David Richards

David Richards is a highly experienced FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Frisco, Texas, with over four decades of professional aviation history. His career is distinguished by more than 35,000 total flight hours across military, commercial airline, and corporate operations. Richards retired from the National Guard after 21 years of service as a C-130 Aircraft Commander and spent 29 years with American Airlines, where he most recently served as a Boeing 787 Captain. This extensive background in complex, high-stakes environments provides him with a deep understanding of pilot proficiency and operational safety.

As an examiner, Richards is authorized to conduct practical tests for a wide range of certifications, including Private Pilot, Commercial, Instrument, ATP, and Flight Instructor ratings. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida, which complements his technical expertise with a professional, structured approach to evaluations. Known for his unwavering commitment to aviation excellence, Richards focuses on situational awareness and rigorous adherence to FAA standards. His long-standing, incident-free career at the highest levels of aviation underscores a safety-first mindset that he brings to every checkride in the North Texas region.