Michael Bruce Traud

Verified pilot · Did not pass · Nov 2018

Over the years, Mike Traud has administered a few of my checkrides, one of which I failed. He’s consistently fair, and has always been good to work with. Mike is not a “Santa Claus” DPE, and he’s not a “hard arse” either. Rather, he’s an excellent judge of airmen and knows how to evaluate reasonably, in accordance with the PTS/ACS. Mike also has a longstanding record in aviation that testifies to his safe and efficient conduct of flight. Isn’t that what a DPE should be? Emphatically, yes.

Verified pilot · Dec 2018

As pilots, we have an obligation to our passengers to be proficient and safe. Their lives depend on it. When I take a check ride, I want to know that if I pass, I can be confident that I possess the skills required to meet this obligation. In this way, the DPE plays a critical role in our lives as pilots.

Verified pilot · PPL · Feb 2019

I had my private pilot checkride with him back in October 2018. He is thorough so make sure you have read the ACS — a few times. Know how to read your sectional chart. Hint - he may point anywhere on it so you better know what he is pointing at. He is very fair and I didn’t get the feeling at all that he was out to get me or trip me up.

Verified pilot · May 2019

When looking for a DPE, I look for a fair and no-surprises examiner, which is exactly what I consider Mike Traud. The ACS make it very straightforward for both the examiner and the applicant, detailing every aspect of the discussion and flight portions of the test. When studying and preparing for the evaluation, especially with Mike, the ACS should be your first and foremost baseline. An examiner shouldn’t stray from the topics discussed in them and as an applicant, understand that anything in there is fair game. If you are prepared to talk about each and every one of the topics and subtopics, there should be nothing to surprise you.

Verified pilot · Did not pass · Jun 2019

Mike has become more than a DPE to me. He is the most professional aviator I’ve ever met and is always continuing his education of the industry. Every check-ride, I’ve done three with him and failed two, has been an experience that brought about more confidence and proficiency. Every ride has been by the book and professional. Knowing that Mike holds standards makes me more confident that I will be a safe pilot and instructor. Mike has years of experience and knowledge. Above that he wants each of his applicants to succeed and it shows. He has worked hard to help me through my career.

Verified pilot · Jul 2019

Mike is a fair DPE. He can be eccentric at times and may clash with certain personality types. Would not use Mike as a first choice, but I wouldn't shy away from him either.

Verified pilot · Aug 2019

I’ve had three Checkrides with Mike, all great experiences. He is straightforward and fair. Very nice guy, and wants to see people succeed and become good pilots. I’d recommend him for a Checkride without hesitation.