Robert John Elwood

Robert John Elwood is a distinguished Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, operating primarily within the Orlando FSDO jurisdiction. With a career spanning several decades in the cockpit, Elwood has become a cornerstone of the Central Florida aviation community, frequently conducting evaluations at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport and the historic Spruce Creek Fly-In. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is an accomplished Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI), bringing a wealth of technical knowledge and practical experience to every checkride he administers.

Throughout his professional journey, Elwood has amassed thousands of flight hours across a wide array of single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. His background includes extensive experience in advanced flight instruction and corporate aviation, which has shaped his focus on meticulous safety standards and risk management. Known for his fair yet thorough evaluation style, he specializes in certifying pilots for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-engine ratings. His commitment to the FAA Airman Certification Standards ensures that candidates are not only technically proficient but also possess the sound judgment required for safe operations in modern airspace.