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Ronald Darren Malm, known professionally as Darren Malm, is a highly experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Long Beach, California. Serving the Southern California region through the Long Beach Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Malm has spent over three decades in the aviation industry. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) with extensive experience in a wide variety of single-engine and multi-engine aircraft.
Malm specializes in conducting practical tests for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument, and Multi-Engine ratings. With thousands of flight hours logged, primarily in the high-traffic airspace of the Los Angeles Basin, he has developed a reputation for being a firm yet fair evaluator. His examination style prioritizes Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and strict adherence to standard operating procedures, ensuring candidates possess the safety mindset necessary for professional flight operations.
Having maintained a clean safety record throughout his career, Malm previously served as a lead flight instructor and mentor at several prominent flight schools. His transition to a DPE role was motivated by a commitment to upholding FAA standards and fostering a professional culture among the next generation of aviators in the Southern California pilot community.