David K Houston

David K. Houston is a distinguished aviator and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based at the Hurricane Municipal Airport (1L8) in Hurricane, Utah. With more than 30 years of comprehensive experience in the aviation sector, Houston has built a reputation as a cornerstone of the Southern Utah flight community. His professional history encompasses a broad range of operations, including managing flight schools, conducting scenic air tours, providing air charter services, and supporting skydiving operations. His previous career experience also extends into aviation fuel management and technical maintenance services.

Houston holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with instrument ratings and is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/II). His expertise is significantly bolstered by his technical background as a licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA). As a DPE, he is authorized to conduct practical tests for Private, Recreational, and sUAS certificates. Known for a disciplined but approachable style, David emphasizes the critical link between mechanical knowledge and safety-first decision-making. His clean safety record and leadership at America West Flight Training reflect a career dedicated to maintaining high regulatory standards and fostering pilot proficiency throughout the Intermountain West.