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Benjamin Reed Thigpen is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and veteran aviation professional based in Lynchburg, Virginia. With a career spanning decades in both the cockpit and the classroom, Thigpen has become a central figure in the Mid-Atlantic flight training community. He is widely recognized for his long-standing affiliation with Liberty University’s School of Aeronautics, where he has served as an influential faculty member and leader, significantly contributing to the development and certification of the next generation of professional aviators.
Equipped with thousands of flight hours and comprehensive certifications, Thigpen holds commercial privileges for single and multi-engine aircraft and is an experienced Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI). As the lead of True North Evaluations, his expertise as an examiner covers Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings. Throughout his extensive career, he has maintained an exemplary safety record, emphasizing a proactive risk-management mindset. He is known among applicants for a thorough yet professional evaluation style that prioritizes pilot proficiency and a deep understanding of regulatory standards.