Darryl Grace

Darryl Grace is a seasoned aviation professional and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. A true kama‘aina with deep roots in the islands, Darryl previously served as the Director of Operations and General Manager for Mokulele Airlines. In these leadership roles, he was responsible for the flight standards and safety oversight of one of Hawaii’s busiest inter-island carriers, overseeing a fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans and a large roster of pilots through demanding inter-island operations.

Grace holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and has accumulated thousands of flight hours in the complex and high-traffic Hawaiian airspace. As a DPE, he is widely respected for his fair but rigorous evaluation style, focusing primarily on Private Pilot certifications. His dedication to a safety-first culture was frequently highlighted during his management career, where he advocated for strict adherence to emergency procedures and professional airmanship. Today, he remains a cornerstone of the Big Island's flight training community, mentoring and certifying the next generation of Hawaii-based aviators.