Certificates
Aircraft Categories
David Christopher Matthews is a distinguished FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and a cornerstone of the Fairbanks, Alaska, aviation community. With a career spanning over five decades, Matthews was recognized in 2017 with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, an honor reserved for pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise while maintaining safe flight operations for 50 or more years. His extensive logbook reflects a lifetime of navigating the unique and demanding terrain of the Alaskan interior, contributing to a deep-seated safety mindset that defines his approach as an evaluator.
Matthews holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with multi-engine ratings, alongside Commercial privileges in single-engine aircraft and helicopters. As a seasoned Gold Seal Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI), he has dedicated a significant portion of his career to mentorship and training at various Fairbanks-based flight schools. In his current capacity as a DPE for the Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), he is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Commercial, and Instrument ratings, as well as Flight Instructor certifications. His reputation as a meticulous and fair examiner ensures that the next generation of Alaskan aviators meets the rigorous standards required for the state's challenging flying environment.