unnecessary pressure. What stood out the most was how respectful and approachable they were throughout the entire process. Instead of just testing me, they made it feel like a true learning opportunity. I walked away not only with my checkride completed but also with valuable feedback and confidence for my flying career ahead. I would highly recommend Mr Aaron to any student preparing for their checkride.”
“I had an excellent experience during my checkride with you. From the very beginning, your professionalism stood out, and the calm, reassuring demeanor you brought to the process helped me relax and stay focused. You made sure I felt comfortable and knew what to expect, which really helped ease any nerves I had.
The entire process—from the ground oral portion to the flight—was incredibly smooth and clearly followed the ACS standards. You conducted everything in a fair, respectful, and clear manner, which created a positive and supportive environment that allowed me to perform at my best.
Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better checkride experience. Your professionalism, communication, and encouraging approach made it a truly memorable and positive milestone in my aviation journey.”
“I had a great experience during my commercial checkride with Aaron and highly recommend him. He’s extremely knowledgeable and experienced.”
“Hands down to the best DPE! Really appreciate how fair, calm, and encouraging you were throughout the checkride. Made the whole experience awesome.”
“From the beginning of the process, the submission and revision of documents were straightforward and organized. The actual checkride is conducted in an environment that makes you feel comfortable. Mr. Flodin’s approach to both the oral and flight portions of the test is very professional and fair. The feedback provided was concise and appropriate; it helped me identify areas where I could improve, which is always positive for my career. Overall, it was an amazing experience working with such a great professional examiner and a valuable learning opportunity that I will carry with me throughout my career. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with Mr. Flodin again.”
“This was my first experience with a check ride here in the USA, it was a great experience as I think the questions based on scenarios are perfect to put my knowledge and judgment to the test, and I’ve learned new things to take into account with real life situations.”
“Best DPE out there. Very easy to understand the questions and very understanding”
“I recently passed my Instrument Rating checkride, and I can’t say enough about how incredible the entire experience was with Aaron Flodin. What is normally one of the most stressful moments in a pilot’s journey felt smooth, clear, and truly supportive from start to finish. This was my second time working with him, I also got my Private, and once again, this is why he’s the best. His calm professionalism, clear explanations, and fair, respectful approach put me at ease immediately. He creates an environment where you can truly demonstrate your skills and knowledge without unnecessary pressure. From the briefing to the flight portion to the debrief, everything was organized, thorough, and focused on safety. Absolutely the best DPE. Highly recommended to any pilot looking for professional checkride experience.”
“My Instrument Rating Checkride with Examiner Aaron was a very smooth, easy, and comfortable experience. From the start, he maintained a calm, friendly, and highly professional attitude, which helped keep my nerves down and made the entire process stress-free. The oral exam was well structured, fair, and based on real-world instrument flying rather than tricky or unnecessary questions. He clearly wanted to test true understanding, not just memorization. During the flight portion, his instructions were clear, precise, and supportive, which made the experience very confidence-building. Overall, this was an excellent Checkride experience. Examiner Aaron is fair, knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. I would highly recommend him to anyone preparing for their Instrument Rating.”
“Aaron was genuine, kind, clear and direct during the entire Checkride assessment. He knows how stressful the process is and he will be patient with you so that you can perform at your very best. His vast knowledge and flying experience is extremely valuable during your debrief. I would highly recommend Aaron and I look forward to using him as my DPE for my instrument Checkride.” Aaron, I am very grateful that you are a part of my aviation journey and I truly appreciate all that you have added to it. Thank you!
“You are an amazing Examiner . No feedback for you sir”
“Aaron is great and he makes the student calm . I have taken all of my checkrides with Aaron. I highly recommend to go for a checkride with him .
“I’ve had the opportunity to complete my Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot checkrides with Mr. Aaron, and each experience has been consistently excellent. He creates a very comfortable and professional environment, which helps bring out the best performance from the applicant. The entire checkride was conducted strictly in accordance with the ACS, with clear expectations and fair evaluation. Despite strong wind conditions, the checkride remained calm and well-managed, allowing me to demonstrate sound judgment and skills. Overall, it was a very positive and confidence-building experience, and I highly recommend Mr. Aaron.“
“Today I gave my Instrument Rating checkride with DPE Aaron Flodin at Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51). My checkride was scheduled at 7:30 AM and I reached by 7:15 AM. He has an office at X51, and from the moment I met him, he was very welcoming and friendly.
Before the checkride, I was nervous like every student pilot, but within the first few minutes of talking to him, all my nervousness was gone. He made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. He speaks very calmly and treats you with respect, which really helps during a checkride.
The ground portion went well and was fair. He did not try to confuse me and asked practical questions. During the flight also, I never felt nervous even for a single minute. He is a very fair examiner and explains things clearly.
The entire checkride was smooth, not too long, and very well organized. I really liked his attitude, the way he talks, and the way he makes the applicant feel comfortable. Overall, it was a very good experience, and I am very happy that I did my Instrument Rating checkride with him. I highly recommend him.”
“The DPE is very nice ,follows all the ACS and honest.And the debriefing is very good”
“My experience with the DPE was excellent. The examiner demonstrated a high level of professionalism, maintained a respectful and stress-free environment, and clearly communicated all tasks and expectations. The checkride was conducted fairly and in accordance with ACS standards.”
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