Corey Kirkwood

Corey Kirkwood is a highly regarded FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and professional pilot based at Foley Municipal Airport (5R4) in South Alabama. Kirkwood’s entry into aviation was unconventional; he originally intended to pursue a career in education as a history teacher. His path shifted in 2016 when he began working at Lightning Aviation in Foley, initially moving airplanes before discovering a natural talent for flight. Under the mentorship of veteran aviators, he quickly progressed from student to lead flight instructor, eventually establishing Downsouthdpe to provide examination services across the Gulf Coast and the broader United States.

Today, Kirkwood holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and a comprehensive suite of instructor ratings, including CFI, CFII, and MEI. As a DPE, he specializes in a diverse array of checkrides, ranging from traditional Airplane Private, Instrument, and Commercial ratings to specialized certifications in Gyroplanes. Known for his mechanical aptitude and professional demeanor, Kirkwood emphasizes practical risk management and a proactive safety mindset during evaluations. With extensive experience flying hundreds of different aircraft types, he is dedicated to maintaining high standards of airmanship while making the certification process accessible to aspiring aviators.