011320 FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and Accident Investigator

FAA Designated Pilot Examiner with over 4,500 flight hours across 15+ helicopter models, holding Gold Seal CFI and CFI-I certificates. Currently serves as Helicopter DPE and Accident Investigator conducting nationwide examinations and Part 135 operations in EC-145 and BK-117 aircraft. Brings 25 years of law enforcement experience combined with specialized training in air medical operations, including single-pilot IFR and NVG capabilities. Five-time Master Helicopter CFI recipient and published aviation safety author, recognized for developing innovative training programs and safety initiatives. Holds advanced certifications from NTSB Academy in accident investigation and serves as an active FAASTeam Representative promoting aviation safety through education and community outreach.

• Professional Helicopter Aviator with excellent customer service skills, written skills and verbal communication skills.

• FAA Helicopter Designated Pilot Examiner conducting Private through ATP, CFI and CFI-I exams nationwide in more than 10 different makes and models of helicopters including Robinson CFI Endorsements.
• Part 135 Company Check Airman conducting 135.293, 135.297 and 135.299 proficiency checks in the EC-145 and BK-117 helicopters.

• Part 135 Instructor Pilot providing ground and flight instruction to new hire pilots as well as recurrent training.

• Level D, Full Flight Simulator Operator, conduct initial, upgrade, transition and recurrent training in EC-145 FFS.

• FAA Helicopter Gold Seal CFI and CFI-I certificates.
• Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Instructor and evaluator.

Academic Background

• Completing Bachelor’s degree, SinClair College, Dayton, Ohio, 4.0 GPA
• Helicopter Accident Investigation Course – 2011, NTSB Academy, Ashburn, VA
• Investigating Fatigue Factors Course – 2021, NTSB Academy, Ashburn, VA
• Structure Failure Analysis in Aircraft Accidents, April 2019 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, FL.
• Helicopter Factory Training includes: Bell B-206, Eurocopter AS350, MDHI MD-500E, MD-520N and Robinson R-44.

Additional Academic Activities / Honors

• 5-time Master Helicopter CFI recipient
• 2018 University of Cincinnati, Air Care Annual Safety Award recipient
• 2016 CVG FSDO FAASTeam Representative of the Year
• Deans List for 4 consecutive years with a 4.0 GPA

Professional Experience

• RTI Group, LLC, Stevensville, MD, Helicopter DPE and Accident Investigator, 2022 to present.
• Air Medical Pilot, Metro Aviation, University of Cincinnati – Air Care, experienced Air Medical Pilot flying Single-Pilot IFR Point in Space (PinS) instrument approaches and departures as well as day and night/NVG flights carrying patients and medical crews (customer) in a safe, expeditious and professional manner.
• 4500-hour pilot in 15+ different makes and models of helicopters spanning air medical, law enforcement, electronic newsgathering, flight instruction, tours and agricultural flying.
• Sworn Law Enforcement officer for 25 years. Served as first-line supervisor and then upper level administrative supervisor responsible for day-to-day operations of an accredited agency.
• Experienced law enforcement helicopter pilot since 2005.

Field Work Experience:

• Developed and presented a comprehensive training program to Instructor Pilots and Part 135 Check Airmen on the utilization of the ICARUS view-limiting device.

• Serve as a “gate-keeper” as part of the company’s Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) program.

• Developed new geo-referenced user techniques for the use of Point in Space (PinS) instrument approaches with ForeFlight.
• Developed custom training program on Use of ForeFlight in Air Medical Operations.
• Developed custom training program on Use of ForeFlight in IFR Air Medical Operations.
• Served as Line Auditor for Line Oriented Safety Audit (LOSA) program.
• Serve as author for helicopter related articles for the quarterly FAA DPE Newsletter.
• Organized and promoted via the FAASTeam the annual CVG Helicopter Operators Safety Forum since 2015.

Professional Associations and Activities

• National Weather Association – Member of Aviation Committee
• Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) – Master CFI Program – Helicopter

Accreditation reviewer.

Selected Publications and Presentations

• Book, The Instrument Landing System Explained, a book for Helicopter Students (2010)

• Articles: Understanding Airworthiness, Parts 1 – 3, Heliweb Magazine, October – December 2016.

• Article, The Approach Gate, Heliweb Magazine, August 2017.
• Article, The Visual Decent Point, Heliweb Magazine, March 2017.
• Article, The Low Down on Going Down Below, Heliweb Magazine, September 2017.
• Article, The H/V Curve, What They Didn’t Teach You in Ground School, Rotorcraft Pro Magazine, June 2015.
• Article, Pushing the Limits, Dangers of Downwind Takeoffs, Vertical Magazine,

February 2010.

• Article, WAAS’ology 101 – Understanding WAAS, Rotorcraft Pro Magazine, February 2010.
• Article, CDI Sensitivities and GPS Approaches, Vertical911 Magazine, Spring 2010.
• Article, Pilots and Professionalism, Rotorcraft Professional Magazine, October 2020.
• Article, HAA Pilots Guide to Survival, Rotorcraft Professional Magazine, September 2021.