Certificates
Aircraft Categories
Michelle Carol Melendez is a veteran aviator and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) with a significant presence in the South Florida aviation community. Based in North Miami, she brings a wealth of professional experience derived from a career that includes serving as a former airline pilot and co-owning a DC-3 cargo operation at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF). Her background in professional flight operations provides her with a unique perspective on pilot proficiency, emphasizing the critical transition from initial training to professional-grade cockpit management.
Melendez holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a highly experienced Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI). As an examiner, she is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine ratings. She is widely recognized for her thorough oral examinations and strict adherence to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), a reputation that underscores her deep-seated commitment to aviation safety and risk mitigation. With thousands of flight hours in a diverse range of aircraft, Melendez remains a pivotal figure in shaping the next generation of pilots within the Miami District Office jurisdiction.