David Alan Smith

David Alan Smith is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Fletcher, North Carolina, primarily serving the Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL) aviation community. Smith’s journey into the cockpit began non-traditionally through skydiving, which eventually inspired him to leave a successful corporate career for a full-time pursuit of flight. This background provides him with a unique perspective on risk management and safety, allowing him to mentor pilots with a deep understanding of diverse career paths and non-linear progressions. Today, he is a central figure at Pitch Vy, where he provides comprehensive evaluation and pilot support services.

Smith holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with a CE-700 type rating and is an experienced instructor with CFI, CFII, and MEI credentials. His DPE authorizations cover Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. With experience in over 40 different makes and models, he is known for a fair yet exacting examination style that prioritizes sound aeronautical decision-making. By leveraging his extensive knowledge of the complex Western North Carolina terrain, Smith ensures that every candidate he certifies is thoroughly prepared for the high standards and operational challenges of modern aviation.