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Daniel Gene Benton is a distinguished aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Torrance, California. With a career spanning several decades, Benton has established himself as a cornerstone of the Southern California flight training community, particularly within the rotary-wing sector. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is a highly experienced Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII). His extensive background is rooted in the complex, high-density airspace of the Los Angeles basin, where he has logged thousands of flight hours with a primary specialization in helicopter operations and advanced instruction.
Serving under the Los Angeles Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Benton is widely recognized for conducting thorough and fair practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor candidates. His examining philosophy emphasizes practical safety and sound aeronautical decision-making over rote memorization. He is specifically noted for his rigorous focus on safety-critical maneuvers such as autorotations, clearing turns, and the prevention of settling-with-power. Maintaining an impeccable professional safety record, Benton’s commitment to high standards ensures that the pilots he certifies are well-prepared for real-world aviation challenges at Torrance Municipal Airport and beyond.