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Daniel Dean Vander Weide is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviator based in Orange City, Iowa. With a career spanning several decades, he has become a respected figure in the Midwestern flight training community, primarily operating out of the Sioux County Regional Airport (KSXK). Dan is known for his thorough and fair evaluation process, helping transition students into proficient Private, Commercial, and Instrument-rated pilots.
Holding Commercial Pilot and Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) certificates, Dan has logged thousands of flight hours in various single and multi-engine aircraft. His expertise extends beyond standard instruction into the realms of experimental aircraft and tailwheel operations, reflecting a broad and versatile flying background. This extensive experience allows him to maintain a high-standard safety mindset, prioritizing practical airmanship and situational awareness during every checkride he conducts.
Throughout his career, Dan has been deeply involved in the growth of local aviation infrastructure, including the successful transition of services to the modern Sioux County Regional facility. His commitment to the integrity of the FAA’s certification standards ensures that the next generation of pilots is well-prepared for the challenges of the national airspace system. His professional legacy is defined by a dedication to safety and the mentorship of hundreds of successful airmen across the Great Lakes region.