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Eric "Stormy" Stormfels is a highly experienced aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. With over 5,000 hours of flight time and more than 3,000 hours of dual instruction provided, he serves as a cornerstone of the regional pilot community. His expertise is anchored by his role as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) and his position as a 141 collegiate flight school Chief Instructor. Eric is widely recognized for his work at Beaver County Airport (KBVI), where he evaluates candidates for private, commercial, instrument, and flight instructor certificates.
Before transitioning into his current roles, Stormfels had a distinguished career as an FAA Air Traffic Controller, managing complex traffic in Class B, C, and D airspaces. This background, combined with his tenure as an Aviation Safety Investigator for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), deeply informs his safety-first mindset. Having participated in several high-profile NTSB investigations, he brings an investigator's perspective on risk management to every evaluation. Today, as an FAASTeam Representative, he remains dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and proficiency throughout the Greater Pittsburgh aviation corridor.