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Barrett,
Have you tried searching using this FAA app? https://designee.faa.gov/#/designeeLocator ;
I entered Washington state and found four, but you can try surrounding PNW states as well.
Thanks Jim,
Yeah, that's what I was using to search around. Just hadn't had any positive responses to the half dozen or so I contacted in the surrounding few states. I just found one today a few hours away that I think is going to work out!
Thanks
Barrett
I went all the way from SW Missouri to Carson Nv and did mine with Paul Hamilton at his sport aviation center. He has a couple of Slings which are amazing to fly. I could not find a local sport dpe as well.
Also note for all of us flying as a Sport Pilot only, there’s no such thing as a “Sport Pilot Flight Review” when it comes to our 24 month reviews with a CFI. It’s up to the CFI as to how to focus and execute the review based on your ratings and experience. I recently completed mine and when we scheduled it, I informed him I was flying under Sport Pilot restrictions only nowadays. He just shrugged and said “OK, but that doesn’t matter.” It took me a while to find a CFI willing to fly with me in my EAB 701, so start looking well before you turn into a pumpkin! I found my guy through my local EAA Chapter. My impression after this is that it may be a bit easier to find one if you’re the builder, you have an Rotax or “traditional” four stroke air cooled up front, and you’ve been flying and maintaining your aircraft for a few years. I say this based on the questions I was asked during my search.
UPDATE: Thanks all for the help! I was able to find a DPE about 2 hour south of me near Walla Walla Washington. Worked out well--flew down, did the test and flew home same day. Super nice guy. In his 80's but doesn't plan on quitting flying any time soon. Has some zenith time so didn't bat an eye at hopping in my plane. Very laid back guy too--didn't try to ask any "gotcha" questions but felt like he was making sure I had adequate training.
-Barrett
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