Duane Anthony Tedesco

Duane Anthony Tedesco is a seasoned FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and Airline Transport Pilot based in Plattsburgh, New York. Serving the Albany Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) region, he is a central figure in the North Country aviation community. Tedesco’s career is defined by a deep-rooted commitment to public service and safety, having served as a Police Sergeant for ten years in Waterbury, Connecticut, before transitioning to a federal role as a pilot for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations.

With thousands of flight hours and extensive experience as a flight instructor, Tedesco holds a wide range of certifications, including ratings for Single Engine, Multi-Engine, and Instrument operations. He is widely recognized for his expert-level proficiency and a notable safety-first philosophy, most notably demonstrated during a 2018 night mission when he successfully crash-landed a Cessna 206 following a total engine failure. Despite severe terrain and injuries, his quick decision-making saved the lives of his crew. Today, he leverages this profound experience to evaluate and mentor the next generation of pilots, specializing in practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Instrument certificates.