Darren Schone

Darren Schone is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and the owner of Schone Aviation, LLC, based in Albert Lea, Minnesota. With a career rooted in the Midwest aviation community, Schone has dedicated decades to flight training and evaluation. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). His background as an aviation business owner and his active role within the Minneapolis Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) underscore his deep commitment to maintaining high standards in pilot certification.

Throughout his extensive career, Schone has accumulated thousands of flight hours in a diverse array of aircraft, specializing in Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine practical tests. He is a regular contributor to FAASTeam seminars, where he shares insights on checkride performance and the importance of a proactive safety mindset. Known for his fair and professional evaluation style, Schone has maintained a clean safety record, focusing his expertise on fostering situational awareness and technical proficiency in the next generation of pilots throughout the Minnesota and North Iowa regions.