Jerold Bogartz

Jerold "Jerry" Bogartz is a veteran Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and instructor based in Boca Raton, Florida, with an aviation career spanning nearly five decades. He began his journey in the United States Air Force, serving as an aircraft commander and instructor pilot on the KC-135. Bogartz later joined American Airlines, where he flew various airframes before retiring as a distinguished international captain on the Boeing 777. Despite his heavy-iron experience, he remained dedicated to general aviation throughout his career, instructing in single and multi-engine Pipers and Cessnas to mentor emerging pilots.

With over 27,000 flight hours and 11 type ratings, Bogartz is currently a prominent figure in the Very Light Jet (VLJ) community. He specializes in type rating instruction and mentoring for the Eclipse 500/550 and Phenom 100/300 series. As a DPE, Jerry is praised for his “teacher’s heart,” creating a relaxed environment that allows candidates to perform at their best during high-stakes checkrides. His clean safety record and vast experience across military, airline, and general aviation sectors make him a sought-after examiner who prioritizes disciplined risk management and technical proficiency.