Carlos Cortes

Carlos Cortes is a highly respected FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in the South Florida region, primarily serving the Miami and Opa-locka aviation communities. With a career spanning several decades, Cortes has become a central figure in pilot certification within the Hollywood Flight Standards District Office (SO19). He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a distinguished Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI). His extensive experience includes thousands of flight hours and the administration of countless practical exams, ranging from Private and Commercial certificates to Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings.

Known for his thorough yet fair examination style, Cortes is particularly recognized for his emphasis on fundamental "stick-and-rudder" skills, frequently advocating for the precise use of the rudder among modern student pilots. His professional background is rooted in high-level flight instruction and mentorship, having spent years training aspiring aviators at major South Florida flight hubs before transitioning into his role as a DPE. By prioritizing risk management and situational awareness during checkrides, Cortes maintains a strict focus on safety that ensures candidates are fully prepared for the complexities of the national airspace system.