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Patrick Nicholas Arnzen is a distinguished aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based at Addison Airport (KADS) in Texas. With a flying career beginning in the late 1990s, he has amassed over 16,000 flight hours, showcasing a profound breadth of experience across general, corporate, and airline aviation. Patrick's path included service as an airline pilot during the industry’s most turbulent eras, including the post-9/11 period and the 2008 recession. These challenges helped form his disciplined approach to safety and operational excellence, which he has applied as a DPE since 2012.
In addition to his role as an examiner, Patrick is the founder and CEO of Thrust Flight, a premier flight training center in North Texas. His extensive technical background as a certified aircraft mechanic (A&P) with Inspection Authorization (IA) complements his expertise as a flight instructor (CFI). Patrick specializes in professional pilot development, specifically through accelerated airline career programs. His evaluations are defined by a high standard of accountability and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of aviators, ensuring they possess the grit and technical proficiency required for modern commercial aviation.