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Sharif Hidayat is a highly experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and regional airline captain based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Serving the Baltimore and Washington D.C. regions, Hidayat began his aviation career as a flight instructor at Montgomery County Airpark (KGAI) over two decades ago. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a veteran Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI). Appointed as a DPE in 2017, he has become a respected figure in the regional flight training community, known for his thorough evaluation of pilot candidates and his commitment to professional standards.
With thousands of flight hours accumulated across commercial airline operations and general aviation instruction, Hidayat specializes in instrument procedures and advanced airman certification. He is a recognized expert in checkride preparation, frequently contributing safety insights to national publications like AOPA to help students overcome common performance pitfalls. His professional philosophy emphasizes meticulous situational awareness and the mastery of aeronautical decision-making. Outside of aviation, he is active in local community leadership in Montgomery County, reflecting a background dedicated to both educational excellence and public safety.