Norman David Utech

Norman David Utech is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Grand Island, New York, who conducts checkrides for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) candidates. His DPE examining authority is restricted to Single-Engine Land Airplanes (ASEL), although his personal piloting credentials include an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with type ratings in the Beechjet 400 (BE400) and Learjet 60 (LR60). Utech co-founded Falcon Aviation in 2021, serving as its Chief Flight Instructor. Under his leadership, the flight school achieved FAA Part 141 certification in 2025, operating out of Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) with a satellite base at Lancaster Airport (BQR). Additionally, he is a co-owner of Falcon Aircraft Maintenance LLC, which operates a maintenance hangar at Niagara Falls International Airport. His prior civilian instructional experience includes serving as the Assistant Chief Instructor for Prior Aviation's Part 141 flight school at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (KBUF). A veteran of the United States Air Force, Utech previously served as a C-130 pilot. In the private sector, he flies as a charter jet Captain for 3D Jets, operating aircraft such as the Lear 60XR. He has logged over 4,000 hours of flight time and more than 20 years of experience as a pilot and flight instructor as of 2022. Utech also contributes to local aviation safety as an FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative for the Rochester Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), where he hosts safety clinics and seminars. Beyond his direct aviation roles, Utech is a full-time science teacher at Niagara-Wheatfield High School, where he designed and instructs an elective aviation science curriculum mapped to the FAA ground school syllabus. This program provides students with Cessna 172 flight experience and field trips to local aviation facilities. He has also instructed adult community education ground schools for Private Pilot and Instrument ratings.