Steven Arthur Martin

Steven Arthur Martin is a veteran FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) operating out of the Richmond FSDO and based primarily at Chesapeake Regional Airport (KCPK). With over 40 years of aviation experience and thousands of flight hours, Martin is a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic flight training community. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine ratings and is a highly experienced multi-engine instructor (MEI). Throughout his career, which includes extensive work in general aviation and commercial instruction, he has developed a reputation for being a thorough, firm, and safety-oriented examiner who values practical airmanship over rote memorization.

Martin’s commitment to a safety-first mindset is underscored by his composure during a notable 2015 emergency. While conducting a private pilot checkride, a simulated engine failure turned into a genuine total power loss at low altitude. Martin successfully executed a forced landing into a treeline, ensuring both he and the applicant escaped without injury. This incident highlights his mastery of emergency management and deep systems knowledge. He uses these real-world experiences to evaluate candidates for certificates ranging from Sport Pilot to ATP, ensuring every pilot he certifies is truly prepared for the unexpected.