Andrew Walton

Andrew Walton is a highly experienced aviator and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) serving the Richmond, Virginia region. His aviation journey began in his youth as a British-American student in the Royal Air Force Air Training Corps, where he soloed a motorglider. Over his extensive career, he has flown more than 30 different aircraft types, ranging from the rugged Super Cub and Stearman biplane to the historic Douglas C-47. This diverse flight history is complemented by his high-level credentials, which include an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic license, and a Gold Seal flight instructor rating (CFI, CFII, MEI).

Beyond the cockpit, Walton has established himself as a national leader in aviation safety and research. He previously served as the Director of Safety for the Liberty University School of Aeronautics and currently acts as an adjunct professor specializing in Safety Management Systems (SMS). His dedication to a safety-first culture is evidenced by his award-winning research into instructional flight accidents—conducted in collaboration with the AOPA Air Safety Institute—and his receipt of the prestigious 2022 John K. Lauber Safety Award. As a DPE, he leverages his background in accident trend analysis to ensure candidates demonstrate both technical proficiency and a robust professional mindset during their checkrides.