Stan Shimkus | Designated Pilot Examiner
Welcome to the official website of Stan Shimkus, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. I hope you will find this site to be a resource to help you navigate the check ride process. Further, I would like to personally invite you to reach out with any questions that you may have regarding pilot certification or any topic related to aviation safety.
My Goal as an Examiner
I remember the nerves that came with facing an examiner during a check ride. The experience can be stressful and hinder your performance. My goal is to help you feel at ease and confident throughout your check ride experience while ensuring that you meet FAA standards. With the right support and preparation, you’ll not only succeed in the moment but also build lasting confidence for your future flying endeavors.
No Surprises
The FAA stipulates that all checkrides are supposed to be the same, to the extent that they test the same skills in the same manner. The good news is that it’s all in the ACS/PTS, so you can review the things that the FAA – and I – will expect of you. Nothing will be a secret or a surprise.
Acceptable Aircraft
Every airplane I fly must be legal, safe, and an airplane that I feel comfortable flying in.
To that extent, some personal judgment is involved. I won’t fly in an aircraft that does not have full flight controls on my side.
I WILL conduct check rides in an experimental or E-LSA as long as I have satisfactory information on its history and have visually inspected it to determine that it is safe and airworthy. I especially enjoy conducting check rides in Tail wheel aircraft.