About Neel Chopra - FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

Neel Chopra is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) who conducts FAA practical tests for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot (ASEL) applicants. He is also an airline pilot and currently serves as a First Officer at Southwest Airlines. 

Originally from London, England and now based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Neel brings over 6,000+ total flight hours to every evaluation, including extensive experience in commercial pilot training. He has accumulated over 3,000 hours at SkyWest Airlines flying the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 200/700/900. 

In addition to FAA operations, Neel has extensive international training and examining experience, including teaching and evaluating EASA license applicants with CAE Oxford Aviation Academy in Mesa, AZ. He holds pilot privileges across UK, EASA, and FAA systems and maintains type ratings in the Boeing 737, Cessna Citation Sovereign (CE-680), and Bombardier Challenger (CL-65). 

Neel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Airline Transport Management from Buckinghamshire New University and approaches every checkride with a focus on professionalism, clarity, and aviation safety.