Stephen Duane Arnold

Stephen Duane Arnold is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he operates primarily out of the Erie-Ottawa International Airport (PCW). Serving the Cleveland Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Arnold has spent several decades cultivating a deep expertise in general aviation and flight training. His professional journey is rooted in a long-standing commitment to the Northern Ohio aviation community, where he has earned a reputation for maintaining rigorous safety standards while providing fair and professional evaluations for aspiring pilots.

Arnold holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a veteran flight instructor with CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings. Throughout his extensive career, he has accumulated thousands of flight hours across a diverse range of single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. His specialization as an examiner includes conducting practical tests for Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine Land ratings. He is frequently sought after by regional flight schools for his thorough understanding of FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Airman Certification Standards (ACS), ensuring that every candidate he evaluates possesses a robust foundation in risk management and situational awareness.

In addition to his role as a DPE, Arnold has been an active participant in local aviation safety seminars and has a history of mentoring flight instructors to improve training quality. His background in professional flight instruction and aviation management has provided him with a unique perspective on the evolution of pilot certification. Throughout his decades of service, he has maintained an exemplary safety record, consistently advocating for a safety-first mindset that extends beyond the cockpit. His expertise continues to be a vital resource for the development of safe and competent aviators across the Great Lakes region.