Dale Owens

Dale Owens conducts Private, Commercial, Instrument, ATP, and Flight Instructor checkrides in helicopters out of Sheltair FLL in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated with the Hollywood Flight Standards District Office, Owens transitioned to his role as a Designated Pilot Examiner after a long career with the Broward County Sheriff's Office. He worked in narcotics interdiction as a deputy and detective in the late 1980s before joining the Aviation Unit, where he rose to Sergeant and served as the Director of Operations overseeing a fleet of EC135, EC130, and AS350 helicopters. During his tenure, Owens coordinated night vision goggle training in 2009, requested an FAA legal interpretation regarding Part 133 external load equipment in 2010, and retired in 2012. Today, Owens actively advises flight candidates in online forums, recommending that applicants avoid using two different aircraft for a single checkride and carry physical backups for digital tools like iPads. Owens, whose son Brian is also a helicopter pilot, underwent spinal surgery in Denver to resolve injuries sustained during his law enforcement career and water-sports.