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Urbano "Bill" Mendes Dasilva is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and flight instructor based in Carson City, Nevada. With an aviation career spanning over fifty years, Dasilva has earned a reputation as a leading authority on vintage amphibious aircraft. He is especially noted for his mastery of the Grumman HU-16 Albatross and G-44 Widgeon, frequently serving as one of the few examiners in the United States authorized to conduct checkrides for these specialized airframes.
Holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and multi-engine instructor credentials, Dasilva has logged thousands of hours across diverse flight environments. Before relocating to Nevada, he managed private charter operations in the Midwest, focusing on the restoration and operation of rare seaplanes. His technical expertise in radial engines and flying boat hulls makes him a sought-after mentor for pilots pursuing advanced ratings and type-specific endorsements.
Dasilva’s safety mindset was profoundly shaped by a 1994 accident in Michigan, where a mechanical failure in a Grumman Albatross led to a collision during water taxi. This incident, caused by a propeller's failure to enter reverse, cemented his dedication to mechanical vigilance and precise airmanship. Today, he integrates these hard-earned lessons into his examinations, emphasizing safety and technical proficiency for the next generation of aviators.