Daryl Norval Smith

Daryl Norval Smith is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviation professional based in Coventry, Connecticut. Serving the Bradley Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), he brings a wealth of multi-disciplinary expertise to the pilot certification process. Smith is not only an accomplished evaluator but also an active flight instructor with a rare breadth of ratings, including Airplane, Hot Air Balloon, and Gliders. His deep roots in the New England aviation community are evidenced by his tenure as a FAASTeam Service Provider and his involvement in diverse flying activities, from tailwheel operations to specialized soaring instruction.

Smith is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings, as well as Flight Instructor reinstatements. His professional background is characterized by a strong technical foundation; he possesses advanced knowledge of aircraft maintenance and has actively pursued an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. This mechanical aptitude translates into a rigorous safety-first mindset during checkrides, where he is known for emphasizing procedural precision and situational awareness. Evaluated by candidates as fair and thorough, Smith’s commitment to high standards ensures that the pilots he certifies are prepared for the complexities of modern flight operations.